The Abilene Flying Bison take pride in being a family-friendly environment. From delicious concession stand food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and mini games between innings, there’s something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
John Stark, President and General Manager of the team, strives to be the “most family-friendly organization in all of baseball” and it’s evident in every interaction with their fans. The organization works toward this goal in every game by trying to engage their supporters, the Flying Faithful, as much as possible. There are mini-games fans can participate in during each home game including the concession race (a staple for Flying Bison games) and obstacle course.
The Flying Bison also have two emcees, Stacie and Caleb, at every home game who work hard to keep the Flying Faithful smiling. Between each inning, the duo host activities for fans to participate in.
One of the most popular activities at a Bison game is the concession race that takes place on the field during the middle of the 6th inning. Four fans are chosen to don mascot costumes representing popular concession stand foods – hot dog, pretzel, popcorn, and hamburger. The four contestants line up down the first base line and race towards the stands, with the winner receiving a prize such as a t-shirt or baseball. The event has brought smiles not only to those competing in the race, but also the players and fans watching the race from the stands. There’s just something exciting and funny about four people in food costumes running as fast as they can while everyone guesses which food will win.
The obstacle course is another activity for the Flying Faithful to enjoy. Two fans (often children because of the focus on being family-friendly) are chosen to compete in a mini obstacle course on the field after the during the fourth inning. The participants must begin by putting their foreheads on a bat and spinning around many times to create a dizzy sensation before hastily stepping through inflatable tires and making their way to hula hoops. The competitors then hula hoop several times then jump rope before making their way back to the beginning of the course to high-five Bomber. The person who high-fives Bomber first is declared the winner and receives a prize for their efforts.
While all fans are eligible to compete in these activities, there are some that are exclusive to the youngest Bison fans in the Flying Bison Co-Pilot Club. The Co-Pilot Club is a one-of-a-kind membership that includes limited-edition apparel, discounts for Bison Camp, and access to run the bases at the historic Walt Driggers field on Sundays. The club is for all junior pilots 12 years old or younger and it costs $20 for one member or $40 for two or more.
“The Co-Pilot Club was a great way to immediately get my kids into the new baseball team,” said one parent of a Co-Pilot Club member. “It helps the kids feel included and shows that the Flying Bison really want the community to be a part of what they’re doing.”
The 2025 Co-Pilot Club includes the following items:
- Limited edition Co-Pilot Club t-shirt and bison horns hat
- Beau Bison Drawstring bag
- Sunday Stampede access where junior pilots who wear their Co-Pilot shirts can get in the game for free as well as run the bases before or after the game on Sundays
- Autographed photo of Bomber and Beau
By focusing on being a family-friendly baseball organization, the Flying Bison can attract fans of all ages to show that baseball is for everyone.
Anyone interested in signing up for the 2025 Abilene Flying Bison Co-Pilot Club can do so by completing this form. For questions, please contact Info@AbileneFlyingBison.com.
