If you find yourself wandering through the shadows of Lucas Oil Stadium on a crisp Sunday morning in Indianapolis, odds are you’ll hear the sounds of laughter, music, and distant cheers coming from a lot just southeast of the dome. That’s where you’ll stumble upon the heartbeat of Colts fandom—The Indy Blue Crew. This is more than just a tailgate; it's a cornerstone of gameday tradition in Indy, and it’s been setting the gold standard since 2003. What began as a humble gathering of fans has grown into a celebrated institution within the tailgating world. The Blue Crew doesn’t just represent Colts fans—they amplify what it means to be a part of a community that eats, breathes, and lives football every single week.

At the center of the energy is the Schwegman Tailgate, a staple of the Blue Crew family. This is where football meets hospitality, where anyone in Colts blue becomes family, and where out-of-town visitors are greeted like old friends. Their lot at 551 Merrill Street transforms each gameday into a massive outdoor celebration. You’ll find loyal tailgaters streaming in early with chairs, dishes, drinks, and stories, ready to take part in one of the most welcoming and fun-filled tailgates in the league. Even when kickoff approaches, some fans prefer to stay outside—lounging under tents, catching the game on HD televisions, and cheering every touchdown alongside familiar faces and new ones alike.

What truly sets this tailgate apart are the emergency vehicles-turned-party headquarters that help anchor the scene. The crown jewel of the setup is the Tailgating Response Unit (T.R.U.), a former ambulance now decked out from top to bottom in Colts colors and customized for game day like few others. The T.R.U. is more than a mobile tailgate—it's a symbol of the crew's dedication and ingenuity, equipped with everything from Jäger machines and beer taps to multiple flat screens and a sound system loud enough to turn the lot into a block party. Flanking the ambulance is their iconic Colts firetruck, repurposed with equal flair and purpose. It’s impossible to miss with its towering height and signature blue finish, often serving as a backdrop for group photos, dance-offs, and spontaneous cheers that ripple through the crowd.

Tailgating with the Blue Crew means more than great food and cold drinks. It means being part of a culture where memories are made every Sunday. The camaraderie here is real. Everyone has a job, a story, or a drink in hand. The sound of dice clattering across tables, cornhole bags slapping the boards, and rival fans trading jabs over beers all blend into one long chorus of gameday celebration. There’s always a theme, a signature drink like the Blue Jello Shot or Cherry Bombs, and enough homemade food to feed a stadium section. Whether you're a die-hard season ticket holder or a first-time visitor, you’re embraced as family.

Over the years, the Blue Crew has become known for more than just their party. They’re active in fundraising efforts, supporting the troops through initiatives like phone card drives, and organizing seasonal traditions like the Chili Cook-Off and the Blue Crew Overnighter. Their tailgate is a reflection of what Colts fans strive to be—passionate, generous, creative, and unapologetically proud of their team.

For those seeking a true Horseshoe experience, the Blue Crew delivers a pregame unlike any other. It’s a place where the action starts long before the coin toss and keeps going long after the final whistle. If you’re lucky enough to score an invite or wander in, don’t be surprised if you end up skipping your seat inside. With this crew, the party outside the stadium might just be the best part of gameday.