Mellencamp and others to perform

While pre-season attention got Colts fans excited a little earlier this year, and a little disappointed with Monday’s loss to the Chicago Bears, the official start of this year’s NFL season brings a giant party to Indianapolis, and everyone is invited.

Keeping with the recent tradition of having the Super Bowl champs open the NFL season at home, the Colts will start their title defense on Thursday, Sept. 6 in a nationally televised game against the New Orleans Saints. The game, however, is the last event in a full day of festivities planned for the city of Indianapolis to celebrate their Colts and a new football season. But football isn’t the only reason for Colts fans to be excited.

It all kicks off at the City Market from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Colts fans can tour the remodeled “Colts in Motion,” a traveling museum, meet Colts cheerleaders and Colts’ mascot Blue, as well as enter to win tickets to the sold-out game against New Orleans.

Later that day, Colts fans are invited to a very special free concert at Monument Circle beginning at 5 p.m. Five-time Grammy Award winner Faith Hill will headline the concert that will also feature the first American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, and rock band Hinder.

The concert will end at 7:30 p.m., giving Colts fans plenty of time to make their way to the RCA Dome. Fans will be treated to a live musical performance inside the stadium by Indiana native John Mellencamp and be a part of a special banner ceremony to celebrate the Colts Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears.

The NFL season officially kicks off when the Colts and Saints tee it up at 8:30.

For more information go to www.colts.com.