The Gary SouthShore RailCats are proud to announce a new, multi-year partnership with Wintrust Financial Corporation (Wintrust), naming Wintrust as the Exclusive Banking Partner of the organization.
This comprehensive partnership will bring enhanced fan experiences, community engagement initiatives, and meaningful local impact throughout the 2026 season and beyond.
“Wintrust shares our commitment to community, family, and creating memorable experiences,” said RailCats General Manager Anthony Giammanco. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach and continue delivering first-class entertainment while making a real difference across Northwest Indiana.”
As part of the agreement, Wintrust will receive prominent branding throughout Steel Yard. Fans can also look forward to a replica jersey giveaway on Friday, July 31 and Rusty bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, August 29. Wintrust will also serve as the presenting partner of Friday Night Fireworks, one of the RailCats’ most popular promotions.
The partnership also places a strong emphasis on community impact. Wintrust will provide 250 tickets to a local non-profit organization for every Friday home game. In addition, one Northwest Indiana non-profit per game will receive the opportunity to be the “Non-Profit of the Game” and table at a home game, courtesy of Wintrust.
“Wintrust is pleased to partner with the Gary RailCats,” said Kam Kniss, Executive Vice President and Senior Market Head, Wintrust Community Banking. “As a community bank, we focus on partnering with organizations committed to making our cities and neighborhoods great places to live, work and have fun. Our partnership with the RailCats supports a great baseball experience as well as opportunities to ensure those in the community have a chance to enjoy a game at the Steel Yard.”
Beyond the ballpark, Wintrust and the RailCats will collaborate on several youth-focused initiatives, including:
- Summer Reading Program in partnership with local library systems, highlighted by appearances from RailCats players and Rusty the RailCat
- School Day Game partnership, including financial literacy and educational materials for participating schools
- RailCats Youth Baseball Camp instructed by RailCats coaches and player
Season ticket packages and group hospitality offerings for the 2026 season can be reserved by calling (219)-882-2255 or emailing info@railcatsbaseball.com. The RailCats Home Opener is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 6:45pm against the Cleburne Railroaders with post-game fireworks presented by Wintrust.
About Wintrust
Wintrust is a financial holding company with $71 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results®” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges. For more information, please visit www.wintrust.com.
