Sports bar owners welcome Colts home opener, expect better bottom line

Things were bad for horseshoe nation last year.? The team went 2 and 14, and sports bars, like Blue Crew Sports Grill in Fishers, Ind., almost had to close because of the loss of game-day related revenue.? A renewed since of optimism has proven to be a better sign for business.

To say Janet Todd is a long-time Colts fan is putting it lightly.

"I have been a fan since the Colts came here, in 1986, 1987," said Todd.

As the team struggled last year, she never left her seat at the Blue Crew Sports Grill, but many of her fellow fans did.

"It was kind of sad because it would seem like you would have your naysayers and you have got the followers that only watch when the team is up and that is too bad," said Todd.

The losing season left a lot of empty seats.? Things were so bad the sports bar saw an 80 percent drop in profit from the year before.? It got so sour, the bar almost went out of business.

"Last year was a disaster," said Blue Crew Owner Randy Collins.? "I am a Colts fan, but I am a business owner too.? Last year was pretty bad, it was surprising to see how quickly Colts fans turned on the team."

Colts owner Jim Irsay actually ponied up the money to keep this horseshoe haven in business.? Collins said this year he has already seeing a spike in sales? and fan support.

"It is a new year, so we are excited," said Collins.? "We just need to get a weekend and this town is going to go nuts."

Janet Todd hopes if bandwagon fans do come back to the team, they stay there, even if there are some bumps in the road.

"It is just like any other team, you have got your ups and your downs," said Todd.? "They are going to get better and it is going to come.? It is going to come."

Collins said there was a good atmosphere and a full house for week one against Chicago.? He said he expects more of the same come Sunday against the Vikings.

Source: http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-sports-bar-owners-welcome-colts-home-opener-expect-better-bottom-line-20120914,0,6411129.column?track=rss

emily maynard kola boof burmese python national signing day ferris bueller god bless america earned income credit