This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

The Colts and Baltimore began discussions for the renewal of their stadium lease. At the same time, the Colts negotiated with Marion County, Indiana regarding the possibility of moving the team to the Hoosier Dome. The owner of the Colts, Robert Irsay, learned that the Maryland Senate had passed a bill granting the City of Baltimore the power to acquire the Colts by eminent domain. The team immediately moved to Indianapolis. A few days later, Baltimore was given authority to acquire the Colts by condemnation. The Mayor filed a condemnation petition, and the state court restrained the Colts from transferring any element of the team from Baltimore. The Colts went to federal court and had the condemnation petition removed and then they filed an action in Indiana Federal District Court, claiming that their lease with Marion County conflicted with Baltimore's attempts to acquire the team through eminent domain. The court found interpleader appropriate and granted an order restraining Baltimore from having the Colts condemned.

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