Indianapolis Archives - Bullseye Event Group

Manning Memories: Part I

In Indianapolis, the name Peyton Manning means different things. To some, it’s a childhood hero, a boyhood idol, who kids from 1998-2012 emulated in their backyards, tossing touchdowns to a younger brother who usually played the part of Marvin Harrison, in the back corner of the end zone. To others, Peyton Manning is the gracious face whose hospital has helped them and their children in one way or another. But to everyone in the state, he was an icon; a man who transcended football, and became a Hoosier tried and true.

Now, as the quarterback rides off into retirement following his Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, Bullseye wanted to take the opportunity to look back at Manning’s top 10 moments in Indianapolis, in part to say “thank you” on behalf of the city, and to relive some of our cities greatest sports moments.

10) Manning’s Return to Indianapolis

Following a teary-eyed release from the Colts in 2012, Peyton Manning went on to become the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. In 2013, the Broncos were scheduled to face the Colts in Indianapolis, marking Peyton Manning’s first ever matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. This, without a doubt, became a sentimental moment for Colts fans, and an opportunity for the organization and the fans the opportunity to give him a standing ovation following a tribute video.

9) Hosting ‘SNL’ after Super Bowl XLI

Though commercials have always been a part of Manning’s trademark, the quarterback was granted the opportunity to host NBC’s Saturday Night Live in 2007 following the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory. Manning’s humor shined in his hosting duties, showing fans a side of the quarterback not normally seen outside of scripted commercials. You can view a sample of the episode by clicking here, or watch the episode in its entirety on NBC’s website.

8) First victory over Brady and Belichick.

Without a doubt, the biggest of Manning’s rivalries over his 18-year career was not only against the New England Patriots, but against head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady collectively. So when Manning was able to notch his first victory against the two in November of 2005, it was a big moment for Indianapolis Colts fans.

Manning threw for 321 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception in the 40-21 Monday Night Football routing of the Patriots. It was after that victory that the Colts seemed to turn the tide against the Patriots, going on to defeat them the following year in the AFC Championship Game to move on to Super Bowl XLI.

7) 2009 AFC Championship vs. New York Jets

Following a season that saw frustration as the Colts rested their starters as opposed to going for a 16-0 record, Manning led the Colts once again to an AFC Championship, defeating the New York Jets in 2009 to wind up facing the eventual-Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.

Just like the 2006 AFC Championship game, the Colts found themselves trailing and struggling to move the football. Manning was able to record two second-half touchdown passes to lift the Colts to a 30-17 victory, clinching Indianapolis’ second Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.

Keep checking back to the Bullseye Event Group blog to follow along with the countdown! Next up will be Manning Memories 6-3! And if you’re a huge Colts fan, make sure you check out our London travel and ticket packages for the International Series between the Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars!

NFL Combine Review

Nearly a month after Super Bowl 50, the NFL’s offseason is gaining steam. The first act of the offseason being the NFL’s scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The scouting combine in Indy provides all teams in the NFL an early look at the upcoming NFL Draft’s top prospects, creating an environment of physical and mental challenges to judge based upon. Drills such as a 40-yard dash, a broad and high jump, weight repetitions and mental examinations through intense questioning. Let’s look at some of the combine’s top performers from 2016 in Indianapolis.

40-yard dash

4.31 seconds – Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia

Though Marshall’s 27.8 feet per second was best at the 2016 NFL Combine, it was still 0.07 slower than the record set by Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson in 2008 (4.24 seconds).

Bench Press

34 reps – Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State

Westerman’s 2016 high, though impressive, was still 15 reps short of the 2011 record of 49 set by Stephen Paea of Oregon St.

Biggest Surprise of 2016 – Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

Miller not only surprised scouts with his hands at the combine, but also his speed and footwork. The former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback-turned-receiver posted the best 60-yard shuttle time of not only all wide receivers, but of the entire combine at 10.84 seconds, just 0.12 seconds shy of the records set by Brandin Cooks in 2014.

Craziest Question Asked

The NFL combine is always known for its crazy questions asked by scouts, to players. This year, Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty was victim to one of these scenarios.

In his press conference, Doughty said he was give this scenario by one of the teams interviewing him: “You’re on a hill in Alaska, driving a bus and you’re going 100 mph, and as you get to the bottom, going down this hill, all icy, it’s cold, you realize you don’t have any brakes; where are you sitting on this bus?”

Yes, that was a real question. How that pertains to NFL capabilities, we have no idea. But clearly it’s a trick question; the team already said he’s the driver. Bet you didn’t catch that!

Just because it’s the NFL offseason doesn’t mean it’s too early to begin planning for the 2016-17 season! The Colts VIP Tailgate will return in 2016, complete with an open bar and catered food and fun! Check out more information to gear up for the tailgates! And if you’ve got the itch to buy some regular season tickets, how about a complete travel package to London to watch the Colts take on the Jaguars in the International Series!

Can the Colts Make it to Super Bowl 50?

Is there hope for the Colts?

This is a team that needs a cause. Football teams run on momentum, drives, and sparks. It might have been a wet and rainy game Monday night when the Indianapolis Colts took on the Carolina Panthers, but that doesn’t mean the spark isn’t there. The fans can feel it. It’s part of what’s made this season so frustrating for the Colts Nation to watch. All season it feels that the Colts have just been one thing shy, one ingredient short. So, of course there’s hope for a ticket to Super Bowl 50. It could all change.

The Colts close out the season with a series of easy games leading up into the playoffs. They’re sure to make it into a playoff spot given how dismal the rest of their division is. If the Colts can’t find momentum when they play the Broncos next week, maybe they’ll find it in an end of the season run. Given that Peyton Manning usually has difficulties after a bye-week in the playoffs, as Indianapolis fans well remember, the Colts have a real shot at making it a little farther than maybe they should.

There’s always a chance. Any given Sunday. If the Colts win a few key games, suddenly, they’ll look good. They’ll look like all the hype predicted. But, the Colts sure don’t look like they’re having fun. They look like they’re working hard for nothing. Where’s the camaraderie and the smiles? It’s just shy. What the Colts need to make it to the Super Bowl is something to look alive.

From a technical perspective, the Colts have been shooting themselves in the foot. They have to stop with the holding penalties. The defense has to start being able to stop the 3^rd and short. They can’t keep giving away these turnovers. They have to start converting instead of throwing interceptions. They can’t keep fumbling. Andrew Luck has to do something, and quit holding onto the ball so long. Lastly, and most importantly, if Andrew Luck is injured, the o-line must step up and protect that man.

But, of course the Colts have a shot at the Super Bowl. After all, once a team makes it to the playoffs, everything is up in the air. It’s less about the season, and more about who stayed healthy, who can still play, and who wants it more. If the Colts keep finding frustration after frustration, maybe that will lead to something post-season. Wouldn’t that be great?

It’s still possible. The Colts show these flashes of greatness, moments of solid football. If they could string a couple of those together, maybe work out the front office issues, stop looking so dower, and get a stampeded going. Then, maybe, they have a shot at the golden trophy come February.

If you’re a Colts fan, and you’re pretty sure they can make it all the way. We’ve got Super Bowl tickets and packages for that 50th Big Game. That way, you can watch the Colts play live, in person, in San Francisco (if they make it that far.) Maybe they’ll take home some gold. You never know.

How Indianapolis Prepares for Game Day

It’s impossible to go anywhere in Indianapolis without seeing the Colts horseshoe. They’re everywhere: on cars, buildings, shirts, bicycles, phones, pants, houses, flags, and even on tattoos. It’s easy to say Indianapolis football fans only follow the Colts because they’ve had two great quarterbacks back to back. But with the amount of pride the city shows, even in the bad seasons, it’s safe to say Indianapolis has become a football city. And before game day, Indianapolis and Colts fans get a little crazy bleeding blue to show their Colts pride and support their favorite team.

It’s become an Indianapolis tradition. Blue Friday. The Friday before a Colts game, fans deck out in their best Colts gear. They get the opportunity to wear blue to work. (Because who doesn’t love to wear a jersey instead of a collared shirt?) Some kids even get to wear a jersey to school instead of their uniform. The Colts organization and sponsors hold giveaways, discounts, and special merchandise to create excited and build hype for that week’s game. All the local news stations and friends get in on the action. It’s also a helpful reminder of when exactly all those Colts games are.

Indianapolis is truly a great sports town. The fans are loyal, informed, and most importantly loud. The noise in Lucas Oil Stadium should take the credit for that last victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Right as the Jacksonville kicker was trying to make the would-be game winning goal, the fan’s noise tremendous noise threw the kicker off balance to miss the shot. Colts fans are loud and proud in the stadium and when the party before the game.

Around the city, before the games, there are great parties and tailgates. So if you’re looking for something to do before a Colts game, you’ve got some options. There are parties with the Blue Crew, tailgates in Tailgate Alley, and on Georgia Street. Of course, we recommend the Colts VIP Tailgate Party, but then, we might be bias. We have Colts cheerleaders, past NFL players, and great food at our tailgate. We think it’s pretty great. But, no matter where you celebrate the game in Indy, it’s great to see so many people come out to support the Colts and party before the game. Lucas Oil Stadium holds some awesome game day activities inside the stadium as well if you’re looking for something after you’ve already had your ticket scanned.

As far as pre-game activities go Indianapolis is a pretty great city to be in. Who knows, if you decide to attend a Colts event downtown, you may even get to see the hilarious Colts mascot Blue.

And as always, Go Colts!

Indianapolis Colts v. Carolina Panthers

The last time the Indianapolis Colts played the Carolina Panthers was back in 2011. That was Cam Newton’s rookie year. So it’s been a while.

The Panthers are looking to top the NFC South for the third year running. Add to that a lackluster 7-8-1 record from last year, and a #1 wide receiver injury. But that was before the season started. They’re on a run now. Looking unstoppable.

But, there’s always going to be that one game the Colts lose that they shouldn’t. It’s why most early predictions have the Colts 12-4; it’s the coverage for incidentals, accidents, and bad days. That’s not to say the Colts game against the Caroline Panthers will be that game. But, the Colts will be coming off three tough games (Texans, Patriots, Saints) and Cam Newton is good stuff.

With the Panthers one WR down, it’s likely second round draft-pick, wide receiver, Devin Funchess will start. He suffered a minor hamstring injury in the preseason. But, he’ll return later in the preseason and give Cam Newton a solid target. Also watch for Corey Brown, in his second year as a receiver, who adds to the deep threat potential of the Panthers.

This will be the second Monday Night Football game for the Colts. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, November 2^nd at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte North Carolina. If you’d like to attend that game, check for Colts vs Panthers tickets. The Colts v. Panthers game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Game Preview: Colts v. Titans

With either the Indianapolis Colts or the Houston Texans expected to finish on top of the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans are mostly glossed over. In the 2014 season, the Colts soundly defeated the Titans going 27-10 and 41-17, respectively. After a dismal 2-14 season, tying the league for worst NFL record, the Titans can only improve this year.

Titans are dependent on their new quarterback, Marcus Mariota, selected as the second overall draft pick. He’s got the whole team resting on his relatively untried shoulders. He likes to run the ball, which is not enough to win given the propensity of run-oriented quarterbacks to face trouble in the NFL. But, he seems eager to learn and improve his passing game before starting in the NFL. He’ll only be getting better as he becomes more comfortable in his role, so he’s one to watch down the line.

With a new quarterback and a lackluster defense, it’s unlikely the Titans will have a winning record this season either, because there were so few good players to carry over from last year’s season the Titans lack a foundation to build upon. Adding Dick Lebeau, of Steelers fame, to Ray Horton’s defensive team means the talent they do acquire will be well coached in the future. Brain Orakpo, OLB, and three time Pro-Bowler, just signed a four-year contract and will prove a good, solid player. Signing OLB Derrick Morgan brings some presence to the line to create something of a defense.

Expect a fledgling team when the Colts play the Titans. The big trials of the Colts year come midseason, the Colts go up against Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Peyton Manning from weeks five through nine.

We’re previewing this year’s Colts season. Read Colts game previews, and get hyped.

The Colts play the Titans Sunday, September 27^th. Kickoff starts at 1:00 p.m. on CBS and NFL Network. Colts play in the Titans in Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. If you’d like to watch this game live, you can buy Indianapolis Colts tickets.

Game Preview: Colts vs. Jets

Week two for the Colts brings them home-field advantage against the New York Jets. Out of the Colts 26 home games since 2012, the Colts have on 21 games. So there’s some definite Lucas Oil Stadium charm, or, ahem, luck. After the Colts have worked out their first game kinks, it’s likely the Jets will be another tally to add to their win record. The Colts seem poised to win around 11 games for the season, which will most likely rank second in the AFC, and land them in solid playoff position.

If the Jets stand a chance, they’ll have to exploit the same weakness the Colts struggled with last year, the run game. Jets are trying to up their game after a poor showing last season, going 4-12. They picked up some good drafts this year. Jets drafted wide receiver Devin Smith who poses a deep-route threat, and they nabbed DL Leonard Williams. Even though their defense line might already be crowded, Willaims might end up being the best of this year’s draft. With Sheldon Richardson suspended for substance abuse, the Jets defense could have some issues with the Colts powerhouse passing game.

Along with Willaims and Smith, Darelle Revis (CB) is another player to watch. He returns to the Jets after winning a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots last year. He blocks the big passes consistently to make him the best cornerback in the league, recognized by the NFL Top 100 Players at #17. Looking to contend in the AFC East, Revis takes an advantage away from the New England Patriots to give it to the Jets. Revis’ game is so good he changes every game. But the quarterback problem continues to plague the Jets. If they can’t get a converting quarterback into a good rhythm, the Jets will continue to struggle this year.

The Colts vs. Jets game will be on ESPN’s Monday Night Football September 21^stat 8:30 p.m. If you’d like to go to that game in person, we offer Indianapolis Colts tickets. If you’d like to tailgate in style before attending that game, we can help with that too. Before every Colts home game we have a Colts VIP Tailgate party just two blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Indianapolis Super Bowl: An NFL Experience

Every year the Super Bowl breaks the record for most watched American television program ever. All that notoriety goes to the good. Football brings the eyes of the nation to the biggest event of the year, and many eager visitors to the host city.

Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl for the first time back in 2012 for Super Bowl XLVI. The Indianapolis Super Bowl was just the fourth time a cold-weather city hosted the game. Before the Super Bowl, Indianapolis was still considered a rural speck in the flyover map. The Super Bowl raised the national profile, and surprised many visitors with great food, entertainment, accommodations, and Hoosier hospitality. This increase in media coverage created tourism and conventions opportunities. To prepare for the boom in travelers, the city built a Super Bowl village, constructed a large sign on Monument Circle, made Indy 500 cars available to drive, and had a zip line over a city street.

Each city does something different when they host the Super Bowl. This year the Bay Area is making huge plans for half-century celebration of Super Bowl 50. They’re building a Super Bowl City fan village and incorporating the football interactive NFL Experience. The Big Game will be played at Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers. Activities and events will be happening a week in advance.

If you’d like to attend those parties or the golden Super Bowl 50, ticket packages for Super Bowl 50 are available. Tickets for the Players Super Bowl Tailgate, which includes NFL players past and present may also be purchaed. Bullseye Event Group will plan Super Bowl 50 hotel and travel accommodations for individuals or groups.

Colts 2015 Schedule

The Indianapolis Colts were only one game away from the Super Bowl last season, and expectations are running high for this year. The anticipated games come a bit later in the season this year. The Colts play previous dynasty leader, Peyton Manning and the Broncos in week 9. The Colts go up against the Patriots in week six in what will be a rematch of last year’s playoff ending run. Andrew Luck will continue to lead a high-scoring offense which is sure to make each game fun to watch.

A great way to make the Colts game even better is attending the Colts VIP Tailgate! Before the game, enjoy an indoor/outdoor tailgate with a five star menu and an open top-shelf bar. Get signatures from Colts cheerleaders, watch pre-game HDTV coverage, and more. Tickets are available for individuals or for corporations. And don’t forget your Indianapolis Colts tickets either!

Colts Tickets and VIP Tailgate Packages

The Indianapolis Colts return after an exciting run last year. And this season looks even better with trades and new draftees adding to a good looking roster. Bullseye Event Group wants to give you the best fan experience with seating and pricing options for Indianapolis Colts tickets. Give yourself plenty of opportunities to wear out all your different Colts jerseys. And Bullseye has many Indianapolis Colts ticket options.

For the best Colts fan experience, the VIP Tailgate packages and tickets are the way to go. Save the prep time of tailgating and come to Bulleye Event Group’s VIP Tailgate. A ticket for tailgating includes: a top-shelf open bar by Jim Beam, an open beer and wine bar from Miller Coors and Heineken, a Morton’s Steakhouse as the official food provider, and Coca-Cola refreshments. Enjoy the nice Indianapolis weather on a patio outside or come inside at The Crane Bay Event Center, which is just a short walk from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Watch pre-game coverage on hdtv screens while lounging on couches. Parking for VIPs is available on game day. There’s also a live broadcast site of ESPN 1070’s The Fan with JMV and Big Joe Staysniak. Individual game passes are available along with season VIP Tailgate tickets. The Tailgate opens three hours before the game and closes after kickoff.Special visits from Colts Cheerleaders, former Colts players, and previous NFL players. VIP Tailgate tickets are available for individuals or groups.