What Cincinnati Cyclones does

Cincinnati Cyclones is a professional minor league ice hockey team competing in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League), playing all home games at Heritage Bank Center on the Cincinnati riverfront. The franchise operates as a for-profit private entity affiliated with ECHL Properties, LLC, which manages the league's digital properties and overarching operations. Its core product is a 36-game regular-season home schedule plus playoffs, delivered primarily as live event entertainment with adjacent digital streaming via FloHockey and audio coverage through Mixlr.

The team's revenue model is multi-streamed and event-driven: ticket sales (single-game starting at $21, season subscriptions, group packages of 10+, premium suites, birthday and Fan Zam experience packages) flow through Ticketmaster and direct sales; on-site concessions are operated by Aramark under a cashless venue arrangement; merchandise is sold through an in-arena pro shop and online store; and ancillary income is generated via corporate sponsorships, a 50/50 raffle at every home game, and an annual Frozen 5K/10K charity race. Sponsorship inventory is anchored by beverage brands (Coors Light, Miller Lite, Busch Light), regional retailers (Meijer, Skyline Chili, Donatos, Biggby Coffee), and healthcare partners (Cincinnati Children's, Beacon Orthopaedics), with Heritage Bank holding venue naming rights.

The franchise serves a diversified customer base including individual fans and families (primary), corporate and group clients, K-12 schools (Field Trip Day serving 7,500+ students from 50+ schools across three states with Common Core-aligned curriculum), scout organizations, and local running/fitness communities. Community programming is a strategic pillar: the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation (launched 2025), Junior Cyclones youth hockey (Learn to Skate, Learn to Play), Scout Nights, and the Frozen 5K/10K collectively function as both brand-building and revenue-generating assets. The franchise monetizes its audience through a mobile app (launched 2023), email/SMS marketing, social media, radio broadcasts, and streaming, while in-arena game-day traditions such as Beeramids, Fan Zam rides, and Teddy Bear Toss differentiate the live experience.

Name

Cincinnati Cyclones

Legal name

ECHL Properties, LLC

Website

https://cycloneshockey.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional ECHL minor league ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, playing 36 home games per season at Heritage Bank Center and serving fans, families, schools, and corporate partners via tickets, sponsorships, concessions, community programming, and the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Sports Entertainment

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Winter Sports Teams/Clubs (Ski, Snowboard, Bobsleigh, etc.) (MPAKABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Ice Rinks & Winter Sports Facilities (MPAKAEAG)

Keywords

• Professional hockey entertainment
• Minor league hockey
• Live sports tickets
• Sports venue concessions
• Corporate sports sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from individual game tickets, season tickets, group packages, suites, and birthday packages sold directly and through Ticketmaster. Single game tickets start at $21, season ticket plans offer savings and benefits, group discounts available for 10+ attendees.
2. Concessions & Food Service: Aramark operates all food and beverage concessions at Heritage Bank Center, including beer, soda, hot dogs, nachos, and various menu items. The venue is cashless.
3. Sponsorships & Corporate Partnerships: Numerous corporate partners including beverage brands (Coors Light, Miller Lite, Busch Light), local businesses, and healthcare organizations. Partners receive branding visibility, hospitality, and promotional opportunities.
4. Merchandise Sales: Team merchandise sold at the pro shop located behind section 103 and online. Includes jerseys, apparel, and memorabilia.
5. Events (Frozen 5K/10K): Annual charity race event benefiting the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation. Race participants receive tech shirts, finisher medals, and game vouchers. 5K costs $45, 10K costs $50.
6. 50/50 Raffle: Cyclones 50/50 raffle held during every home game where 50% of funds go to charity and 50% to the winner.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Cincinnati Cyclones operate a professional minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL, playing home games at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, OH. The team sells game tickets (single game, season plans, group packages, suites), merchandise, concessions, and runs community programs including youth hockey development, field trip educational days, scout nights, and the annual Frozen 5K/10K charity race. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, broadcast streaming, and concessions.

Product overview

The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team in the ECHL league playing home games at Heritage Bank Center. The core offering consists of live hockey game tickets (single game, season plans, group packages, and premium suites) with digital streaming via FloHockey and audio via Mixlr. The product portfolio includes Fan Zam zamboni rides, birthday packages, and family bundles. Community engagement products include Junior Cyclones youth hockey programs (Learn to Skate/Learn to Play), the Cyclones 50/50 raffle, Frozen 5K/10K running event, Scout Nights, and Field Trip Day educational program. The Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation supports youth hockey access. The team operates a mobile app and merchandise shop. The franchise is part of the 32-team ECHL network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Single Game Tickets Individual game tickets for home games at Heritage Bank Center, sold via Ticketmaster with prices starting at $21. Available to individual consumers and groups seeking professional hockey entertainment.
• Season Tickets Full-season ticket plans offering savings and benefits including exclusive events and flexible payment plans. Sold as annual subscription to fans wanting to attend all 36 home games.
• Group Tickets Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more with access to exclusive opportunities and group-specific experiences. Starting at $15.46 per person.
• Suite Rentals Private suite rentals at Heritage Bank Center accommodating 18 people with 2 parking passes, available for single games or full season. Standard suite starting at $742.32 per game.
• Birthday Packages Birthday party packages with tickets and video board recognition for groups of 10 or more. Priced at $18.56 per person.
• Fan Zam Experience Zamboni ride experience where fans ride the zamboni during intermission, priced starting at $15 per person (game ticket not included). Sponsored by Biggby Coffee.
• Skyline Chili Family 4-Pack Package of 4 tickets, 4 hats, and 4 cheese coney coupons priced at $93 total ($23.25/ticket). Sold via Spinzo.
• Cyclones Mobile App Official mobile application for iPhone and Android providing game schedules, exclusive content, points and prizes, gameday polls, alerts, news, venue info, and mobile ticketing via Ticketmaster.
• Frozen 5K/10K Race Annual running event benefiting the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation, featuring 5K and 10K races along the Banks of the Ohio River. 5K costs $45, 10K costs $50, including long sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal, and game voucher.
• Field Trip Day Program Educational field trip program presented by Meijer, serving over 7,500 students from 50+ schools annually with curriculum aligned to Common Core Standards in Math and Science.
• Scout Nights Designated games for scouting organizations (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts) featuring exclusive commemorative patches and special activities.
• Junior Cyclones Youth Hockey Youth hockey program including Learn to Skate and Learn to Play initiatives designed to grow the game of hockey in the Cincinnati community.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 7,500 students from 50+ schools attend annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Heritage BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeritage Bank is the naming sponsor of Heritage Bank Center where the Cyclones play all home games. This is a major venue partnership that includes naming rights and exclusive banking services at the venue.
• TicketmastercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary ticketing platform for individual game ticket sales. Provides mobile entry, ticket forwarding, and account management capabilities.
• MeijermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeijer is a presenting sponsor for Field Trip Day and the Concrete Clones community program. Major retailer partner supporting youth programs and educational initiatives.
• FloHockeycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial streaming partner for watching all Cincinnati Cyclones games live. Part of the Flo Sports network.
• 7UPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor visible on the website and at games.
• Biggby CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBiggby Coffee sponsors the Fan Zam experience at games. Local coffee chain partnership.
• DonatosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPizza sponsor providing concessions and special promotions including $2 pizza slice nights.
• Cincinnati Children's HospitalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare partner with visibility at games and community programs.
• Skyline ChiliminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCincinnati-based restaurant chain sponsor offering Skyline Chili Family 4-Pack tickets and concession items including cheese coneys and nachos.
• Beacon OrthopaedicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, relevant for athlete care.
• Coors LightmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor beer sponsor with visible branding throughout the venue including $5 12oz cans at games.
• Miller LitemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor beer sponsor with presence throughout the venue and various promotional activations.
• Busch LightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeer sponsor with promotional presence at games.
• ADPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHR and payroll solutions partner.
• Fox19 NowminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal TV station partner for media coverage and promotion.
• Local 12minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal TV station partner for media coverage.
• Junior CyclonescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth hockey organization partnership for Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, and junior hockey development programs.
• Cincinnati Museum CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntermission demonstrations at field trip day games featuring museum content.
• Tri-State Running CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial training partner for the Frozen 5K/10K event and marathon training groups.
• Drayer Physical TherapyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K race event.
• Glier'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal food brand sponsor offering Goetta products at concessions and race event.
• Home GeniusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event.
• Hothead BurritosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event.
• Hoxworth Blood CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event, local blood donation center.
• Relay ExpressminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event.
• YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event, local fitness organization.
• ZivelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Frozen 5K/10K event.
• AramarkmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExclusive food service provider for Heritage Bank Center, operates all concessions, merchandise, and catering. GM Bubba Sheffield manages the relationship.
• GOVXminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMilitary and first responder discount verification platform for discounted ticket purchases.
• ECHLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeague membership. The Cyclones compete in the ECHL which provides league operations, scheduling, official rules, and cross-league marketing.
• DASHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorECHL partner for auction services (game worn jerseys).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hershey Bears: Long-standing AHL team (Washington Capitals affiliate) operating an analogous professional hockey franchise with strong community integration, family entertainment focus, and broad ticketing/sponsorship mix. Benchmarks successful minor league hockey operations.
• Kalamazoo Wings: ECHL team located in Kalamazoo, MI that the Cyclones face in the 2026-2027 season. Similar market size and venue-based entertainment business model with comparable ticket, suite, and sponsorship revenue mix.
• Cleveland Monsters: AHL team (affiliate of Columbus Blue Jackets) playing in nearby Cleveland, OH. Operates the same professional hockey franchise business model in a larger market; useful for benchmarking scaling potential and regional market dynamics.
• Dayton Dragons: High-A minor league baseball team in nearby Dayton, OH. Operates an analogous minor league professional sports franchise model with a strong community focus, family entertainment, themed games, and group/suite ticket packages at a similar venue scale.
• Bloomington Bison: ECHL team appearing multiple times on the Cyclones' 2026-2027 schedule, indicating a divisional rival. Direct comparable in scale, venue, league structure, and revenue model.
• Fort Wayne Komets: Historic ECHL team in Fort Wayne, IN with comparable Midwest market profile. Same league affiliation, similar ticket pricing tiers, group entertainment packages, and community/youth hockey programs. Strong direct competitor for regional entertainment dollars.
• Indy Fuel: ECHL team based in Indianapolis, the same division as the Cyclones (per 2026-2027 schedule). Comparable mid-size professional hockey operations with identical revenue streams (tickets, suites, merchandise, sponsorships) and youth/community programs.
• Wheeling Nailers: ECHL team in Wheeling, WV scheduled against the Cyclones. Operates an analogous minor league hockey franchise model with single-game tickets, season plans, group packages, and corporate partnerships at a similar venue scale.
• Toledo Walleye: ECHL member team playing in a similar mid-size Midwest market (Toledo, OH). Operates an identical business model of tickets, suites, group sales, community programs, and corporate sponsorships at the Huntington Center. Most directly comparable in scale, league structure, and revenue mix.

Broad incumbents

• FC Cincinnati: Major League Soccer team also based in Cincinnati. Competes for the same regional sports entertainment dollars but operates at a much larger venue (TQL Stadium) and major league scale, representing both competitive overlap and a benchmark for what regional sports properties can achieve.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cincycyclones
• Facebookfacebook.com/cincinnaticyclones
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/390411

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cincinnati Cyclones