The Brickyard Battalion
Starting a soccer team’s supporters group before there was even a professional team is not exactly easy, but does require perserverence, tenacity, networking & getting people to share in your vision as to what it could be like to have professional soccer in your city. A team YOU can support.
I was a founder of the BYB and served as President from 2013-2019. The BYB is a registered 501c3 with the state of Indiana as a non-profit.
Articles on The BYB:
“Descending the Pyramid: The Fan-First Structure Behind Indy Eleven” - Urban Pitch 04.22.20
“How a group of soccer fans brought pro-soccer back to Indy” - Indy Star 08.12.16
“Indy NASL challengers tap fan support that goes up to Eleven” - The Guardian 11.04.14
“A fan’s eye-view of the Brickyard Battalion” - Indy Star 09.10.14
“Chants, smoke and SpongeBob: Welcome to an Indy fan experience unlike any other” - Indy Star 09.10.14
“Kickin' It With The BYB: Getting ready for Indy Eleven's home opener” - Indy Star 04.08.16
The BYB: Beer Partnerships
I negotiated and help create a local beer partnership to drive brand awareness for these breweries through our tailgates, tastings, social media & promotional efforts. We were given a % kickback on cases sold, which helped fund our efforts as an non-profit organization.
Flat 12 Brewery: “Full 90” (negoitiated & excuted)
People’s Brewing Company: “Battalion Ale” (negoitiated & excuted)
Black Acre Brewing: “Hinchada” (next BYB Board Accomplishment)
A few of the brands we created…
The BYB: Footgolf Fundraiser
In 2014 & 2015, I put together a BYB Fundrasier footgolf outing, to both get our community together & to have some fun building more anticipation around the growth of our club.
The Brickyard Battalion Awards
These awards were created by, voted on, and presented by the supporters club. Hosted every year after the conclusion of the last game of the season. As President, I put these together from 2014-2019.
BYB AWARDS (2014) @ Chatham Tap Fishers
BYB AWARDS (2022) @ Black Acre Brewing
Game Day Experience
Eleven Park
The future of Indy Eleven was always meant to be Eleven Park, but now this could be in jeopardy due to the MLS now having an opportunity in our city. I have been a part of many conversations with the MLS Group, the city & other influencers as to the fate of professional soccer in Indiana. Regardless, my work continues even though I am not in the space professionally, I know all the players and understand this very dynamic landscape.
At the end of the day, fans & supporters need the win.
The original push for a stadium back in 2015, I spoke at the Statehouse.
All Past BYB Presidents
