interesting comments in today's indy star from the people in anderson.....
about getting colts camp back....after 11 years.....here is an excerpt from the story....
Since the team left, Anderson University has spent about $55 million on renovations. The city also invested money in luring the Colts, but [Mayor Kris] Ockomon did not say how much.
"We also know the return on our money is going to be fairly large," Ockomon said. "You can't buy that kind of advertisement for our community. It's just a huge boon to our town, an estimated 40,000 people in just 17 days. There were a lot of meetings and a lot of legwork just to get them back."
Many, including Ockomon, said Anderson could use an adrenaline shot not only to its economy, but also to its morale.
"I think it's uplifting for the community," said David Clendenen, 50, who was headed Monday to the team's 3:30 p.m. training session with his wife, Pam. "These are tough economic times for everyone, especially in Anderson."
Both work for the city. David Clendenen is the fire chief, and Pam Clendenen -- sporting a borrowed Colts jersey -- is assistant to the mayor.
Even Hoosier Park has gotten in on the action. The casino is the city's official camp tailgating site, serving stadium-style foods and brews and offering tailgating activities every day except Sundays through Aug. 17. For $10, guests can park at the site and take a round-trip shuttle to the camp at Anderson University.
"Any time you can have 50,000-plus people enter your market is good," said Tony Wakely, 39, Fishers. Wakely owns two businesses in Anderson, including Yankee Bar-B-Q, which is selling food at Hoosier Park. "It's positive and uplifting because the fans are coming from all over."
