What Lafayette Aviators does

The Lafayette Aviators are a privately held summer collegiate baseball franchise based in Lafayette, Indiana, competing as one of 18 teams in the Prospect League, an NCAA-eligible summer baseball league. The franchise plays a 60-game schedule over 70 days (late May through late July) at Loeb Stadium, a 1,910-seat modern venue built in 2020 in Columbian Park that includes suites, party decks, concourse seating, and a video scoreboard. The roster comprises up to 40 college players (ages 18-22) who are housed by local families through a structured Host Family Program during the 12-week season; the broader Prospect League has produced 300+ MLB draftees including 25 in the 2024 amateur draft.

The business model is multi-streamed, anchored by ticket sales (single-game $11.50, season $275, flex plans $90, group rate $8/person), corporate sponsorship tiers (Executive, Platinum, Gold, Silver), premium hospitality (suites $250-$6,500, flight deck, party porch, tabletop seating), and concessions/merchandise. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the Vivenu ticketing platform, phone/email sales, and in-stadium box office, supplemented by community-driven engagement including youth clinics, mascot appearances, fundraising nights for 100+ local non-profits ($4/ticket donated), and recognition programs for military, first responders, and teachers. Customer segments are horizontally diversified across families, group organizations (fundraising, corporate outings), corporate sponsors, and the college player development pipeline.

There is no proprietary technology or AI capability; core platforms are third-party (Vivenu for ticketing, HomeTeam Network/PLN for streaming). Ownership consists of five individuals with backgrounds in sports management, real estate, law, and medical technology — notably including TK Kuegler (Wasabi Ventures Sports Management) and Bill Davidson (National Sports Services) — with no venture capital, private equity, or corporate parent involvement. The franchise won the 2017 Prospect League Championship and finished runner-up in 2021.

Name

Lafayette Aviators

Legal name

Lafayette Aviators

Website

https://lafayettebaseball.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Lafayette Aviators are a privately held summer collegiate baseball team in the Prospect League, playing 60 games per season at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Indiana, and generating revenue from ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, premium hospitality, and concessions for families, groups, and corporate buyers in the Greater Lafayette region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Minor League / Summer Collegiate Baseball Entertainment

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121)

akta.pro primary industry

Sport-Specific Amateur Leagues & Circuits (Non-Professional) (MPAKACAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Amateur Event & Tournament Organizers (Meets, Invitationals, Opens) (MPAKACAL)

Keywords

• Summer collegiate baseball
• Baseball ticket sales
• Premium stadium hospitality
• Sports entertainment events
• Game sponsorship packages

Headquarters

HQ city

Lafayette

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, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from single game tickets ($11.50), season tickets ($275), flex plans ($90), group tickets ($8 per person for groups of 10+), birthday party packages ($350), and premium seating/suites ($250-$6,500 depending on package).
2. Sponsorships & Advertising: Corporate sponsorship tiers including Executive Club, Platinum Club, Gold Club, and Silver Club partners. Sponsors receive branding visibility, marketing table presence, and video board recognition during games.
3. Premium Hospitality: Suite rentals, flight deck outdoor suites, concourse suites, Novus Party Porch, and Huth Thompson Tabletops generate revenue through all-inclusive or food/beverage-included packages.
4. Concessions & Merchandise: Food and beverage sales at stadium through concession stands and the Team Store (online and on-site) selling jerseys, apparel, headwear, and novelties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Lafayette Aviators operate a summer collegiate baseball franchise competing in the Prospect League's Eastern Conference, Northeast Division, playing a 60-game home schedule at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Indiana. The team sells single-game tickets, season tickets, flex plans, group packages, and premium suite/porch experiences to fans, while generating additional revenue from corporate sponsorships, concessions, merchandise, and a kids club membership.

Product overview

The Lafayette Aviators offer a comprehensive suite of entertainment and community engagement products centered around their summer college baseball operations at Loeb Stadium. The core offering consists of game attendance through single game tickets, season tickets, and flex plan packages. Premium seating options include stadium suites, flight deck outdoor suites, concourse suites, tabletop seating, and the Novus Party Porch. Family-oriented products include the Sunday Family Pack and Ace's Junior Pilots kids club. The organization also provides group experiences (dugout access, color guard, first pitch opportunities), appearance requests featuring mascot and team members, fundraising programs for non-profits, and the host family program for players. Broadcasting and merchandise round out the product portfolio through Prospect League Network streaming and the team store. The portfolio functions as a unified entertainment ecosystem targeting families, corporations, non-profits, and baseball fans in the Greater Lafayette region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Single Game Tickets Individual reserved-seat game admission tickets starting at $11.50, sold via the Vivenu ticketing platform, by phone, or at the Loeb Stadium box office for fans attending a single Aviators home game.
• Season Tickets Annual season-ticket package priced at $275 per seat, including exclusive meet-and-greet access, 10% team store discount, season-ticket-holder gifts, ticket exchange ability, free playoff tickets, and admission to the 2026 Prospect League All-Star Game.
• Flex Plan Packages Ten-ticket bundle priced at $90, valid for any combination of home games, offering a $25 savings versus single-game prices and a 50% discount on playoff game tickets.
• Birthday Party Packages Birthday celebration package at $350, including private seating, 12 tickets, $15 food/beverage credit per ticket, video board birthday announcement, and cake permitted with prior notice.
• Sunday Family Pack Sunday-only family bundle of 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 soft drinks or waters for $44, presented by Franciscan Health, including pre-game catch on the field, post-game kids running the bases, and bounce-house inflatables.
• Group Tickets Reserved seats for groups of 10+ at $8 per person (down from $11.50 single-game price), with $4 per ticket donated to a participating non-profit fundraiser.
• Group Experiences Exclusive on-field and dugout experiences for groups, including Bench Warmers, Color Guard, Dream Team, First Pitch, High Five Tunnel, Junior PA Announcer, Bat Boy/Girl, Prime Time Performance, and Photo on the Field.
• Stadium Suites Premium indoor suites including 30 suite tickets per game, complimentary water and soft drinks, 20-22 outdoor seats, indoor space, countertop, sink, refrigerator, and waiter/waitress service. Priced at $6,500 for 10 games or $3,500 for 5 games.
• Flight Deck Outdoor Suites Private suite-level group areas with all-you-can-eat menu (hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, chips, soft drinks, water). Suites 201-204 priced at $1,050 with 30 tickets; Suites 205-206 at $1,400 with 40 tickets.
• Concourse Suites Budget-friendly private areas on the 1B and 3B concourse for 10-20 people, including $15 food/beverage credit per ticket. Priced at $250-$375 depending on configuration.
• Huth Thompson Tabletops Private elevated VIP seating tables with 4 tickets per game. Full season at $1,750; half season at $1,000.
• Novus Party Porch Field-level private group area including 30 tickets, unlimited domestic beer, unlimited Novus water, and Magoo's Pizza for $900.
• Ace's Junior Pilots Kids Club Annual children's membership priced at $30, including a Junior Pilots T-shirt, free admission to five Sunday games, pre-flight activities, first-run bases access, passes to Tropicanoe Cove and Columbian Park Zoo Express, and a swag box.
• Appearance Requests Bookings for mascot Ace the Aviator, players, coaches, and front-office staff to appear at community events, parades, school assemblies, and corporate functions.
• Host Family Program Program pairing local families with college players for 12-week summer housing, with host families receiving season tickets, 10% team store discount, meet-and-greet access, and on-field recognition.
• Team Store and Merchandise Retail offering of Aviators jerseys, apparel, headwear, and novelties, available at Loeb Stadium Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, on game days from 9am, and online 24/7.
• Youth Baseball Clinic Saturday-morning instructional clinic for children ages 6-12 held at Loeb Stadium from 10am to noon, taught by Aviators players and presented by WLFI-TV.
• Prospect League Network Broadcasting Full-season streaming of all Aviators home and away games via the Prospect League Network on the HomeTeam Network platform, with early-bird 20% discount available.
• Prospect League All-Star Game Hosting Annual Prospect League all-star event hosted at Loeb Stadium, featuring the best players in the league competing in games and a home run derby, plus a Monday Fan Fest with meet-and-greet opportunities.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• First Farmer's Bank & TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor presenting Trey Sweeney Bobblehead Giveaway night. First Farmer's Bank & Trust supports the team's promotional giveaways and community events.
• Franciscan HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Sunday Family Day package. Franciscan Health provides support for family-oriented promotions and community health initiatives.
• IU Health ArnettcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Breast Cancer Awareness Night. IU Health Arnett partners to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer at the ballpark.
• ThriventcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Faith & Family Night. Thrivent supports faith-based community initiatives at Aviators games.
• CertaSiteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of LIFE Safety Night. CertaSite promotes life safety awareness in the Greater Lafayette Region through the partnership.
• Purdue AirportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Aviators Sunglasses Giveaway. First 1,000 fans receive sunglasses sponsored by Purdue Airport.
• WLFI-TVcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Youth Clinic and Purdue Night events. Local broadcast partner providing media support and promotions.
• Hoosier LotterycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Hero of the Game program. Hoosier Lottery provides prize packs for honorees at each game.
• The National GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of 50/50 raffle for fundraising groups. The National Group provides raffle logistics for non-profit fundraiser nights.
• Subaru of IndianacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of All-Star Game Fan Fest. Subaru of Indiana provides free Fan Fest event featuring meet & greets, home run derby, and games.
• Teays River Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Thirsty Thursteays promotions. Teays River Brewing products featured on draft in the beer garden.
• Friendly MarketminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Six-Seven Day shirt giveaway for kids 14 and under.
• Big League Sports Bar & GrillcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum tier partner operating the stadium beer garden with draft specials during Thirsty Thursteays promotions.
• Magoo's PizzacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum tier partner and exclusive pizza provider for Novus Party Porch and stadium concessions.
• Prospect LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Aviators are a member franchise of the Prospect League, an 18-team summer collegiate baseball league. The league provides scheduling, broadcasting (PLN), and championship structure while teams operate independently.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Terre Haute Rex: The Terre Haute Rex are a Prospect League franchise also based in Indiana, sharing the same league scheduling, broadcasting, and championship structure as the Aviators while operating in a comparable small/mid-size Indiana market.
• Kalamazoo Growlers: The Kalamazoo Growlers are a Northwoods League team operating in a similar small/mid-size Midwest market with the collegiate summer baseball model, comparable stadium capacity, and similar community-engagement programming.
• Chatham Anglers: The Chatham Anglers are a Cape Cod League franchise, representing the most storied collegiate summer baseball circuit and the highest-end comparable for team operations, host families, and MLB pipeline reputation.
• Peninsula Pilots: The Peninsula Pilots are a Coastal Plain League franchise operating the same collegiate summer baseball model — college players, host families, suite/premium offerings, and themed game nights — providing a regional-market comparable outside the Midwest.
• Wisconsin Woodchucks: The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a Northwoods League team in Wausau, Wisconsin, with a comparable Midwestern small-market footprint and the same summer collegiate business model of ticketing, suites, sponsorships, and host families.
• Fond du Lac Dock Spiders: The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders are a Northwoods League team in a comparable small Wisconsin market, sharing the collegiate summer baseball format, host family player housing, and community-driven revenue model.
• St. Cloud Rox: The St. Cloud Rox are a Northwoods League team operating in a small Midwestern market with the same collegiate summer business model, premium hospitality offerings, and theme-night-driven attendance economics as the Aviators.
• Madison Mallards: The Madison Mallards are a Northwoods League franchise operating the same collegiate summer baseball model — college players, host families, premium suites, and theme-night-driven attendance — and represent a larger-market benchmark for the Aviators' operational model.
• Springfield Lucky Horseshoes: The Springfield Sliders are a Prospect League franchise competing in the same league structure and collegiate summer baseball ecosystem, with a similar Illinois-based small-market footprint and stadium-based revenue model.
• Danville Dans: The Danville Dans are a fellow Prospect League franchise based in Danville, Illinois, operating in the same collegiate summer baseball circuit with comparable small-market Midwestern positioning, ticket pricing, and host-family player housing model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/Lafayette_BSB
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@LafayetteAviators
• Facebookfacebook.com/LafayetteBSB
• Instagraminstagram.com/lafayette_aviators
• TikToktiktok.com/@lafayette_aviators
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lafayette-aviators

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Lafayette Aviators