INDIANAPOLIS — It is a basketball town, after all.
Raucous Jets fans took over Indiana’s sleepy capital city this weekend, turning bars and hotel lobbies green with envy in preparation for a playoff showdown to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.
Despite the home field advantage, Indianapolis Colts fans were outnumbered – and shouted down – in more than a few local venues including a downtown hotel where public computers were adorned with Jets screensavers.
“I can’t stand Jets fans,” said one barfly in a Peyton Manning jersey. “They’re so obnoxious.”
What he obviously didn’t realize is that it was a compliment.
Jim McMannus. who has been organizing fan travel for Jets road games for 15 year, said he has never seen a turnout like this, not even when Gang Green made the AFC Championship game 11 years ago.
“When we put this package up last Sunday night the phones lit up like Christmas trees,” said McMannus, director of operations for Jet Getaways. “It was sold out by Monday.”
The package included game tickets, hotel, a flight and a tailgate party at the Sheraton City Center with ex-Jets including former defensive tackle Marty Lyons.
Juiced Jets fans blitzed the local bar scene. Chammps sports bar looked like the Jets sideline as fans sported Mark Sanchez, Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis jerseys.
“I’ve never seen a group of fans for the opposing team take over a bar like this before,” said a Chammps waitress.
Indianapolis police said there would be 120 extra cops inside Lucas Oil Stadium and 120 more outside.
“It’s should be an interesting weekend,” said one Indy cop on patrol. “New Yorkers have a reputation for being rowdy and perhaps drinking more than they should. Hopefully there’s not going to be a lot of trouble here.”