The documentaries in the "30 for 30" series are, oddly, featured on Disney Plus in the UK as standalone documentaries in the "movie" section. That includes this one, about the sudden departure of Colts franchise from Baltimore and the reaction of the city - and in particular it's marching band - to that loss.
With an alleged new stadium not materialising, the controversial owner of the Baltimore Colts, Robert Irsay, accepts a deal to move the franchise to Indianapolis. The overnight flit from the city devastates the Baltimore fans but one group in particular, the marching band make a decision to stay together and attempt to convince the NFL that the team deserves another team. Eventually football would return to the city, but at the expense of another city.
The marching band angle was an interesting one to take with this story. Their passion and ability wins them fans around the country and specific aspects, like stealing back their uniforms and hiding them in a mausoleum. They told their story well and the documentary had the footage to back it up - but in fairness, they didn't actually manage to convince the NFL to let them have another team. They were overlooked in the expansion for Jacksonville and it was only inciting the Cleveland Brown's owners to move, inflicting exactly the same hurt on that city that they experienced, that got them a team back. Another interesting part for me, and perhaps worthy of his own exploration was Robert Irsay himself - it's a life beset by success, tragedy and alcoholism and his son, who is the current owner of the Indianapolis Colts and has subsequently had his own demons.
I'm reviewing the documentary though, rather than the subject of it and given that this is directed by Barry Levinson it's perhaps not surprising that it's a focused and well told story. They are really quite good these 30 for 30's and I'll keep my eyes open for more.