Indianapolis Colts raise ticket prices, pledge no increase in 2017

The Indianapolis Colts have informed season ticket holders that they will have to pay more in 2016, but the team also pledged not to raise ticket prices in 2017.

The Colts were 8-8 last season and missed the playoffs. They made the playoffs in 14 of the previous 16 seasons.

"The 2015 season did not produce the outcome for which we continually strive, but I am extremely optimistic for the future!" owner Jim Irsay wrote in a letter to season ticket holders. "I will do whatever it takes to put our team in a position to have a successful 2016 season."

The announcement pertained to seat locations other than the prime "club" seats and luxury suites. There were increases in 10 of the 11 price points. The increases ranged from 1.4 percent to 6.3 percent.

The largest percentage increases were for the best seats. The price for lower-level seats between the end zones and 25-yard lines went from $1,400 to $1,480. The price for lower-level corner seats went from $1,260 to $1,340.

The lowest-priced seats went from $440 to $460.

The price covers two preseason games and eight regular-season games.

The Colts' non-division home games in the regular season will be against Chicago, San Diego, Kansas City, Detroit and Pittsburgh. They play home games every year against teams in their division, the AFC South — Houston, Jacksonville and Tennessee.

The letter to season ticket holders said the average season ticket price has increased about 2 percent per year since Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008.

"We have many great memories and accomplishments thanks to you being a part of The Horseshoe, and I cannot wait for next season to begin," Irsay wrote. "There are many more exciting things to come for you and your Colts."

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Contact IndyStar reporter Mark Alesia at (317) 444-6311 and follow him on Twitter: @markalesia.