Photo Credit: Indianapolis Indians
Spring is in full swing, and we are looking forward to all the outdoor activities Indy has to offer. We spoke with Randy Lewandowski, President and General Manager for the Indianapolis Indians, to learn more about the opening weeks for the team and the exciting events coming to Victory Field!
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First things first, how was opening month for the Indianapolis Indians?
Our organization started its 121st season in operation on Friday, March 31, the earliest start to a regular season in franchise history. Fortunately, Mother Nature has been kind to us including a five-day stretch during our second homestand that had some of the best weather we’ve experienced on game days in recent years. As we look to continue the post-pandemic momentum of welcoming Hoosiers back downtown, we understand the importance of our role in helping drive economic success. Year over year, we pride ourselves in being at or near the top of the minor league baseball attendance charts, and this year is no different. We’re excited for what’s to come for the Indians, both on and off the field.
What games are you looking forward to most this season?
We get 75 opportunities to host fans from all over central Indiana, and every game is unique thanks to our robust promotional calendar. Games I look forward to most this year are our two Prospects Weekends coming up on May 19-20 and Sept. 8-9, and a mid-June promotion in partnership with the Columbus Clippers to tip our caps to the Negro Leagues. On Prospects Weekends, Indians players and coaches will sign pregame autographs from 5-5:45 PM on May 20 and Sept. 9, and each of those nights also includes a player bobblehead giveaway of Oneil Cruz and Ji Hwan Bae, two former players for Indy who are part of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bright young core of talent. From June 20-24, the Indians will wear Indianapolis ABCs jerseys and caps while the visiting Clippers will wear Columbus Blue Birds jerseys – the first time a minor league game will feature both teams in Negro Leagues jerseys to represent prominent Negro Leagues teams from their respective cities.
What are the most popular nights for fans at Victory Field?
With our core group of fans being families, kid-friendly promotions tend to be our biggest draw. Daily deals like Tuesday Dollar Menu and Kids Eat Free Sundays are popular because of the bargain at concessions, and postgame fireworks in the heart of downtown every Friday night starting in May provide some of the best ballpark memories. Select Saturdays and Sundays feature special character appearances for the kiddos to meet their favorite TV stars, too. For young pros looking for a great evening spent downtown, Thirsty Thursdays with drink specials, Circle City Nights and Bark in the Park games are fan favorites.
We love to acknowledge and celebrate the private-public partnerships that make Indianapolis a great place to live, work and play. How do the Indianapolis Indians connect with the surrounding community?
Our organization introduced Indianapolis Indians Charities in 2019, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helped us formalize our efforts of giving back to Hoosiers in need. IIC focuses on community impact in four key areas: youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. IIC has 19 community partners for the 2023 season including Indy RBI, an inner-city youth baseball and softball program that has nearly 2,000 ballplayers annually, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and the Boys and Girls Club, to name a few. We further integrate ourselves in the community with our beloved mascot Rowdie, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday with our ballclub. Rowdie is a frequent attendee at community events to connect with fans of all ages.
How can GIPC member organizations get involved?
GIPC member organizations looking for ways to impact the community can join arms with Indianapolis Indians Charities by making corporate donations. Proceeds are then dispersed to IIC’s community partners who are making positive changes in the community to create a better tomorrow in central Indiana. Victory Field is a community gathering place and hosts dozens of events beyond Indians baseball, so if a ballgame isn’t in your summer lineup, you can still experience everything the Vic has to offer with a private or public event.