A fighter pilot with a Summerlin backdrop is depicted on the Aviators logoaviators
The Triple-A PCL Las Vegas 51s are "no more," as the team, which is majority-owned by Howard Hughes Corp., "officially has been renamed -- and repackaged -- as the Aviators," according to Ron Kantowski of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. The team's new nickname is a "nod to Las Vegas' past as well as its baseball future." The name "ties in the aviation exploits and pursuits of former Las Vegan and corporation namesake Howard Hughes" with a new affiliation with the A's. It is "expected that the Aviators also will be referred to as the A's, enhancing the synergy between the team and its major league big brother." The team's new logo "depicts a modern fighter pilot, with the Summerlin backdrop reflected on his helmet visor." The new team colors of navy blue, orange and yellow "bring to mind those of the Houston Astros during their horizontal jersey stripe days" of the '70s (LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL, 12/9).
SIN CITY SYNERGY: In Las Vegas, John Katsilometes noted the Aviators and Golden Knights have "formed quite a neighborhood community in Summerlin." Aviators President & COO Don Logan said, "We actually met with the Knights' folks Tuesday, the first time we've actually sat down with them and said, 'Let's discuss opportunities.'" Katsilometes noted currently, the teams' "formal cross-promotion efforts have been the combined VGK/Las Vegas 51s baseball jersey issued at Cashman Field in September." The fact that Logan has known Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz since the mid-'90s is "helpful to the franchise's ongoing relationship" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 12/9).
