10 minute read
Know Before You Go to the Game
Know Before You Go to the Game The Indianapolis Colts have implemented a series of health and sanitization procedures for the safety of fans, players and staff.
This season might look different from football seasons past, but as always, the Indianapolis Colts want to protect the health and safety of their fans while also ensuring maximum fun. Here’s a rundown of the precautions and procedures in place at Lucas Oil Stadium to protect your health when you attend Indianapolis Colts home games. Interested in attending a game? Visit Colts.com/ tickets to secure your seats for an upcoming game!
Be Fit to Play
All fans and gameday staff will participate in a COVID-19 screening, including a temperature check and questionnaire prior to entering Lucas Oil Stadium. If you are feeling sick, stay home!
Two Yards Can Change the Game
Fans are required to practice physical distancing — standing/ sitting at least 6 feet away from other people not in their party — while inside and outside the stadium. Fortunately, Lucas Oil Stadium has multiple entries and exits at four separate gates and more than 1 million square feet of club, concourse and corridor space, so fans will have ample space to practice distancing. Stadium capacity has been reduced to meet local, NFL and CDC guidelines, so stadium seating will be spaced farther apart. As such, seating will be grouped in “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another.
Protecting the Team Starts with You
Face coverings are required at all times for fans over the age of 2, except when actively eating or drinking. Fans are also encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands regularly.
Less Contact
Ticketing is fully mobile to create a more secure and safer entry for fans. Colts games will also be cashless for the 2020 season, and fans can pay by major credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash-to-card machines will be available for fans who need to exchange their cash for prepaid debit cards. These machines are located outside sections 116 and 543.
“The entire experience was amazing because of everything the Colts organization did to keep us safe, and how unobtrusive the safety measure all felt,” says Colts season ticket member Justin Mescher, who brought his 5-year-old son, Trent, to a recent game. “Safe family, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with my son, and a Colts win ... you can't get much better than that!”
For more information about gameday safety protocols, visit
Colts.com/game-day/know-
before-you-go.
PHOTO CREDITS
THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
GIVE THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCES
SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL PLACES AND SMALL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM
It’s the start of gift-giving season! This year, make your gifts to loved ones go farther — and support your community — by giving the gift of experience. From lessons to museum memberships to educational opportunities, we’ve got a roundup of ideas for gifting Indy experiences that everyone will love.
RESTAURANTS
Looking for a gift for your significant other? St. Elmo Steak House is the perfect place for an extra-special date night experience. For a more casual spot perfect for families and cocktail enthusiasts alike, grab a gift certificate (or two!) to Baby’s. With a menu packed with burgers, broasted chicken, salads, kid favorites, and milkshakes (including non-dairy and boozy options), you’ll find something for the whole family.
Prefer sweet treats? Give the gift of ice cream with a gift card to BRICS. Waffle cones, shakes, sundaes and more— who says ice cream has to just be a summer treat? And Indy’s donut game is strong: gift cards to Long’s Bakery, Rise’n Roll Bakery or General American Donut Company would make anyone happy.
MUSEUM MEMBERSHIPS
Gifting a museum membership is a gift that truly pays dividends, especially when it comes to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. With five floors of fun, 12 sports experiences, a Dinosphere, space station and jam-packed calendar of rotating exhibits, a family membership to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a gift everyone will enjoy. (Insider tip: The Children’s Museum also has a fantastic gift shop!)
In addition to housing the world’s largest children’s museum, Indianapolis is also home to several top-notch attractions. Conner Prairie offers families a portal into history like never before. With a membership, you’ll have access to a year of wonder and adventure at this local gem.
And the eponymous Indiana State Museum goes well beyond the history of the Hoosier state. Start your journey at Birth of the Earth, dive into the Ancient Seas that once covered the Midwest, explore life in the Ice Age and learn about Indiana’s founding people. An IMAX theater rounds out the fun, making this museum a must on dreary winter days.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
As parents, we want to help our children be the best version of themselves, and the Terrateer Club is here to help. This monthly on-demand program helps children build better relationships, improve confidence and self-acceptance, manage stress, explore the beauty of nature, develop important aspects of brain functioning, demonstrate kindness, practice giving back and cultivate an open-minded world view. This is a great gift for families with children ages 4 to 8, and the perfect gifting idea for grandparents.
Class 101 offers the gift of college planning made simple. This service helps students in 8th through 12th grade find the best schools, at the best price, for their best future. Their dedicated counselors help high school students identify their college goals, as well as support them in the steps necessary to achieve those goals in the most cost-effective manner possible. Art lovers of all ages can enjoy a wide range of classes at the Indianapolis Art Center. With classes in mediums ranging from paint to clay to digital animation, the gift of art classes is the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing.
Tiny dancers can get their kicks at Indiana Ballet Conservatory, a pre-professional ballet school in Carmel. They offer classes for ages 3 through adult, including their unique gentlemen’s program.
Musicians can take their craft to new levels with lessons from Meridian Music. Currently, private lessons are available for most instruments, including voice, and can be taken online or in their studio.
And for families, a drive-in concert compliments of Actors Theatre of Indiana will get everyone in the holiday spirit. On November 27 from 7-9 p.m., enjoy holiday music with some special guests, including Santa. Purchase tickets at atistage.org.
FITNESS
Do you know a child with energy to burn? Gymnastics and ninja classes are for children of all ages — walking to teenager — and are wonderful ways for children to strengthen their bodies, minds, self-confidence and to just have fun! With six Indianapolis-area locations, Wright’s Gymnastics and NinjaZone makes it easy to find a class near you that fits your busy schedule.
For the something the entire family will enjoy, give the gift of a fitness membership. At the Monon Community Center, their state-of-the-art facility is more than just a gym: it is an all-inclusive family experience. Whether you're looking for an indoor track, yoga, basketball courts, cardio equipment, lap swimming, weight lifting or cycling, there is something for everyone. And little ones up to age 12 can enjoy all that the KidZone has to offer, including an indoor playground, creative arts area, computers for interactive learning and a reading nook.
With 12 locations throughout Indy, a membership to the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers easy access for the entire family. With classes, programs and activities for all ages, there is something for everyone. And parents can enjoy a worry-free workout knowing their little ones are being cared for by the largest provider of child care in the country.
This year, skip the “things” that will quickly be forgotten, and instead give a gift that will last all year long.
THE ADOPTION
OPTION
WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON
There are many ways a family can grow, and two of those ways are through adoption or foster care. With adoption, the goal is for the child to find a permanent home. With foster care, “[the goal is to] offer a child a safe, family environment while their biological parent(s) do what is needed to achieve family reunification,” says Andra Martinez, vice president of communications and development for Children’s Bureau in Indianapolis.
The thought of bringing a child into your home, whether through adoption or foster care, can be exhilarating, and can also raise a number of questions. You may be wondering if you are ready to welcome a child into your family through adoption, or if foster care may be a better option for you.
What to Consider When Thinking About Adopting
“Adoption is another road to parenthood,” says Meg Sterchi, one of the founders and executive director of Adoptions of Indiana. “It's not second best, or the last resort. Adoption isn't always the right option when you're struggling with infertility. Being able to separate being pregnant from being a parent can help. It's important to allow yourself to grieve what might have been, so you can open your heart to what can be.”
When thinking about adoption, Sterchi suggests considering how important it will be to understand and respect your child's birth history and birth family, and have an open heart toward your child's birth family.
Sterchi says that when thinking about adopting with a partner, you and your partner will both want to move forward with adoption or fostering only when you’re both ready. “If one person isn't ready, you shouldn't proceed,” she says. “Give them the time they need to decide if it is right for them, too.”
The Steps to Adoption
Take time to consider the right type of adoption for your family, and do your homework. Most agencies offer free consultations to help you understand their programs and process. It will become clear to you which program best fits your family.
Also, you will want to be sure to look for an agency that provides strong services to expectant parents and birth parents long-term, and who believes strongly in adoption education and support for adoptive families.
The Foster Factor
The foster licensing process can take a long time and require a decent amount of paperwork, according to Kris, a foster mom and blogger for Children’s Bureau, who breaks down the process of getting a foster care license in her blog, Kris’ Corner: childrensbureau.org/ news/kris-corner-it-takes-so-long-to-get-licensed.
However, the process is worth it, as foster families are greatly needed. “Foster parents are needed in Indiana,” Sterchi says. “Reach out and learn more about the foster programs in your community. It's important to have a strong relationship with your agency so you know you'll receive the training and support you will need ongoing.” Sterchi recommends talking with other foster parents, and joining a foster parent support organization. Having these resources will help you as you navigate foster parenting.
Adoption and foster care can be a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to grow. There are many resources, and support systems, available for parents who would like to learn more about this option for their expanding family.
