Colts to Launch 30-Day Countdown to Kickoff as Part of 30th Season Celebration

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INDIANAPOLIS – As the Indianapolis Colts enter their 30th season and celebrate being "Back to Football," the team is launching a 30-day Countdown to Kickoff leading up to their season opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 8. The countdown will begin on Friday, August 9, and will include daily social media contests and promotions, stops by Blue’s Fan Van and several events designed to engage Colts fans of all ages.

A special countdown clock will be featured on www.colts.com beginning on August 9 and fans are encouraged to use #ColtsKickoff on social media to share their excitement for the start of football. A full list of countdown activities is available at www.colts.com/kickoff. The Colts Pro Shop will also join the celebration with special offers throughout the Countdown to Kickoff. Fans are encouraged to visit www.coltsproshop.com beginning, August 9, to take advantage of the savings. Additionally, Colts Grille in Downtown Indianapolis will offer daily food and drink specials during the countdown.

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF SOCIAL MEDIA CONTESTS

Beginning August 9, the Colts will host 30 days of contests and promotions via the team's Facebook (www.facebook.com/colts), Twitter (@colts), Instagram (colts) and Google (https://plus.google.com/ IndianapolisColts) pages. Daily prizes, including game tickets and autographed memorabilia, will be awarded to contest winners.

BLUE'S FAN VAN

Throughout the Colts 30-Day Countdown to Kickoff, Blue's Fan Van will be making stops around Central Indiana, including several Meijer and hhgregg stores, to distribute prizes to Colts fans who are showing their team spirit by sporting Colts apparel. The Fan Van will start the Countdown to Kickoff by visiting Monument Circle in Downtown Indianapolis on August 9, at 12 p.m. For a complete list of Fan Van stops, visit www.colts.com/kickoff.

COLTS FAMILY FUN DAY – AUGUST 17

The Indianapolis Colts and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis will team up to host a special Family Fun Day at the museum on Saturday, August 17. One free youth admission will be offered with a paid adult.  Visit www.childrensmuseum.org for coupon and details. Attendees will receive a free Colts poster, while supplies last, and will have the opportunity to meet Colts Cheerleaders and participate in the Colts PLAY 60 Zone.

HORSESHOE CLASSIC: FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF – AUGUST 23

On Friday, August 23, to kick off the high school football season, the Indianapolis Colts will open the doors of Lucas Oil Stadium for the Horseshoe Classic: Friday Night Kickoff, presented by Herff Jones. The 2013 Horseshoe Classic will feature Cathedral vs. Ben Davis at 6 p.m., and Terre Haute North vs. Castle at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available through existing schools, www.lucasoilstadium.com and Ticketmaster.

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BACK TO FOOTBALL 5K RUN – AUGUST 24

For the first time, as a part of the NFL Run Series, the Indianapolis Colts are hosting a Back to Football 5K Run, presented by Indiana University Health, on Saturday, August 24. All participants will have the opportunity to finish the race on the 50-yard line at Lucas Oil Stadium. In addition, runners will receive a run t-shirt and a medal. A Kids PLAY 60 Fun Run will also be held for youth. Proceeds from the race will benefit the American Heart Association. To register for the race, visit www.nflrunseries.com/colts.

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THE BIG KICKOFF, *with United Way of Central Indiana – *SEPTEMBER 5

In Indianapolis, fall signals the start of both football and philanthropic seasons. To celebrate both, the Colts are teaming up with United Way of Central Indiana to host The Big Kickoff event on Thursday, September 5, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monument Circle. At the event, United Way of Central Indiana will officially kick off their 2013 campaign and announce this year's goal. The free event will feature musical entertainment by Dave and Rae, opportunities to find out about volunteering at United Way and its agencies,* *limited edition Colts kickoff posters, autographs from Colts Alumni players, a visit from Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, as well as a chance to win Colts tickets. 

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COLTS KICKOFF CONCERT, featuring Gin Blossoms

Two days before the Colts start the regular season, they are teaming up with 1070 The Fan and Indianapolis Downtown Inc. to host the first ever Colts Kickoff Concert featuring Gin Blossoms. The event is free and open to the public, and will be held on the west block of Georgia Street in Downtown Indianapolis. Throughout the evening, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, the Bud Light Boardwalk Beer Garden, visits from Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, as well as the Colts PLAY 60 Zone.

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