The relocation of the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis is one of the most controversial events in sports history. The Colts, a storied NFL franchise, had been located in Baltimore since 1953 and had become an integral part of the city’s identity. However, in 1984, owner Robert Irsay made the decision to move the team to Indianapolis, shocking and upsetting Baltimore fans.

The move was a shock to Baltimore fans and the city’s leadership, who had been trying for years to secure a new stadium for the team. Despite the city offering to build a new facility, Irsay was determined to move the Colts to a new city. In the middle of the night on March 29, 1984, Irsay ordered the team’s equipment to be packed up and moved to Indianapolis. The move was dubbed the “Midnight Ride of the Colts.”

The move caused outrage among Baltimore fans, who burned Irsay’s effigy in protest. The city’s mayor, William Donald Schaefer, referred to Irsay as a “traitor” and placed a curse on the team. The loss of the Colts was a blow to Baltimore’s economy and pride, as the team had been a source of civic pride for decades.

In Indianapolis, the arrival of the Colts was met with enthusiasm. The city had been trying to attract an NFL team for years and was thrilled to finally have one. The team played its first game in Indianapolis on September 2, 1984, in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,584.

The move was not without controversy, however. The NFL faced criticism from fans and politicians alike for allowing a team to be moved, particularly one with such a loyal fan base. The league instituted new rules to make it harder for teams to move in the future, including requiring a supermajority vote of team owners and a public notification period before a team could relocate.

Despite the controversy, the move has had a lasting impact on both Baltimore and Indianapolis. The Colts have had success in Indianapolis, winning a Super Bowl in 2007 and reaching the playoffs multiple times. The team has also been a major economic driver for Indianapolis, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year.

In Baltimore, the loss of the Colts has been felt for decades. While the city eventually got a new NFL team, the Ravens, the wounds of the Colts’ departure still run deep. The curse placed on the team by Mayor Schaefer has yet to be broken, with the Ravens only recently winning their second Super Bowl in 2013.

The move of the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis remains a controversial event in sports history. While it brought excitement to Indianapolis and economic benefits to the city, it also resulted in the loss of a beloved team for Baltimore and a souring of the relationship between fans and team owners. The legacy of the Colts’ relocation is still being felt today, more than 35 years later.

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