Superbowl Colts jersey shopping

If you do not get it from yourself, where will you go for it? -Alan Watts

With a quarterback like Peyton Manning, how could you be from Indiana and not be for the Colts in Superbowl 44 this Sunday? The New Orleans Saints are a very likable team and their quarterback, Drew Brees, played for Purdue. But this is Colts country and you'll see store clerks, waitresses, and average folk sporting their blue and white jerseys for Colts-inspired blue Fridays. What - the big game is a mere three days away, and you don't have a Superbowl shirt?

I stopped in at Komet Kuarters, 515 E. Coliseum, named for the local hockey franchise. It's an interesting store, with lots of toys, collectibles, and sports equipment such as pads and gear for hockey players, etc. They have official NFL jerseys in a variety of sizes, complete with player names and numbers. I also find commemorative Superbowl issue Colts jerseys emblazoned with the Saints Superbowl tag.

I then drive across Coliseum to see what's at Glenbrook Mall. Stores have planned ahead for number 18 - Peyton - and you can find these available. I also see some for the popular Reggie Wayne, and some Dallas Clark 44s, eye-catching also because this the number of Superbowls (I know it's Roman numerals, whatever).

Touring through Glenbrook, I was cheered by how pleasant shopping can be this time of year with the holiday crowds gone. Lids Locker Room by the fountain had a fun assortment of stuff, with plenty of hats, party-serving items, and do-dads for the Colts. I liked a blue long-sleeved thermal t-shirt for women with a singular horseshoe emblem on the front.

The big find this year would be to come up with a Colts jersey, number 85 for wide receiver Pierre Garcon. He's really big this year, especially after 11 catches and 151 yards in the AFC championship game. It's newsworthy also that his mother and sisters were born in Haiti. I didn't search forever but I didn't find a number 85 in the mall. Of course, you can order whatever you want over the Internet, if you want to go that way.

The mall's MC Sports had Reebok Colts and Saints stuff, and you can check Sears, which has conveniently placed its hoodies, t-shirts and jerseys by a northwest area entrance for a quick dash in-and-out. There are other stores with Colts stuff, of course, but my lunch time is up.

I have to mention what I saw to be the most fun for the money on this trip - the photo booths by the carousel. On the upper level, you can get 1 set (6 pics) for $3, or 2 sets (12) for $5. I see color sets or black and white. You just jump in the booth with your friend, adjust the stool, pull the curtain and voila! A fun memory - I have seen some of the most spontaneous, candidly fun shots people have made in these so quickly and easily. If you're over the blue jerseys, save your money and get some flattering, high-contrast black and white mug shots instead. May the best team win!