Team Unveils Mascot, Jersey
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndy Fuel leaders have introduced Nitro, a red and yellow dragon that will serve as the team's mascot. At the Indiana State Fair today, the professional hockey team also unveiled its official jersey.
August 1, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — The 2014 Indiana State Fair celebrated 'The Year of the Coliseum' Friday, kicking off the annual festivities at the newly-renovated Fairgrounds Coliseum. By noon, the Coliseum was also the center of attention for Hoosier hockey fans, and home to (literally) the biggest fan of the Indy Fuel, the city's new ECHL franchise.
Fuel team owner Jim Hallett and president Sean Hallett introduced the opening day State Fair crowd to ‘Nitro,’ a hockey-loving dragon that will cheer on the team at its games at the Fairgrounds Coliseum. While intimidating to rival ECHL teams, Nitro has a soft spot for his new hometown, and will be active in making appearances for civic and youth groups around the community.
“Nitro will help make the Coliseum the ECHL's biggest home ice advantage, keeping the crowd fired up and into the action,” said Fuel president Sean Hallett. “Dragons aren't always known for citizenship or civic pride, but Nitro will also be a great ambassador for the Fuel outside the Coliseum.”
In addition to introducing Nitro and unleashing the mascot on unsuspecting food vendors on the Midway, the Fuel also unveiled their official team jersey. The “sweater,” manufactured by Reebok and emblazoned with the team logo, is available in the team store at the Coliseum (The Garage) and for online purchase at www.IndyFuelHockey.com.
Fans helped name Nitro via social media, and young artists submitted their renditions of the dragon's color scheme – winners of these promotions were also announced Friday. Francisco Ibanez was among multiple fans suggesting 'Nitro' on Facebook and Twitter, while Kenzie Wagoner submitted great artwork of Nitro in living color; they will join Nitro for the Fuel's first home game against the Fort Wayne Komets on October 17th, 2014.
Those fans who can't join the crowd at the Fairgrounds Coliseum for the opener will be able to catch the action live on WRTV-6, according to a broadcast partnership with the local ABC affiliate announced earlier this week.
About the Indy Fuel:
The Indy Fuel is bringing professional hockey back to Indianapolis, and will begin skating against rivals in the ECHL – the premier ‘AA’ league for the NHL – in October 2014. The Fuel’s ‘home ice’ is the newly-renovated Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which hosted the city’s first hockey team more than 75 years ago as well as its newest professional franchise. The Indy Fuel will host 36 home games during the 2014-15 season, providing exciting competition and affordable entertainment for the whole family. Learn more at IndyFuelHockey.com, and connect with the team on Twitter @IndyFuel and at Facebook.com/IndyFuel.