PRESS RELEASE – Following a three-week “Name the Team” contest, Rock River Valley Baseball announced today that the new name of its Frontier League professional baseball club is now the Rockford Aviators.
“This was important to our fans and it showed due to the over 3,000 name entries over the three week period,” said Aviators President Bryan Wickline. “We want to thank each and every one that made a name suggestion. It was really cool to see some people take their suggestion seriously and explain why their name was relevant to the area.”
“Aviators” is a name that has strong ties to the region’s history and, more importantly, a connection to something current and growing within the area.
“We felt it (Aviators) was a natural connection to the region’s rich aviation history, from pioneers Col. Bert Hassell and Bessica Raiche to the stability and growth of the present,” stated Wickline. “The Rockford Aviators are excited to usher in the new era of professional baseball in the Rock River Valley.”
Team logos and a new website are currently being crafted and should debut in the coming weeks. The team’s colors will remain the same; navy and orange with accents of columbia blue.
Dennis Blahunka, of Loves Park, submitted “Aviators” first and is the Grand Prize Winner of the “Name The Team” contest. He wins two season tickets for life, an authentic, personalized jersey, an authentic game hat and will throw out the first pitch at the season opener May 17 when the Aviators host the Frontier Greys at 7:05 p.m. at Aviators Stadium.
The Rockford Aviators are a member of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball, the longest operating independent professional baseball league in the country. Advertising and season ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit http://www.rockfordriverhawks.com, “Like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RockfordAviators and follow us on Twitter @RockAviators.
I think it is funny that there are so many critics posting on this site but zero post on the ballpark digest website. Could it be that people are more critical when they do not have to authenticate their identity? Hmmmm…..
Well, someone was smart enough to register RockfordAviators.com before they announced it.
Rebranding isn’t cheap. You have to give them credit for trying. I think that shows their commitment to the marketplace.
Tater, I haven’t paid for a ticket the last three times I went. It was a “free” night. If they’re trying, a good place to start is getting me to pay.
I was at a game during the first year of the ballpark and was shocked by the lack of fans or baseball liveliness. HOF Fergie Jenkins was signing autographs and there was not too many people waiting in line for his autograph. I had a chance to sit next to him for a couple of innings and BS-not everyday I have the chance with a hall of fame pitcher.
snooze. The place has been a graveyard since the out of staters took over. Don’t know the area, don’t respect the fans.
disagree, these new guys are putting forth effort and should be appreciated. If you loose this club you will be stuck with two empty ballparks in Rockford. Best wishes to these guys.
I agree, Mike G. Kudos should be given to their ownership group for rolling the dice on a new identity. Good to see they are still fighting the good fight. People forget that that ballpark may be vacant if it weren’t for the efforts of these guys.
change is not met with open arms when the person(s) is not included in the change
Wahty do you mean FrankZ???? all the fans were included in this change.