INDIANAPOLIS – At the age of 82, Bob McDonald admits that he's fortunate to have had some terrific memories in his life.
Yet his latest one, might have just topped the rest.
The ultimate highlight of McDonald's three-day trip to New York last week came late on Friday night.
While most people his age had already called it an evening, there was McDonald walking across the stage at Radio City Music Hall to announce the Colts 90th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
"It was a trip of a lifetime," McDonald says. "At my age, having that opportunity, it definitely was a trip of a lifetime.
"I have nothing but outstanding memories of the trip up and back. The people that we spent time with, they all made it the most enjoyable experience I could think of."
McDonald's trip to the draft was chosen at random among Colts season ticket members who have already renewed for the 2014 season.
The inclusive trip from the Colts is another example of the ongoing effort the organization has in trying to thank their loyal season ticket members and show their appreciation.
On Wednesday, McDonald and his guest arrived to the Big Apple with the activities ramping up on Thursday.
As part of The Membership Club Draft Experience, McDonald headed to Radio City Music Hall on Thursday morning for a dress rehearsal of what would transpire the next two days.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stopped by for a meet and greet with the various season ticket holders in attendance.
"The commissioner came walking over and he is just a phenomenal guy, easy to talk to, personable, sticks out his hand and shakes hands with everybody," McDonald said.
"Another thing I couldn't get over is that they were so organized and knew exactly what was going on and controlled things. It was fun."
When it was time for the 2014 draft to kickoff on Thursday evening, McDonald had a front row seat for one of the more entertaining first rounds in recent history.
He was taken backstage during the first round and saw how the Nike jerseys handed to the rookies were customized in such quick fashion.
Friday arrived and McDonald was back in the orchestra pit for the start of the draft's second day.
Once McDonald went back stage, the nerves started building knowing that pick No. 90 was nearing.
Not many people outside of the draftees hear their name chanted inside of Radio City Music Hall but the chorus of "Bob, Bob, Bob" rang out after he announced "Donte Moncrief" as the Colts third-round selection.
"There were some names that would have been a little tough to walk out there in front of that crowd and come up with the correct pronunciation," McDonald joked.
"I was nervous but it's kind of funny once you walk out on that stage, you've got no choice but to do your job."
The texts and calls began pouring into McDonald from those knowing how big of a Colts fan just announced the 90th pick to millions of people.
Back in 1984, McDonald's wife won Colts season tickets in a lottery.
Bob then purchased season tickets the following season and has had them ever since, often taking some combination of his four children and/or six grandchildren.
The trip to New York is just another highlight the Colts have provided him for the last 30 years.
"Personally, the Colts have done a lot for the city of Indianapolis, a lot," McDonald says.
"I've been a lifelong resident of Indiana and I had watched the downtown area when it wasn't like at all what it is today. I thank the Colts in that respect."
