News

Wishing you and your loved ones a season full of joy and cheer. 

Before we take a short break to refresh before 2018 (the office will be closed from Dec. 22 – Jan. 2), we want to thank you for your continued support and wish you the happiest of holidays.

May the remainder of your Off-Season be joyous and safe!

See you in 2018, 

Jeff Belskus
Indy Eleven President

Wishing you and your loved ones a season full of joy and cheer. 

Before we take a short break to refresh before 2018 (the office will be closed from Dec. 22 – Jan. 2), we want to thank you for your continued support and wish you the happiest of holidays.

May the remainder of your Off-Season be joyous and safe!

See you in 2018, 

Jeff Belskus
Indy Eleven President

Get to know the Front Office behind Indy Eleven Professional Soccer. Each week we'll share members of the Front Office staff who are responsible for ensuring an exciting gameday experience and supporting the on-field action with sponsorship, marketing, ticket sales, accounting, operations, and merchandise. 

This week: Meet the Ticket Sales Team! Bet you didn't expect to see only three! Because of this small (but mighty) crew, group and season ticket sales have continued to skyrocket over the past four seasons. With a fan first mentality, they're the ones who take your call when you're ready to sign up for season tickets (or might we suggest a flex-pack?). Or maybe you have a group of 15 or more, call this crew to get a special group rate to an upcoming match. 

Get to know the Front Office behind Indy Eleven Professional Soccer. Each week we’ll share members of the Front Office staff who are responsible for ensuring an exciting gameday experience and supporting the on-field action with sponsorship, marketing, ticket sales, accounting, operations, and merchandise. 

This week: Meet the Ticket Sales Team! Bet you didn’t expect to see only three! Because of this small (but mighty) crew, group and season ticket sales have continued to skyrocket over the past four seasons. With a fan first mentality, they’re the ones who take your call when you’re ready to sign up for season tickets (or might we suggest a flex-pack?). Or maybe you have a group of 15 or more, call this crew to get a special group rate to an upcoming match. 

Mike Henn

Job Title:  Director of Ticket Sales– Sell and direct ticket sales initiatives for Indy Eleven games. Thanks to Mike's help, Indy Eleven has led the NASL in attendance all 4 years

From: Born and Raised in Richmond, Ind. Currently lives in Fishers with wife Ann. Mike and Ann have three grown children

How did your career find its way into sports? I planned on having a career in sports and that became reality when shortly after graduation I got a job with the Indiana Pacers and worked with Pacers Sports & Entertainment for 27 years. Then I worked with the Indiana Ice for 3 years prior to Indy Eleven. I have always enjoyed the daily challenges of Ticket Sales of the team and know the importance it is to the club. The creativity and flexibility that you must display on a daily basis. Finding the revenue is an ongoing daily exercise. 

First Memories are certainly the excitement of the kickoff and first season of the team being one of the original employees. The excitement in the community during the U.S. World Cup watch party on Mass Ave and the championship game of 2016 vs. NY Cosmos are monumental moments. Indy Eleven is important to me, not only for making a living, but a role that a pro sports team can play in the community. The staff members that I have worked with from the beginning and now make a big personal impression and impact.

Mike Henn

Job Title:  Director of Ticket Sales– Sell and direct ticket sales initiatives for Indy Eleven games. Thanks to Mike’s help, Indy Eleven has led the NASL in attendance all 4 years

From: Born and Raised in Richmond, Ind. Currently lives in Fishers with wife Ann. Mike and Ann have three grown children

How did your career find its way into sports? I planned on having a career in sports and that became reality when shortly after graduation I got a job with the Indiana Pacers and worked with Pacers Sports & Entertainment for 27 years. Then I worked with the Indiana Ice for 3 years prior to Indy Eleven. I have always enjoyed the daily challenges of Ticket Sales of the team and know the importance it is to the club. The creativity and flexibility that you must display on a daily basis. Finding the revenue is an ongoing daily exercise. 

First Memories are certainly the excitement of the kickoff and first season of the team being one of the original employees. The excitement in the community during the U.S. World Cup watch party on Mass Ave and the championship game of 2016 vs. NY Cosmos are monumental moments. Indy Eleven is important to me, not only for making a living, but a role that a pro sports team can play in the community. The staff members that I have worked with from the beginning and now make a big personal impression and impact.

Kevin Kirkhoff

Job Title: Group Sales Manager — I create and implement ideas and opportunities to encourage fans to attend games. 

From: I've lived in Indianapolis my entire life

Why is Indy Eleven important to you? As Indianapolis evolves into a world class city, it is imperative that the world's most popular sport is a big part of that. My favorite Indy Eleven memory would be the atmosphere at Carroll Stadium when we won the semifinal match to advance to the championship game in 2016. These are the moments that make everyday different. I also really enjoy that the product we're selling is fun. 

Danielle Wooding

Job Title: Ticket Sales and Special Events Account Executive – I sell tickets and plan parties.

From: Mooresville, but I went to IU in Bloomington and now I live in Indy.

What do you enjoy most about your job?  The people I work with.​ I was interested in Indy Eleven because I’ve played soccer all my life so it seemed like the natural fit. I didn’t have any plans to work in sports until I noticed a job posting from Indy Eleven that sparked my interest. I’m happy I made the jump to sports and now there is no looking back! I was at the inaugural game in 2014 in the BYB. The atmosphere was crazy and the bleachers were terrifying. Indy Eleven is important to the Indianapolis community because soccer is the world’s game and is an all-inclusive sport. Indianapolis needs more opportunities to bring everyone from different walks of life together to support a common goal (soccer goals 

Kevin Kirkhoff

Job Title: Group Sales Manager — I create and implement ideas and opportunities to encourage fans to attend games. 

From: I’ve lived in Indianapolis my entire life

Why is Indy Eleven important to you? As Indianapolis evolves into a world class city, it is imperative that the world’s most popular sport is a big part of that. My favorite Indy Eleven memory would be the atmosphere at Carroll Stadium when we won the semifinal match to advance to the championship game in 2016. These are the moments that make everyday different. I also really enjoy that the product we’re selling is fun. 

Danielle Wooding

Job Title: Ticket Sales and Special Events Account Executive – I sell tickets and plan parties.

From: Mooresville, but I went to IU in Bloomington and now I live in Indy.

What do you enjoy most about your job?  The people I work with.​ I was interested in Indy Eleven because I’ve played soccer all my life so it seemed like the natural fit. I didn’t have any plans to work in sports until I noticed a job posting from Indy Eleven that sparked my interest. I’m happy I made the jump to sports and now there is no looking back! I was at the inaugural game in 2014 in the BYB. The atmosphere was crazy and the bleachers were terrifying. Indy Eleven is important to the Indianapolis community because soccer is the world’s game and is an all-inclusive sport. Indianapolis needs more opportunities to bring everyone from different walks of life together to support a common goal (soccer goals 

Get to know the Front Office behind Indy Eleven Professional Soccer. Each week we'll share members of the Front Office staff who are responsible for ensuring an exciting gameday experience and supporting the on-field action with sponsorship, marketing, ticket sales, accounting, operations, and merchandise. 

This week we'd like to introduce you to the interns. While the intern staff has been as large as 11 during the Indy Eleven season, during December, our intern family is much smaller, though just as hard-working. We are grateful that these interns have chosen Indy Eleven as the launch pad for their careers. 

Get to know the Front Office behind Indy Eleven Professional Soccer. Each week we’ll share members of the Front Office staff who are responsible for ensuring an exciting gameday experience and supporting the on-field action with sponsorship, marketing, ticket sales, accounting, operations, and merchandise. 

This week we’d like to introduce you to the interns. While the intern staff has been as large as 11 during the Indy Eleven season, during December, our intern family is much smaller, though just as hard-working. We are grateful that these interns have chosen Indy Eleven as the launch pad for their careers. 

Luke Hammons 

Title: Business Development Intern – Luke is responsible for sponsorship activation and advocating on behalf of all Indy Eleven partners. 

School: Indiana University

Major/minor: Sports Communications / Telecommunications 

Graduation date: May 2017

Why Indy Eleven? I remember my first game because it was the first game I was working for the team. We hosted a mascot game at halftime that I helped coordinate and it was a huge (and hilarious) success!  I wanted to intern for Indy Eleven because I wanted to gain valuable experience working with a professional team. I also heard that the people in the front office are one of a kind and I wanted to see for myself. After Indy Eleven, I hope to find a job that I love. I want to make a positive difference that the whole world will notice. 

Luke Hammons 

Title: Business Development Intern – Luke is responsible for sponsorship activation and advocating on behalf of all Indy Eleven partners. 

School: Indiana University

Major/minor: Sports Communications / Telecommunications 

Graduation date: May 2017

Why Indy Eleven? I remember my first game because it was the first game I was working for the team. We hosted a mascot game at halftime that I helped coordinate and it was a huge (and hilarious) success!  I wanted to intern for Indy Eleven because I wanted to gain valuable experience working with a professional team. I also heard that the people in the front office are one of a kind and I wanted to see for myself. After Indy Eleven, I hope to find a job that I love. I want to make a positive difference that the whole world will notice. 

Lexes Rubio

Title: Accounting Intern – Lexes takes on Indy Eleven's accounting department in compiling financial reports. 

School: University of Indianapolis

Major/minor: Accounting on the CPA track / Business Analytics

Graduation date: May 2018

Why Indy Eleven?  There are many reasons why I chose to intern for Indy Eleven. At the university I attend – University of Indianapolis, I was accepted into their program named the Professional Edge Fellowship, also known as CoLAB. This program connects you with what your major is to potential internships around the city. I had the opportunity to choose from a couple places to interview and I chose Indy Eleven. They had an accounting position open, which fit directly to what I’m studying. But even before I knew that, I was, and of course still am, a fan of Indy Eleven. I played soccer in high school, and coming from a soccer family – it all seemed to make sense. How could I not pick Indy Eleven? I am planning to stay with Indy Eleven until I graduate in May of 2018. After that, I will be starting with Ernst & Young as an Assurance Associate. Auditing is something I am very interested in and am glad to have had an Accounting Internship before starting a full-time position. I am thankful for the experience and growth Indy Eleven has given me.

Lexes Rubio

Title: Accounting Intern – Lexes takes on Indy Eleven’s accounting department in compiling financial reports. 

School: University of Indianapolis

Major/minor: Accounting on the CPA track / Business Analytics

Graduation date: May 2018

Why Indy Eleven?  There are many reasons why I chose to intern for Indy Eleven. At the university I attend – University of Indianapolis, I was accepted into their program named the Professional Edge Fellowship, also known as CoLAB. This program connects you with what your major is to potential internships around the city. I had the opportunity to choose from a couple places to interview and I chose Indy Eleven. They had an accounting position open, which fit directly to what I’m studying. But even before I knew that, I was, and of course still am, a fan of Indy Eleven. I played soccer in high school, and coming from a soccer family – it all seemed to make sense. How could I not pick Indy Eleven? I am planning to stay with Indy Eleven until I graduate in May of 2018. After that, I will be starting with Ernst & Young as an Assurance Associate. Auditing is something I am very interested in and am glad to have had an Accounting Internship before starting a full-time position. I am thankful for the experience and growth Indy Eleven has given me.

Salvador Flores

Title: Merchandise Intern – Sal delivers excellent customer service at the Indy Eleven Broad Ripple shop and assists Molly in managing inventory and licensed apparel. 

School: Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis

Major: Sports Management

Graduation Date: December 2017

Why Indy Eleven?  I remember my first game — It was cold! Indy Eleven played against IU at Carroll Stadium. A friend invited me because she won tickets on Twitter and knew I loved soccer. Indy Eleven won and it was an incredible introduction to professional soccer in Indianapolis. I chose Indy Eleven because I like soccer; it’s my passion. Indy is my city so it's incredible to see a professional soccer team here. I also really liked the people who work at Indy Eleven. When I was a volunteer, I recall the upbeat atmosphere and wanted to be part of that. As a sports management major, interning with Indy Eleven has given me valuable experience to work in professional soccer someday.

Salvador Flores

Title: Merchandise Intern – Sal delivers excellent customer service at the Indy Eleven Broad Ripple shop and assists Molly in managing inventory and licensed apparel. 

School: Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis

Major: Sports Management

Graduation Date: December 2017

Why Indy Eleven?  I remember my first game — It was cold! Indy Eleven played against IU at Carroll Stadium. A friend invited me because she won tickets on Twitter and knew I loved soccer. Indy Eleven won and it was an incredible introduction to professional soccer in Indianapolis. I chose Indy Eleven because I like soccer; it’s my passion. Indy is my city so it’s incredible to see a professional soccer team here. I also really liked the people who work at Indy Eleven. When I was a volunteer, I recall the upbeat atmosphere and wanted to be part of that. As a sports management major, interning with Indy Eleven has given me valuable experience to work in professional soccer someday.

Check back in next week to meet more members of the Indy Eleven Front Office. 

Check back in next week to meet more members of the Indy Eleven Front Office. 

The offseason couldn’t have come at a better time for Indy Eleven Defensive Midfielder, Brad Ring.

The ambassador of Ring’s Reading Program, is taking on a book gifted by iFast strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Robertson. The book, “The Perfect Day Formula” by Craig Ballantyne, is a modern self-improvement story on making the most of your time, truly an art while bringing up three children under the age of three.

It goes without saying that The Rings are already off to a great start in making most of their down time. Brad and wife Juli welcomed Lydia Shea on October 28 to their already blossoming family with sons, Lincoln, 3, and Nolan, 18 mos. While both parents are experienced at this point, having a girl has already changed the dynamic. Suddenly the boys are no longer wrestling companions, but protectors over their newborn sister.

They’re naturally drawn to her special moments, even calling for everyone to crowd around just to watch as Lydia peacefully sleeps.

“Both boys will ask to hold her,” said Brad, “Especially if she is being held by the other brother — although we are still waiting for either of the boys to wake up in the middle of the night to change Lydia, and give her a bottle.”

The offseason couldn’t have come at a better time for Indy Eleven Defensive Midfielder, Brad Ring.

The ambassador of Ring’s Reading Program, is taking on a book gifted by iFast strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Robertson. The book, “The Perfect Day Formula” by Craig Ballantyne, is a modern self-improvement story on making the most of your time, truly an art while bringing up three children under the age of three.

It goes without saying that The Rings are already off to a great start in making most of their down time. Brad and wife Juli welcomed Lydia Shea on October 28 to their already blossoming family with sons, Lincoln, 3, and Nolan, 18 mos. While both parents are experienced at this point, having a girl has already changed the dynamic. Suddenly the boys are no longer wrestling companions, but protectors over their newborn sister.

They’re naturally drawn to her special moments, even calling for everyone to crowd around just to watch as Lydia peacefully sleeps.

“Both boys will ask to hold her,” said Brad, “Especially if she is being held by the other brother — although we are still waiting for either of the boys to wake up in the middle of the night to change Lydia, and give her a bottle.”

While Juli will be home for 12 weeks total and Brad is taking time to recover after the 2017 Indy Eleven season, it’s all family all the time for the Rings, which already sounds like a nice step toward constructing the perfect day.

“The outpouring of love from fans, players, and friends has been touching and we are exciting to bring her into the Indy Eleven family,” said Brad.

Once the kids came along, Brad and Julie committed Christmas morning to a family tradition: no matter where they spend Christmas Eve, they always plan to wake up at home. This year, with Lydia, they’ll continue that tradition and exchange gifts with one another on Christmas day.  

And in the spirit of giving, Ring’s Reading Program is more than just a way for Brad to connect with local youth. It represents a special part of his life. Both of his boys are allowed to read a few books each night before bed, a nightly tradition Lydia will soon enjoy with her siblings.

For Lincoln, a master procrastinator, he’s currently limited to three, but would go on for hours if he could. Nolan gets to read as long as he can stay awake and sometimes that’s up to six or seven books.

And on Christmas, once new toys have finally escaped their wrapping paper for an exhausting day of play, all the warm and cozy treats are gone, and sweet Lydia’s first, the Rings will cozy up with a holiday bedtime story, a beautiful nightcap to what will surely be the perfect day.

———-

Catch a glimpse of the Ring Family and the Indy Eleven crew this Sunday, December 3 at the Broad Ripple Light-Up Parade from 4:30-6 p.m. 

While Juli will be home for 12 weeks total and Brad is taking time to recover after the 2017 Indy Eleven season, it’s all family all the time for the Rings, which already sounds like a nice step toward constructing the perfect day.

“The outpouring of love from fans, players, and friends has been touching and we are exciting to bring her into the Indy Eleven family,” said Brad.

Once the kids came along, Brad and Julie committed Christmas morning to a family tradition: no matter where they spend Christmas Eve, they always plan to wake up at home. This year, with Lydia, they’ll continue that tradition and exchange gifts with one another on Christmas day.  

And in the spirit of giving, Ring’s Reading Program is more than just a way for Brad to connect with local youth. It represents a special part of his life. Both of his boys are allowed to read a few books each night before bed, a nightly tradition Lydia will soon enjoy with her siblings.

For Lincoln, a master procrastinator, he’s currently limited to three, but would go on for hours if he could. Nolan gets to read as long as he can stay awake and sometimes that’s up to six or seven books.

And on Christmas, once new toys have finally escaped their wrapping paper for an exhausting day of play, all the warm and cozy treats are gone, and sweet Lydia’s first, the Rings will cozy up with a holiday bedtime story, a beautiful nightcap to what will surely be the perfect day.

———-

Catch a glimpse of the Ring Family and the Indy Eleven crew this Sunday, December 3 at the Broad Ripple Light-Up Parade from 4:30-6 p.m. 

On Giving Tuesday, we hope you will join our efforts in raising money for the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation. This year, to benefit the foundation you can buy an authentic Indy Eleven autographed jersey during today's online auction here.

All auction proceeds will go directly back to the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation in our efforts to improve soccer access for Central Indiana youth. In the past, the foundation has offered grants reponsible for futsal courts at Arsenal Tech, Rhodius Park and the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center. We hope to continue providing these efforts to Central Indiana. 

OUR GOAL

The Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation believes teams are a community asset and have an obligation to help make their community a better place to live, work and recreate.

OUR VISION

The Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation will improve quality, build a promising future and leave a legacy with lasting impact on the young people of Indiana utilizing soccer and other vehicles as tools to achieve those goals.

OUR MISSION

Provide Indiana youth with positive experiences by supporting educational, soccer and other athletic programs and facilities, all of which promote healthy lifestyles and character development in under-served communities.

On Giving Tuesday, we hope you will join our efforts in raising money for the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation. This year, to benefit the foundation you can buy an authentic Indy Eleven autographed jersey during today’s online auction here.

All auction proceeds will go directly back to the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation in our efforts to improve soccer access for Central Indiana youth. In the past, the foundation has offered grants reponsible for futsal courts at Arsenal Tech, Rhodius Park and the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center. We hope to continue providing these efforts to Central Indiana. 

OUR GOAL

The Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation believes teams are a community asset and have an obligation to help make their community a better place to live, work and recreate.

OUR VISION

The Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation will improve quality, build a promising future and leave a legacy with lasting impact on the young people of Indiana utilizing soccer and other vehicles as tools to achieve those goals.

OUR MISSION

Provide Indiana youth with positive experiences by supporting educational, soccer and other athletic programs and facilities, all of which promote healthy lifestyles and character development in under-served communities.

As we begin the holiday season, I am constantly moved by the spirit of kindness and generosity that becomes so evident as we get closer to the end of the calendar year. 

We are grateful for our loyal friends, old and new, who have been with us from season to season. As we close out 2017, I cannot begin to express my appreciation for each of you who have worked tirelessly to bring our team thus far. Here at Indy Eleven, we know that none of this is possible without our fans.  I am in awe of your dedication, passion and resilience. You have been there through the victories and the setbacks, and have lifted us up during a challenging, yet rewarding year.

In this season of thanks, I would like to express my gratitude to you. May the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year.

With warm wishes for a happy holiday season from my family to yours,

Ersal Ozdemir, Indy Eleven Owner

As we begin the holiday season, I am constantly moved by the spirit of kindness and generosity that becomes so evident as we get closer to the end of the calendar year. 

We are grateful for our loyal friends, old and new, who have been with us from season to season. As we close out 2017, I cannot begin to express my appreciation for each of you who have worked tirelessly to bring our team thus far. Here at Indy Eleven, we know that none of this is possible without our fans.  I am in awe of your dedication, passion and resilience. You have been there through the victories and the setbacks, and have lifted us up during a challenging, yet rewarding year.

In this season of thanks, I would like to express my gratitude to you. May the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year.

With warm wishes for a happy holiday season from my family to yours,

Ersal Ozdemir, Indy Eleven Owner

Eamon Zayed is a regular at the Indianapolis Zoo. After signing with Indy Eleven in 2016, his first trip happened when he was invited to a routine meeting with zoo staff members when he expressed an interest in animal conservation.

Instead of taking an obvious, easy route to the zoo's corporate office, Zayed arrived and insisted on taking the long way. Beyond the Oceans and Deserts, he stopped at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. 

That first visit took place shortly after the zoo welcomed baby orangutan Mila to the family. Bred in captivity, Mila is an ambassador for the zoo's role in expanding global conservation efforts.

Eamon Zayed is a regular at the Indianapolis Zoo. After signing with Indy Eleven in 2016, his first trip happened when he was invited to a routine meeting with zoo staff members when he expressed an interest in animal conservation.

Instead of taking an obvious, easy route to the zoo’s corporate office, Zayed arrived and insisted on taking the long way. Beyond the Oceans and Deserts, he stopped at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. 

That first visit took place shortly after the zoo welcomed baby orangutan Mila to the family. Bred in captivity, Mila is an ambassador for the zoo’s role in expanding global conservation efforts.

For Zayed, the lanky and adventurous orangutans brought back memories of Sabah Football Association in Malaysia, where he played prior to 2016 when he made his jump to the U.S. to play for Indy Eleven. Orangutans are endangered and can only be found in the wild in two locations, one of which is Borneo, the very island Zayed called home. 

While Zayed is becoming a familiar face at the Indianapolis Zoo during the summer— he’s attended Zoobilation twice— on Nov. 29, he'll return to experience the festive Christmas at the Zoo for the first time. This time, he wants you to be there. 

Can you recall your first trip to the Indianapolis Zoo? Or maybe you have a great memory from that time you attended Zoobilation? Share it in the form below and you could win tickets to join Eamon Zayed on his upcoming night at the zoo.   

Enter your story here for the chance to win!

For Zayed, the lanky and adventurous orangutans brought back memories of Sabah Football Association in Malaysia, where he played prior to 2016 when he made his jump to the U.S. to play for Indy Eleven. Orangutans are endangered and can only be found in the wild in two locations, one of which is Borneo, the very island Zayed called home. 

While Zayed is becoming a familiar face at the Indianapolis Zoo during the summer— he’s attended Zoobilation twice— on Nov. 29, he’ll return to experience the festive Christmas at the Zoo for the first time. This time, he wants you to be there. 

Can you recall your first trip to the Indianapolis Zoo? Or maybe you have a great memory from that time you attended Zoobilation? Share it in the form below and you could win tickets to join Eamon Zayed on his upcoming night at the zoo.   

Enter your story here for the chance to win!