Blue Crew ready for a new season - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

In the Blue Crew lot in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, the tried and true suited up, unpacked their gear and reunited with old friends.

This year, there is a different feel in the air as a new era of Colts football begins.

"We know we are going to rebuild. We were bad when Peyton got here and we turned into a champion and we are excited to build another one," said longtime fan and Blue Crew member Mark Lefkowicz.

A quick look around the lot and it's evident, not everyone signed up for another season. According to the Blue Crew, more than 50 spots are still available. Just a few seasons ago, there was a waiting list to get in.

"The core fans are there I don't think it was a problem with the team I think it was more an economic thing" said Blue Crew public relations manager Eric Griffin.

Hours before kickoff between the new Colts and the St. Louis Rams, the plaza around Lucas Oil Stadium was sprinkled with memories of the past. At every turn Manning, Saturday, even Clark jerseys were being worn with pride.

Chris Shaves is from St. Louis but is a die hard Colts fan. He came to the game donning a number 18 jersey.

"Manning will always be a Colt" he said as he straightened his three-year-old daughter Carmens shirt.

"Just got her the new Andrew Luck tee-shirt" Shaves said.

One Colts fan who just bought a new number 12 jersey crumpled it in his hands.

With a troubled look on his face, he told Eyewitness News he couldn't bring himself to put it on.

"I don't know I am a little hesitant so we'll see it's gonna be weird" he said.

Others are ready for a fresh start.

Six-year-old Noah Hamm is on the Luck bandwagon, he just doesn't know it yet. When asked which jersey he was wearing he said, "Umm, I can't remember his name so I 'll just say the quarterback." His dad, Christian Hamm says he will definitely remember after the game.

The jury is still out on what this season will look like but fans seem to be confident that eventually, Luck will pay off.