Proceeds to support LSC’s Playing it Forward sports equipment program
April 9, 2025 – Louisville, Ky. – The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) has partnered with the Louisville Bats on a new 50/50 raffle that kicks off today at the Bats’ noon game. Raffle proceeds support the LSC’s Playing it Forward sports equipment program.
“We’re thrilled to work with our partners at the Louisville Bats to kick off this new 50/50 raffle,” said Greg Fante, Louisville Sports Commission president and CEO. “And we’re even more excited that Bats’ fans can help kids in Louisville’s marginalized neighborhoods have access to recreational-level sports – just by purchasing a raffle ticket.”
The 50/50 raffle will take place during three of the Bats’ 2025 homestands: April 9-12, July 1-3 and Sept. 17-20. Potential winnings accumulate throughout each three-day raffle window with the winners being drawn two hours after the first pitch of the third game. Tickets can be purchased in the stadium or online at https://sportsinlou5050.com/. The winner does not need to be present at the drawing.
“The Bats have supported the Sports Commission’s Playing it Forward initiative since 2020, so we were all-in at the chance to help increase awareness about the program,” said Greg Galiette, Louisville Bats president and CEO. “Our fans have stepped up and donated equipment, we hope they continue to show support with the purchase of a raffle ticket.”
Playing it Forward is an on-going program where the LSC works with its partners to collect new and outgrown sports equipment, shoes and wearables. The LSC then distributes these items to boys and girls in Louisville’s marginalized neighborhoods where cost of equipment is a barrier to sports. Since the program’s inception, the LSC has collected and redistributed more than 13,500 items to local kids.
Playing it Forward is one of four programs currently housed within the LSC’s Louisville Active initiative. The mission of these programs is to promote a culture of active lifestyles in our community as a pathway to a healthier, more productive life and are primarily focused on removing barriers that prevent youth from being active and/or participating in recreational-level sports.
For more information about Playing it Forward or any of the Louisville Active initiatives, contact Lisa Mills at 502-689-2976 or lmills@louisvillesports.org.
