There are 3,000 Indianapolis Colts season tickets available for purchase. This could very well be a blessing to all the fans who have been on a waiting list for the past decade, but right now, it’s a big concern for the franchise. To avoid the possibility of blackouts, Jim Irsay and the Colts front office are making a sales push by granting #ColtsNation some incredible, rarely-offered access to Lucas Oil Stadium.

After consistently selling out for years during the reign of Peyton Manning, the Colts are struggling to sell season tickets following the release of the legend who is Number 18. This has stirred mixed reviews from the media. Did Jim Irsay make the right decision by cutting his franchise player? Do people want to see Andrew Luck? Are fans worried about a timetable for success? Obviously, the split with Manning was emotional, and although many of us expected it, it was still shocking to hear Irsay’s official announcement (What fan didn’t cry during that press conference?). Rebuilding is a big risk, and although I will deeply miss Manning in his blue and white jersey leading the Colts down the field, I agree with Bob Kravitz. Luck may not succeed right away, but he will succeed, and his drafting was the best long-term business decision for the Colts to make. The harsh reality of it all is that the National Football League is – at its core – a business.

To promote season ticket sales, the Colts will be hosting a special event at Lucas Oil Stadium on June 13th. The free event will include a fan open house, a full-squad mini-camp practice, and a select-a-seat opportunity. An event like this is unprecedented in the Colts’ recent history; normally offseason activities are all but top secret. Details and a full schedule are posted on the Colts’ official website.

The best way to attract fans is by signing exciting players, and – as Irsay says – the roster is still being tweaked to collect a group worthy of a sold-out crowd. This week OT George Foster joined the Horseshoe, replacing fullback Ryan Mahaffey. Foster was a former first-round pick of the Denver Broncos, but he’s been shuffled around to four different teams since, most recently playing for New Orleans. The Colts also added another cornerback after acquiring Cassius Vaughn last week. They claimed Korey Lindsey off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals, waiving S Micah Pellerin in the process. Lindsey has yet to play a season in the NFL. He spent most of his rookie year on the Cardinal’s practice squad and was released on Wednesday.

The Colts are also reportedly trying to sign the dynamic cornerback Mike Jenkins from the Dallas Cowboys. Jenkins has been sitting out of OTAs and has voiced his displeasure with his current contract. Can the Horseshoe entice “America’s Team” to part with their talented yet disgruntled player? Stay tuned.

But not everything has to change. Tradition is honored, and former players are welcomed back. After all, C Jeff Saturday has already been offered a front office position upon his retirement after contributing to the successful negotiating efforts during last offseason’s lockout. Former Colts linebacker David Thorton has rejoined the Colts as the director of player engagement. A team captain for the Colts by the time he reached his third year in the league, he joins the team’s front office just two years after concluding his nine-year playing career with the Tennessee Titans. His job will require him to “maximize the professional and personal lives of Colts athletes.” Thorton certainly has experience in this field. He spent four seasons with the Colts from 2002-2005 and was part of the team’s winning effort in Super Bowl XLI. It will be nice to see his familiar face back with the team.

That’s all for #Horsebytes this week! Check back next Friday for the next installment.

Session might be making plays in Jacksonville next year

Seems like every year in free agency the Colts will lose some top linebacker talent to a division rival or someone with a big checkbook. This year, it looks like Clint Session is on the radar of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking to fill the void of departing linebacker Justin Durant, according to ESPN.

Last year for the Colts, Session missed 11 games after injuring his elbow in a Monday Night Football game against the Texans, where he finished the game with 8 tackles, one sack and one pass defended. That would be the last game Session played in 2010; he had 38 tackles on the season. The Colts would be losing their starting weak-side linebacker if Session left, and wouldn’t have a ready replacement for  him, since his backup last year, Tyjuan Hagler, is a free agent as well.

David Thornton, Cato June, Marcus Washington and Mike Peterson are just a few of the former Colts linebackers who have left in free agency in the past. Session may be going the way of Peterson who left to the Jaguars after the 2002 season. Session would join former Buffalo Bill Paul Posluzny in Jacksonville, who came to an agreement with the Jags earlier this week.