Colts fan, 8, on no starters: 'I'm kind of sad ... but I'm still going to have fun.'
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears said prior to Saturday's preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium they would not be using most of their top players, an increasing trend in the NFL. IndyStar spoke to a handful of fans outside the stadium, here's what they had to say:
Mary Snow
Age: 58
From: Zionsville
Quote: "Preseason games aren’t my favorite thing, but we’re unrolling the flag (for the national anthem). It’s more about the experience of doing that, being at stadium, being with coworkers and friends, having fun with them. But, I much prefer to be here for a regular season game."
Nate Brown
Age: 19
From: Elkhart
Quote: "I’m good with it. I want (quarterback Andrew) Luck to be healthy. The preseason should be cut to two games, anyway. It was a cheap ticket for me, so it’s all right. I’d rather pay money in the regular season. Indy is a good place to be, I like coming here."
Lorri Walton
Age: 49
From: Indianapolis
Quote: "That’s fine with me. I just like to go to the game. It’s exciting to be in the stadium with the crowd and the atmosphere is wonderful.
Kevin Robinson
Age: 44
From: Kendallville
Quote: "It’s preseason. Nobody wants to get hurt and waste their $20 million before the season even starts. Sure, it bothers me because I’d like to see the starters play, but it is what it is. This is the first time I’ve been here (to Lucas Oil), so it’s about the experience."
Craig “Wide Right” Jones
Age: 59
From: Cincinnati
Quote: "I love every game here. It’s an experience: I have a whole team -- my bartender, security guard, my friends around me. … It’s a fun time the whole time. I do like the old way they used to do it: The first game the starters have a few plays, then a quarter, then a half. I pay my money, (so) I’m staying the whole game; I’m the last one to leave my section. If you hear someone yelling ‘wide right’ when they are kicking a field goal, it’s me."
Owen Sowles
Age: 11
From: Kendallville
Quote: "I’m still happy about going to a Colts game, but I wish I could see the main guys play. I’m going to enjoy the game, anyway."
Eli Collins
Age: 8
From: Robinson, Ill.
Quote: "I’m kind of sad. I didn’t think about it, but I’m still going to have fun. This is my third game, all preseason. I’m used to not seeing the main guys."
Bill York
Age: 51
From: Bedford
Quote: "We’re here for the atmosphere and fun. Don’t care if the starters play or not. It’s our first time here and just want to take in the experience."