Colts recapture attention of local fans

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indianapolis Colts are the number one AFC Wild Card team in the race for the NFL playoffs. That's right, playoffs.

With a 6-3 record, the team has captured the attention of the nation. And has recaptured the attention of local fans who stayed on the sidelines a year ago, which turns out to be good for local business.

One in particular, that a year ago this week, we have told you was not sure it would survive the two and 14 season. It's the Blue Crew Sports Grill on 96th Street in Indianapolis.

"Business last night was awesome," says Patti Donhaue, as she restocks the bar after a great night filled with fans watching the Thursday night game between the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaquars.

Back in the days when Blue Crew was a Peyton Place, business was booming. But a 2-14 season last year had the bar and restaurant fighting to stay in the game.

"We've had some tough times. But we're still hanging in there," says Donohue who has been with Blue Crew since it opened six years ago.

Then, Luck turned things around.

Fans flocked to the Blue Crew Thursday night, almost like the old days.

"The crowd was enthusiastic, they were pumped up it was great," she says.

Winning has a way of putting people in a better mood says Mark Tunny, a Colts fan eating lunch at the Blue Crew Sports Grill. "Yea it does. Actually coming into work was a lot better today as opposed to the other," he says.

Good moods, are good for business. "When you're in a better mood, are you more likely to spend money on Colts stuff. Yea actually bought a brand new Andrew Luck jersey, says Tunny.

Sudden success has fans searching for seats at upcoming games.

"It's great compared to last year. This is way above what I think anybody's expectations," says Mike Peduto of Circle City Tickets in Indianapolis. Peduto says a 6-3 record puts the Colts back in the spotlight. "If they were losing then I think fans would wait and buy them the week of. But all at once, we're starting to see these last three games take off," he says.

While business is better this year than last, it's not where it was in the good old days. But for businesses, Luck means hope.

"Not like when we first opened. We won the Super Bowl that year. So it wasn't quite that packed. But hopefully we'll see that again," says Donahue of the Blue Crew Grill.

Thursday night's game was the only prime time appearance for the Colts this year. But, because of the exciting Colts story this year, next Sunday's game against the Patriots in New England was moved by CBS from a 1 p.m. regional, to a 4:15 p.m. national game.

They expect a lot of interest around the country. You'll see it right here on WISH-TV.