DISC UP

THE INDIANAPOLIS ALLEYCATS ARE READY FOR ACTION

The members of the Indianapolis AlleyCats thoroughly enjoy competing as part of the American Ultimate Disc League.

Travis Carpenter, handler, stresses the simplicity and various physical challenges of the game in particular.

“All you need is a disc and a field,” Carpenter says. “I love the challenge - running, stamina and coordination. It’s low impact in contrast to other sports. You don’t even need cones. You can play just about anywhere.”

Although being a pro athlete is a full-time job, most team members have other careers and are involved in their communities.

The humility of the players makes them relatable. Several of the players say that the team meet-and-greets are some of their favorite moments on game days. You can chat with your favorite AlleyCat player before and after each game.

“I love the up-close-and-personal aspect,” says Tim Held, majority owner.

The sport is for fans of all ages, and Carpenter says kids get the most excited.

“It’s fun to see how super pumped they get,” Carpenter says. “Sometimes they’re getting their first frisbee or our autographs, and seeing their pure excitement is inspiring.”

Derek Tow, a minority owner, is excited for the 2023 season.

“I love the camaraderie,” he says. “There’s nothing like seeing ultimate live. They have exciting plays, big dives and big jumps on a regular occurrence.”

Tow’s enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. Game day is family day, and you can find his wife, Cindy, running the ticket office, or his two kids cheering on the team. The AlleyCats are passionate about revamping the kids club this year, including an opportunity to run the team flag across the field.

The AlleyCats kids club membership is a perfect gift.

“We want to keep it accessible for everyone,” Held says.

A one-year membership is only $30, and includes a ticket to all six home games, a membership card, team frisbee, water bottle, merchandise discounts, game tickets and access to meet-andgreets with players for the kids. In an effort to continue making events kid friendly, they are introducing a team mascot at the home opener on May 6. Details can be found on the official team website. Kids 5 and under can attend games for free. Your child may grow up to be an AlleyCat one day, and attending a game can be a great way to get them introduced to the sport.

Home games are played indoors at the award-winning Grand Park Events Center in Westfield. Located above the south end zone is Grand Stand Sports Pub and Concessions, which is a family-friendly environment offering a full restaurant and bar stocked with local favorites. The 150seat space overlooks the action happening on the field, so you can fuel up and not miss any of the action. The pub will also host post-game celebration parties.

“Everybody’s welcome,” Tow says. “Meet the team, get an autograph, grab some grub and just celebrate community.”

The AlleyCats are one big family, if that family had 29 brothers.

Order tickets and follow the AlleyCats at myalleycats.com. For more on the American Ultimate Disc League, go to theaudl.com.