ANDERSON, Ind. —
Officials on Friday rolled out a welcome mat for visitors to the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Anderson University who want a little party when they watch practice.
Hoosier Park will be the location of the city’s official tailgating site, where fans will be able to catch a shuttle to and from camp and enjoy barbecue, stadium food, beer, entertainment and activities such as cornhole and volleyball games and surprise guests and events.
“This is a continuation of the strong relationship Hoosier Park and the city of Anderson have enjoyed,” Mayor Kris Ockomon said. “Hospitality is big business and I believe Hoosier Park has mastered that as well.” Ockomon said the city expects 40,000 people to visit the city during camp.
Hoosier Park General Manager of Gaming Jim Brown said the racino had received a special permit to dispense beer as part of tailgating festivities in the parking lot, where shuttles will run between Hoosier Park and Colts training camp at Anderson University.
“It’s really easy to tailgate when you’ve got a team like the word-class team we’ve got,” Brown said. “We are very proud to host an 18-day tailgate party.
“We are going to be pulling out all the stops here with the city of Anderson and with Anderson University to make this the best training camp ever,” he said.
Brown said state law does not allow visitors to bring alcoholic beverages to the tailgating event.
The event coincides with Hoosier Park’s “Greatest Car Giveaway” promotion in which the casino is giving away a car worth $17,000 daily during the month of August.
Ockomon alluded to the notion that some Colts, including quarterback Peyton Manning, may already have arrived in Anderson. Anderson University spokesman Chris Williams said, ”My information tells me players will not report until Sunday afternoon.”
Williams said AU has been informing camp visitors that the university is an alcohol- and smoke-free campus, and that personal coolers would not be permitted at the camp.
“There are a lot of community organizations that have stepped up to welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Anderson, both for-profit and not-for-profit, and I know the city wants to be as hospitable as they can,” Williams said. “I believe (the tailgate site) is a feature of that.”
Williams said Friday that AU had been hectic with last-minute preparations. “We’re getting ready,” he said.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
Tailgating 101
What: City of Anderson’s official Indianapolis Colts training camp tailgating location. $10 per vehicle fee includes free shuttle service to and from camp and access to tailgating festivities and events.
Where: Hoosier Park parking lot.
When: Daily, Monday, Aug. 2-Tuesday, Aug. 17, except for Sundays, Aug. 8 and 15.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with shuttle service beginning at 2:30 p.m., except on the following days:
Wednesday, Aug. 3: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; shuttle starts at 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 7: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 11: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; shuttle starts at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 14: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; shuttle starts at 8 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 16: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; shuttle starts at 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 17: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; shuttle starts at 5 p.m.
