The Colts, who five years ago "had two people in their
sales and marketing department," a "sickly owner" and an
"uncertain future in Indianapolis," now have a "bigger and
more aggressive" marketing department, and the front office
is "beginning to cash in on the buzz" around QB Peyton
Mannning, RB Edgerrin James and their teammates, according
to Stephen Beaven of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Beaven notes
the Colts finalized two big naming rights deals this month,
totaling almost $5M. The front office is "fielding calls"
from national sponsors who "wouldn't have given" the Colts a
second thought in past years. In addition, the marketing
department is planning some "high profile events" for the
arrival of the "MNF" crew for games in September and
December. Colts Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Ray Compton
said that the team, which previously "had no sponsor" for
its radio network, has since sold the naming rights for its
24-station radio network to Vectren Corp. in a "two-year
deal" that has a "total value in the upper six figures."
Beaven notes in addition to "talking with national
sponsors," including ESPN and HSN, the Colts are "expanding"
their Web site. The team also inked a five-year deal with
Union Federal Bank to rename its practice complex the Union
Federal Football Center (see THE DAILY, 8/9), which will
"net the team close to" $800,000 per year (INDY STAR, 8/15).
