Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sports Minor League topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
McKinney Chupacabras say inaugural season exceeded goals, announce April rebrand and stadium exploration
Summary
Owner Michael Hitchcock told the Visit McKinney board the minor-league team's inaugural season averaged about 3,500 fans, sold more than 5,000 merchandise items and generated 4.45 million social impressions; he announced an April 1, 2026 rebrand and early planning for a dedicated pitch or small multipurpose stadium.
Michael Hitchcock, owner, president and general manager of the McKinney Chupacabras, told the Visit McKinney board on Nov. 25 that the team's inaugural season exceeded internal targets and set the foundation for expansion. "We are going to become the McKinney Inflatable Turkeys," Hitchcock said, announcing a planned April 1, 2026 rebrand. He described the season as community-driven and data-informed, noting that the team prioritized local sponsorships and neighborhood-focused game-day experiences.
Hitchcock provided metrics to support the case for growth: the team averaged close to 3,500 fans per game at Ron Poe Stadium, peaked at a single-game attendance of 4,192, maintained more than 1,000 season-seat holders and sold over 5,000 merchandise items. He said the club recorded about 4,450,000 social media impressions during the season and that low ticket prices (typical single-game tickets $10–$12; season-seat packages $100 for adults and $80 for youth, which include a jersey) helped accessibility and attendance. Hitchcock said sponsors included local businesses such as Lockwood Distilling Company, Tufts Brewery and Texas Credit Union and described a strategy of co-branded promotions to drive downtown economic activity.
Looking ahead, Hitchcock said the club is in exploratory talks about building a small, multipurpose stadium and is considering a permanent 7v7 pitch at Tufts Brewery for community programming. He also said the organization has acquired rights to a women's professional team and has up to five years to exercise those rights. The presentation emphasized community engagement — player appearances, youth camps and local bands and food trucks on game days — as central to the club's model.
Hitchcock closed by inviting board and community members to several upcoming dates: a jersey reveal Dec. 4 and a public World Cup draw watch party at the ProRail soccer shop on Dec. 5. He framed the rebrand and facility conversations as the next stage following a successful first year.
