Mike, Phil, Phil, and Bob,

Would you guys please consider doing a story for the Star on the how badly the Colts did on assigning season ticket seats at the new stadium.  I think my family’s case may be one of the worst, but I’m sure there are lots of other loyal ticket holders out there that got shafted too.

 My family has been season ticket holders from day 1 the Colts arrived in Indy.  We originally had 4 seats in the lower level of the end zone.  After about 6 years we moved upstairs to the first row of the near center of the end zone (Sec 301, Row 1, Seats 7-12), added two more seats, and have been there cheering for the Colts nearly every game.  We’ve poured our hearts and wallets into the Colts through good times and bad.  We received our seat assignments yesterday and to say that we are disappointed would be like saying ESPN thinks the Patriots are a pretty decent team this year.  We go from what I always considered some of the best seats in the stadium to half way up in the top section in the corner: (Sec 619 Row 7), which I consider the worst seats in the new stadium.  I realize this was a complicated process, with many factors and variables.  I also have known from the beginning that we’d likely not be able to keep a first row in any section. But to not only take away our premium first row, but to push us up into the corner is beyond my comprehension.  They had sent us a seat survey back months ago, with the supposed purpose of helping them with the process and with getting ticket holders seats they would want.  We had completed this survey and stated very specifically in it that we’d prefer to stay in a middle end zone section. We love the view of the game from the end zone as you see the game so different then it appears on TV.  It seems to us that this survey was completely ignored and was merely a prop in their charade to make us think they cared about what we wanted.

 I sit here this morning less of a Colts fan then I was yesterday.  The result of this process has taken away almost all of the enthusiasm I have for the Colts.  Where is the loyalty they talk so much about?  I went to Phil B’s blog figuring I’d find lots of fans lamenting their assignments but only saw one post.  Maybe many haven’t gotten their assignments yet but I can’t imagine we are the only ones who got shafted so badly.  The Colts sent along a “FAQ” page trying to explain how they approached this but most of their explanations don’t really seem to measure up to scrutiny.  I can fax this to you if you’re interested in it.  I’m just so frustrated right now and I suspect many other are too.  If I had to decide today, whether or not to renew my tickets, I’d say definitely not.  My attitude may change in March when I actually have to make the decision but I suspect it will not.  My Fall Sunday’s won’t be the same without going to Colt’s football games but it’s hard to muster the desire and cash to cheer for an organization that just spit on almost 25 years of loyalty.

Thanks for your consideration,

Here is the Colts' response:

Hi Robert,

I'll try and explain your seat location the best I can.  Basically, there were less seats in the price level red of the new stadium in the endzone than in the Dome and those in the upper rows of the lower endzone (of Dome), ended up getting pushed into the upper level endzone (of new stadium), starting in the 400 yellow, therefore creating a domino effect.  Thus, those in the lower rows of the upper endzone got pushed up even more.  As for your seats, as well as others in that same area  we had to place you in the upper sidelines because we ran out of endzone seats. 

I know you said it doesnt look like less seats according to the map, but you have to realize it is just that, a map.  There were less seats, otherwise we would have been able to place you in a similar location.  You have to realize that this process was hard for us as well and we are not trying to make anyone mad.  We can only do what we can and could only work with what seats we had. It is a new building with different structures, etc.  I can only explain it as I have been explained the situation, so if you want more information feel free to call 317.297.2658 and ask for Larry Hall.  He was part of the actual relocation process.  Thanks!

Sincerely,

Megan Oldham
Customer Relationship Rep
Indianapolis Colts