Case Study: The Ontario Tower Buzzers
How the Ontario Tower Buzzers Made Their Debut Count With HYPTE
The Challenge:
One-of-a-Kind Branded Products for a Very Selective Client
The Ontario Tower Buzzers, a Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, made their debut in Ontario, California in April 2026. The team plays at ONT Field, a new aviation-themed stadium built for their inaugural season.
First impressions matter when you’re introducing a new sports team to a community. Diamond Baseball Holdings, the owner of the team, wanted to build early excitement ahead of opening day and create the right buzz for the Tower Buzzers. They considered which audience would matter most ahead of the Tower Buzzers’ first season, and they partnered with HYPTE to create a unique, memorable campaign.
Starting With the Brand Story
The inspiration for the Tower Buzzers’ campaign came directly from the team’s identity. The name honors the nearby Ontario International Airport, which served as a World War II air base.
It also honors the iconic movie “Top Gun” and Maverick’s famous line about “buzzing the tower.”
The team’s mascot, Maverick, leans into that reference as well, wearing aviator glasses, a bomber jacket, and a red scarf.
All these colorful details gave HYPTE a strong starting point.
“What stood out most was the rich storytelling behind the brand, the Top Gun reference combined with a tribute to local aviation history, and a mascot named Maverick. This gave us a strong creative foundation and allowed us to build a cohesive, themed experience,” said Nicole Pastore, VP of marketing at HYPTE.
Turning a Theme Into an Experience
Once the theme was clear, the next step was to create a product package that would actually land with the right audience.
“The recipients included high-profile individuals across sports and entertainment, professional athletes, and actors,” Pastore said. “As ambassadors, they help amplify brand awareness and credibility through their influence and reach.”
That audience shaped everything. Product selection and cohesion were key to telling a clear brand story. These products needed to feel intentional and aligned with the moment.
“Rather than simply selecting items, we curated a cohesive experience that reflected the team’s identity, debut moment, and brand narrative,” Pastore said.
Designed for the Right Audience
To match the audience, it was important that the items selected were premium, desirable products that recipients would genuinely use and value. The final package included a Béis Weekender bag, a YETI travel mug, and a Challenge coin, all with the Tower Buzzers’ logo. To embrace the “Top Gun” influence, it also included Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses with a custom case.
This mix mattered. While well-known brands like Ray-Ban and YETI added familiarity to the package, the custom Challenge coin gave everything a more personal, commemorative feel. It also kept the team in front of people ahead of opening day, when attention is high.
“Everything came together to create a premium, memorable unboxing moment,” Pastore said.
From Concept to Launch
One of the strengths of this campaign was how quickly it came together. HYPTE presented their initial concepts in early February, the client approved direction by mid-month, and the final packages were delivered by April 1.
This timing put the experience in front of ambassadors right before opening day on April 2, and it helped build anticipation at the right moment.
Why This Approach Works
Focus. Passion. Expertise.
This project shows what can happen when a strong brand story leads the way. Every part of the experience, from the theme to the product selection, tied back to the story. When that connection is clear, people notice.
HYPTE approaches every project with a clear idea, a defined audience, and a focus on creating something people will actually remember. Thinking about your next big moment? HYPTE can help you build it.