Colts' ticket sales down but not out

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Big changes on the Indianapolis Colts’s roster mean changes at the ticket window. The Colts confirmed for 24-Hour News 8 that season ticket renewals are down.

The team says last season’s bad play on the field is the reason why. Still, the once golden ticket isn't so golden anymore but some say with a little bit of Luck, that could change quickly.

The signs of change for the Indianapolis Colts are every where. On the side of Lucas Oil Stadium Petyon Manning’s picture now has "Thank You" below it.

Peyton and a slew of well known names no longer call the circle city home. The Indianapolis Colts are not as hot a ticket as they once were.

"I mean, we're anticipating it's going to be not as strong, just coming off the year we did," says Mike Peduto, owner of Circle City Tickets in Indianapolis. Peduto buys and sells seats for a living. He see's much softer demand to for colts tickets this year. "We're paying less for seats and we're kind of shrinking the field of seats we're buying," he says.

"When you usher in someone like Andrew Luck with all eyes on the first round draft pick, it’s a good position to be in," says Chris Gahl, Director of Communication for the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.

Gahl says it's good because like Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck has the potential to be a positive brand for Indianapolis.

"I think from a marketing perspective to have that first round pick after saying goodbye to Peyton, is a good position to be in and all eyes are on Andrew Luck and subsequently the Colts and Indianapolis," he said.

And just across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium at Basey's Downtown Grill and Spirits, owner Greg Basey believes the first round draft pick will ease the pain of the team shakeup and help put people in the seats, of his restaurant.

"I just believe there's more money and revenue coming in with Luck than there would be with somebody else," he says.

And back at Circle City Tickets, there's already evidence that some season ticket owners are holding on for good Luck. "And they are saying it feels like the year before Peyton came and they are not wanting to let them go."

The Colts say the ticket renewal process is not yet finished. Once they have the final number of tickets sold, they'll let those who renewed, move or upgrade their seats, then they'll turn to the waiting list. And according to the Colts, if you want Colts season tickets, this might be a good year to put yourself on the waiting list.