1st Source Bank recently announced a partnership with the South Bend Cubs that brings together two award-winning organizations that have a distinct commitment to customers and fans across Northern Indiana.
The extensive partnership first got off the ground in the fall of 2016 and quickly took shape heading into 2017. For 1st Source Bank, a sponsor and supporter of the South Bend Cubs since their first season in 1988, their mission to serve communities throughout the region aligns directly with the values of the Class-A, minor league organization.
Minor league baseball, while still attracting passionate fans, carries a level of pure entertainment with it that appeals to families and die-hard fans alike.
“We were approached by South Bend Cubs owner, Andrew Berlin, in September because they had identified an opportunity to seek out the best, most well-reputed companies in South Bend for a partnership,” said 1st Source Bank Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Mather. “They sought out a South Bend company that shared the same level of community involvement and commitment that they did in terms of having a similar mission.”
“It’s not just about being here to make money, but being here to make money to make the community better, to provide a place for our youth and families, and to provide the best entertainment,” Mather added. “We’re very similar in terms of our interests in being good community citizens. It all stems from the basics of delivering good value, being genuine and authentic, and catering to, and serving, the local community.”
South Bend Cubs owner, Andrew Berlin, spoke about the partnership in early April, saying, “This is a celebration of a commitment by an organization, in this case, 1st Source Bank, not just to baseball, not just to the South Bend Cubs, and not just to the Performance Center; it’s a commitment to the community. Part of the success that the South Bend Cubs has had in this region is not just because we brought great baseball and we brought the Cubs to South Bend. Sure, that’s part of it, but the commitment of our organization to the community, to further the development of the community, to further the culture of the community, and to provide a place where families and friends can create memories.”
Improvements to Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, includes new seating, added entertainment opportunities, and the addition of the 17,000 square foot 1st Source Bank Performance Center, and makes it an incredible place to visit and catch a game.
“It’s very family oriented,” added Sara Jenning from 1st Source Bank. “There are tons of things to do for kids at the park. There are bounce houses, a water park playground, and then the Performance Center where you can hit balls and play ball for a bit. It’s here for softball players too!”
The 1st Source Bank Performance Center was completed in April of 2015 and, according to the South Bend Cubs’ official website, “This massive 17,000 square foot building is unsurpassed in professional amenities and usable space for athletes who want superior training to enhance their game. At the 1st Source Bank Performance Center, players will be training in the same professional setting as the South Bend Cubs; no other facility is as advanced and can make that claim. Their professional trainers will build customized plans for one-on-one lessons or group clinics.”
Berlin also spoke about the 1st Source Bank Performance Center in saying, “The Performance Center is an opportunity that 1st Source has taken to invest in a place where people can build skills, build life skills. It’s for children, it’s for people who want to practice and get better at something, and know that hard work is a part of that. The Performance Center is where that all happens.”
In bringing the partnership together and outlining the mission, the organization's looked at similar baseball-related partnerships around the country, and then looked at ways that they could take the engagement and the fans’ enjoyment opportunities even further.
One big part of the 1st Source Bank/South Bend Cubs partnership is the Cubs 1st Club checking account and Club Membership Card with 1st Source that offers members an array of experiences and opportunities to get more engaged with the two organizations.
“We’re really having fun with that,” said Mather of the Cubs 1st Club. “We looked at what the standard was and then how we could go better by far. The intent is to help the community create a club, of sorts, around showing support for your local Cubs team. It’s for all walks of life to be a part of and you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to get involved.”
“Not only do we have something more, but we have a lot more!” Mather continued. “You use your Club Membership Card in-person at the ballpark and you get 10% off on basically every purchase except for alcohol. Whether it’s branded as Chicago Cubs or South Bend Cubs, you’ll get 10% off.”
For Cubs 1st Club members, 1st Source Bank also gives away things like free batting cage hours at the Performance Center, invitations to be preferred guests at player mix and mingle sessions, and, just recently, one member got the opportunity to enjoy a game from the 1st Source Bank suite at the stadium. Game attendees have also benefitted from the partnership through Special Edition Cracker Jack’s and hooded 1st Source ponchos, which are made available on rainy days.
Along with discounts on tickets, merchandise, special event tickets like concerts, and Performance Center services, the Club Membership Card debit card and checks come with unique, baseball-themed Cubs designs, featuring the South Bend Cubs mascot “Stu,” the South Bend Cubs’ logo, or a batter swinging at the ball.
There is a great deal of substance that comes with being a Cubs 1st Club member and that’s something that 1st Source has worked really hard to make a reality. Real people are getting the chance to participate and take advantage of all the great opportunities that both organizations are making available to fans.
Recently, 1st Source Bank reached one Cubs 1st Club member to let him know that he had the chance to throw out the first pitch at a game. 1st Source then made it possible for the gentleman and his family to come out and throw out the first pitch, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that they’ll not soon forget.
“We’ve been involved here, in this stadium since day one,” said 1st Source Bank President, Jim Seitz. “For us to be able team up with the South Bend Cubs and the Performance Center is something that we take a great deal of pride in, and as Andrew (Berlin) said, it does fit our mission.”
It’s a quick trip to St. Joseph County to visit Coveleski Stadium and see the Class-A South Bend Cubs which, for many across Northwest Indiana, is a much easier prospect than travelling to the north side of Chicago.
To find out how you can become a Cubs 1st Club member, click here!
