Picture this! It’s a sunny day at Victory Field. You arrive at the ballpark with your ticket ready to be scanned. The smell of buttery popcorn and fresh hot dogs leads you straight to the concessions stand. As you make your way to your seat, you can hear the roar of the crowd as the players take the field.
For more than a century, baseball has been a core part of Indy’s sports and entertainment culture. The Indianapolis Indians have become one of the longest-standing franchises in Minor League Baseball – building a tradition of success, both on the field and in the community. Here’s how it all began:
The Legacy of Baseball in Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Indians are the Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team was founded in 1902 and has played at the highest level of Minor League Baseball ever since. The first ballpark they called home was at Washington Park in the early 1900s. In 1931, the team moved to Perry Stadium on the west side of Indianapolis, which was renamed Victory Field after World War II. In 1996, their new and current home ballpark was built in downtown Indianapolis, keeping the Victory Field name.
The Indians have won 14 league championships and were named Ballpark Digest Team of the Year in 2018. In 2019, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named them one of the Best Places to Work.
Outside of baseball, the Indians support organizations that help develop the city’s local neighborhoods. In 2019, they started the Indianapolis Indians Charities to support this mission. Now, more than $1 million has been distributed to community partners like Make-A-Wish Foundation, Little Red Door Cancer Agency, Indiana Sports Corp, and more.
Partnering with Elements Commercial Banking
After Elements began sponsoring the group picnic area in 2015, the partnership between Elements and the Indians continued to grow. Elements acquired naming rights of the brand-new suite level club in 2020, which became the Elements Financial Club. This VIP space offers big-screen TVs and a full-service bar with the best view in the house, right behind home plate!
Between the uncertain times of the pandemic and the 2020 canceled season, the Indians were looking for new business banking services with an institution they could trust. With their already established relationship with Elements as the official credit union of the team, it felt natural to make the switch to Elements Commercial Banking for more of their daily business and financial needs.
Partnering with Elements Commercial Banking was one of the smoothest transitions I could have ever hoped for.
Sarah worked closely with Regina and David from the Commercial Banking team to set up accounts, discuss electronic payment methods, and expand their relationship.
“I appreciate the Elements Commercial Banking team for being willing to work with us during an unpredictable time,” Sarah shared. “Having personal contacts to sit down, have real conversations, and answer my questions was very helpful during the setup process.”
The Indians use multiple Elements products, including corporate checking accounts, money market accounts, business loans, a line of credit, and credit cards. One of Sarah’s favorite tools is Elements Online Banking.
“I love online banking! It’s super easy and very convenient,” she added.
This partnership represents more than just accounts—it’s a longstanding relationship with a team of Commercial Banking experts who listen and want to see the business of Indianapolis baseball flourish.
What’s next for the Indianapolis Indians?
The Indians have experienced a successful spike in popularity, especially in recent years, gaining new fans and increasing revenue.
“We’ve had such an incline in success since the pandemic, and I think everyone’s seen it,” Sarah mentions.
After recovering from the isolation of the pandemic, people are craving community now more than ever. Victory Field is not only a premier baseball destination, but also a year-round venue to support its charity work, a gathering place for organizations, and a community pillar to accelerate the growing economy of Indianapolis.
As we look to the future, the Indianapolis Indians remain committed to preserving their legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and impact. According to Sarah, the Indians are focused on “expanding community engagement through more partnerships, enhancing the in-game fan experience, and continuing to keep Victory Field as an inclusive, community-oriented place,” she says.
Elements is excited to see what lies ahead for the Indianapolis Indians, and our Commercial Banking Team takes great pride in helping them get there with confidence.
Whether you're expanding, renovating, or building from the ground up, get support from a team that truly gets you. Our Indy-based Commercial Banking Team gives advice about real estate lending and treasury management services, plus personalized guidance to help you bring your business vision to life!
