Colts popularity in the UK

[Hollywood_87]

Over the last 10 years the Colts have been perennial playoff candidates, Superbowl Winner in the '06 season and are lead by one of the greatest QB'S to have ever played the game. I know there's no way to be scientific about this but I feel that despite this success the Colts are one of the least supported teams in the UK relative to their success. Anyone have similar thoughts on this?

Location-To put it kindly Indiana is not really a major holiday destination for many Brits (a catalyst for many to start supporting teams right) nor is Indianapolis a city well known to many over here like NY, Chicago, etc. Part of the reason?

We know that many fans started following the sport in the 80's which is why there is a plethora of Bears, Redskins, Dolphins, 49ers etc etc fans, now being followed by a lot of Patriots fans but it also seems the Colts don't appeal to many new wave fans?

Don't get me wrong I love supporting a team who are both successful but to a certain extent under the radar in the UK but am just interested in why this is so.

[Coltsfan93]

I would tend to agree with you and I'm not entirely sure why it's the case either. For me I was already very much aware of Indianapolis when I first became interested in the NFL due to the Indy 500 and that is what drew me to the Colts. So a trip to 'Naptown' was already appealing to me even though it wouldn't be near the top of most people's holiday location lists!

They're clearly not a big market team and in many ways Peyton Manning elevates the exposure they do receive and often he is the story more than the entire team. I'm not sure whether they are overlooked sometimes because people are used to the regular season wins by now but expect them to make a swift exit in the playoffs every year. At the beginning the past 5 or so seasons we've consistently been told the Colts 'window is closing'.

But then when they finally did get over the hump in the Super Bowl year it almost became a grudging praise and acknowledgement of their success - I remember the pundit reaction on Sky was pretty much "oh well at least we can be pleased for Tony Dungy because he's a nice guy", although Kevin Cadle seems to have a bit of a soft spot for the Colts to be fair. As an aside - Mike Carlson became particularly snide about the Colts this year to an embarrassingly biased level, he went down in my estimation this season.

Finally, although I don't spend that much time on here compared to Colts messageboards and US sites I've always got the impression that Colts fans on here are viewed as lightweights and fairweather sorts when it comes to knowledge of the game and so on. Maybe it's partly due to the number of obnoxious Pats fans around who don't need any encouragement to sneer at us or maybe I'm way off and just imagining it ;)

[Reevzee]

I've been representing the Colts franchise on here for years now (not as much as usual lately though) and I know that we're alittle low on support but I believe alot of people are still unsure of who to root for on here (which is fine as we all don't have a reason to support a team)

The reason I got into the team was because I watched Manning when in college and kinda had a thing for the Colts because they were underdogs and weren't as consistantly good as they are now.

Colts football is an excellent way to support the NFL and I'm truely happy that I've been supporting such a well run organisation and winning the Sbowl a few years ago was awesome after always getting close (and losing out to the Pats). I'm very interested in how we go this year after resting again (yes I agree with alot of you that we needed to keep the train going) and hope that we get to the big dance again and open the door for new support. Maybe the Colts aren't cool to support...I don't know but us fans stick together.

GO COLTS!

[shollaj]

I think it's due mainly to the fact that the NFL isn't well represented here in the first place. Not many people support an American Football team, and those that do tend to go for the better known teams. At my college, I'm the only supporter of the Colts, I have two friends who are Pats fans (saw them in the superbowl), a Cowboys fan, Packers fan, (due to Favre) a Bengals fan (who knows?) and a Giants fan (due to Friends I think.)

The Colts don't get much coverage outside of the US, but I think when we win the Superbowl this year (hopefully anyway) that'll change.

I kinda like being the only Colts fan anyway, it gives me something to argue about with my friends.

[robnotbob1]

Location is definitely one big reason.

A lot of people jump from one US sport to another and generally follow the same city's teams. That makes NYC, Chicago, Philly, etc, a more obvious choice than the Colts, unless you start with NBA.

Fans that started watching the NFL in the 80s generally didn't like the Colts because of their 'midnight flight' from Baltimore to Indy (which was terribly handled).

Those who watched in the 90s generally saw us as a small-town team who regularly turned in very poor seasons, and did it in an unfashionable way.

There are certainly more Colts fans than there used to be, I assure you!

Plus, you've got to realise that not all people are as enlightened as us . . .

[tomwil93]

hopefully they will come to the UK this year :), but knowing my luck they wont :(

[indyhorse]

I was born and raised in Indianapolis. Even here in the US, Indianapolis and the State of Indiana are often overlooked and ignored. In fact, sometimes one can hear Indianapolis referred to as "India-no-place." It's just thought of as a small-sized city in the middle of corn fields. It doesn't have the "sex appeal" or "glamor" that other US cities have, especially those on the East and West Coasts. We do have the Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indy 500, but that's about it. However, it is a decent town to live in, especially because of the Colts, who brought pro football to a basketball and auto racing state. And the NFL did agree to let Indianapolis be the host city for the Super Bowl in 2012. It'd be great if the Colts were in it that year, too! Home field advantage during the Super Bowl!

[DavidIndy]

I was born and raised in Indianapolis. Even here in the US, Indianapolis and the State of Indiana are often overlooked and ignored. In fact, sometimes one can hear Indianapolis referred to as "India-no-place." It's just thought of as a small-sized city in the middle of corn fields. It doesn't have the "sex appeal" or "glamor" that other US cities have, especially those on the East and West Coasts. We do have the Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indy 500, but that's about it. However, it is a decent town to live in, especially because of the Colts, who brought pro football to a basketball and auto racing state. And the NFL did agree to let Indianapolis be the host city for the Super Bowl in 2012. It'd be great if the Colts were in it that year, too! Home field advantage during the Super Bowl!


Agreed!

In addition to "Indiana-no-place" there's always "nap town". :rolleyes:

About the only time I run into someone from another country is if they are here for a convention or visiting family members. They certainly didn't come here to see Indianapolis. Which is a shame really. But Indy doesn't have the luster of Boston, Chicago, Miami and LA. Growing up in Indy, I remember seeing many non Americans here for the 500, but that doesn't seem to happen as much as it used to. Most Americans seem to enjoy NASCAR, and non Americans enjoy Formula 1. Indycar has lost much of its allure. So I can certainly understand the lack of Colts fans abroad. Although I'm happy to see there ARE some!

I was really hoping the Colts would head over to London next year, but it seems it won't be happening. I think I read it will be San Francisco and Denver in London this fall. :(

What part of Indy are you in? I'm on the north east side - Castleton area.

[Grav]

What would Indy be like as a place to visit when going to watch a game

[Hollywood_87]

Agreed!
About the only time I run into someone from another country is if they are here for a convention or visiting family members. They certainly didn't come here to see Indianapolis. Which is a shame really. But Indy doesn't have the luster of Boston, Chicago, Miami and LA. Growing up in Indy, I remember seeing many non Americans here for the 500, but that doesn't seem to happen as much as it used to

Well I'm coming over to represent the UK when I study at IU in the fall so at least they'll be one more out of towner! Plus it will be a personal mission to see a couple games at Lucas Oil

[DavidIndy]

What would Indy be like as a place to visit when going to watch a game

Lots of good food, nice hotels and a welcoming attitude. Hoosier hospitality reigns, but I fear a visitor from Great Britain or Europe may find us a bit boring. We have some wonderful museums (Indiana Museum of Art, Children's Museum, Conner Prairie and Indiana State Museum, etc), shopping malls, some very nice sporting venues, but again our European and East/West Coast American friends may find us lacking. We try though.

The Hoosier Hospitality part is sincere, btw...

And the best tasting fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and apple pie you'll taste from this side of the pond. The auto racing, football and basketball fever will come for free! ;)

[DavidIndy]

Well I'm coming over to represent the UK when I study at IU in the fall so at least they'll be one more out of towner! Plus it will be a personal mission to see a couple games at Lucas Oil


An early welcome to Indiana! We're proud to have you! And I hope your mission to Lucas Oil will be fulfilled! I'm certain it will, and it will be all the better during and after your attendence. Indiana will feel honored to have you cheer on the Colts with the rest of us!

IU huh? Bloomington. That is an easy 1 hour drive from Indy! You can attend lots and LOTS of Colts games if you wish! Cheering them on at Lucas Oil is the best, but you'll also have every opportunity to watch them on local tv... all the Colts games are aired throughout Indiana. Along with the Pacer games!

Welcome to our small, mostly unnoticed yet very beautiful and welcoming state!

[KillerKixx]

when I get back into work I hope to be in indy for a colts game.. I do think the lack of media coverage we get by certain people during the off season is due to the location and the fact our players arent prima donnas

[washingtonredskins1]

congratulations for getting to the superbowl.

im a british redskins fan and we just are'nt firing on all cylinders this year.

colts are very good team with strength in every department.

the colts name are not as popular in britian but may be now they will get more publicity as they go to the superbowl.

[DavidIndy]

when I get back into work I hope to be in indy for a colts game.. I do think the lack of media coverage we get by certain people during the off season is due to the location and the fact our players arent prima donnas

Well, fingers crossed you make it to Indianapolis for a Colts game in the very near future! :)

[DavidIndy]

congratulations for getting to the superbowl.

im a british redskins fan and we just are'nt firing on all cylinders this year.

colts are very good team with strength in every department.

the colts name are not as popular in britian but may be now they will get more publicity as they go to the superbowl.

So does this mean you are a temporary Colts fan and you'll be rooting for/with us during the Super Bowl this year? :) :cool:

[ukcoltsfan]

If the colts win the superbowel then their popularity will increase just because they won the same is poperly ture for the other teams that have won the big one.

[Paul31]

If the colts win the superbowel then their popularity will increase just because they won the same is poperly ture for the other teams that have won the big one.

But they did win one a few years back - that is largely the point of the thread. They have had success, but seemingly haven't attracted the fandom in the same way as other successful teams like the Patriots for example.

[jrvincent1]

But they did win one a few years back - that is largely the point of the thread. They have had success, but seemingly haven't attracted the fandom in the same way as other successful teams like the Patriots for example.
Its because Jughead is as likeable as the mange :D


I kid, I kid.... I only mock Manning because I'm jealous, and because he's a weirdo.

[bingy_bongy]

Well I have not been a Colts fan before .. but I have been to Indy 3 times now .. mostly for the racing (500 and MotoGP) and yes I live in the UK - and I really like Indy and Indiana as a state .. Anyway as soon as I heard that the Colts were in the Super Bowl I was a fan :-) Half-time and the Colts are winning !! :-)

Looks like I'll be going to a home Colts game next time at I'm in Indy!!

[bellinter1]

Its because Jughead is as likeable as the mange :D


I kid, I kid.... I only mock Manning because I'm jealous, and because he's a weirdo.

Yeah nobody likes an over achiever.
You know he was the kid at the front of the class always with his hand up to ask a question.
I would say hard luck for tonight but seeing as nobody supports the Colts not much point. Ahh just incase Manning's mums a member. Hard Luck.

[tksgtmason]

weirdly after the superbowl, iirc we got one "gloryhunter" 9i hate using that in this game, espically considering the parity in the league) fan, while the bloomin patriots got nearly everyone else, despite cheating/running up the score.

i would love to go but i do know it takes two flights, and i dont have that kind of money.

anyone ever ever think the colts are just too nicey nicey at time.

i for one would love to see peyton and co just go "fcuk it, we are just going to kill someone (on the pitch of course :) ) and just put the (insert team of choice here) to the sword"

I do know Indy has one of the highest murder solve rates in the us, (because my mum just watched a show about the "murder shift" in the Police department there.

[tksgtmason]

about living in indianapolis, i would love to, however

my top 5 are

1. New york, ( i think its the greatest city in the world)
2. Indianapolis, ( hmmm i cannot put my finger on why i would live there ;)
3. tokyo, (love anime, and the culture there)
4. vancouver, (just looks brilliant, atm with the olympics there )
5. ulannbattar (capital of mongolia, for one year to experince the -20 average temp during the year. -32 or something the other day!)

[indyhorse]

about living in indianapolis, i would love to, however

my top 5 are

1. New york, ( i think its the greatest city in the world)
2. Indianapolis, ( hmmm i cannot put my finger on why i would live there ;)
3. tokyo, (love anime, and the culture there)
4. vancouver, (just looks brilliant, atm with the olympics there )
5. ulannbattar (capital of mongolia, for one year to experince the -20 average temp during the year. -32 or something the other day!)


I live in the suburbs of Indianapolis and, while it is a fairly decent town, it can be a little bit boring at times. From my travels while I was in the military, here are the places I would like to live:

1. San Diego (I lived there for 6 years. It's a beautiful city & has great weather, but cost of living is fairly high).
2. Tokyo (great city but crowded).
3. Manila (crowded but the Filipino people are very friendly and welcoming).

There are other places I've been that would be nice to live in, but those are my top 3. Of course, Indianapolis will have a special place in my heart because I was born & raised there. It is a fairly safe city, not too crowded and easy to drive around in, but the winters here aren't that great: gloomy & cloudy with sub-freezing temperatures and snow, sleet, freezing rain or ice. The summers aren't bad, but it can get hot with temps above 90 degrees F. But, I guess I shouldn't complain too much! It could always be worse!

[powys colt]

The only connection I have with the states is Indiana so a no brainer on which team to follow.

When i was out there it was amazing, from watching a high school game on the friday, college on saturday then the big one, NFL on sunday, Was an amazing experiance.