Colts owner Jim Irsay talks season, free kickoff concert

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Subsequent weekend’s journey to Houston may be the Colts official begin of the 2022 season, however for Jim Irsay all of the enjoyable begins Sept. 9 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

That’s the date of a free occasion and live performance, Irsay’s method of giving again to the followers.

“We don’t need your cash. Save your cash. Pay it towards your mortgage. Pay it towards no matter you want to for. We need to give this to you,” stated the proprietor and chief government officer of the Indianapolis Colts.

Earlier than heading to Lucas Oil Stadium for Friday’s showcase and live performance, reserve free tickets on-line.

Speaking from the highest of a Colts-themed Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine in his personal ice rink on Wednesday, Irsay stated he is able to go away final season behind and begin recent. From his priceless guitar assortment to Indiana’s personal John Mellencamp, the Irsay household will host the fully free occasion to kick off the Colts season, even giving shopping for each fan their first beer and hotdog of the 2022 season.

“When we now have our video games, when we now have one thing like this, the neighborhood will get an opportunity to return collectively. It’s the tribal expertise. It’s what actually connects us all and what makes it particular,” Irsay stated. “For 3 hours, 4 hours, regardless of the time is, they overlook about a few of the troubles of their lives and what’s occurring on the market as a result of on the market isn’t all the time simple. It’s not all the time sane. However whenever you collect round music, round sports activities, one thing magical occurs.”

The Colts need a few of that magic occurring on the sphere, too. After eight straight years of shedding Week 1, it’s time to interrupt the cycle.

“We’re making an attempt to place that streak out of the way in which, identical to enjoying in Jacksonville,” Irsay stated. “Our focus is to go at it in a recent method and never dwell on the previous and simply say, ‘Look, this can be a division recreation. We all know how vital it’s to get off 1-0,’ and that kind of factor. We’re actually monitoring towards being our greatest once we go right down to Houston. … It’s a must to attempt to win the video games that you simply’re alleged to win, however clearly it proved final 12 months which you could’t take something as a right.”

That first alternative comes Sept. 11 in Houston. The sport is about for 1 p.m. at NRG Stadium.