Atlanta United unveils new 2019 kits
ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - MLS Cup champions Atlanta United is getting a new look for the new season. The team unveiled their new 2019 season kits to season ticket members at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Friday night.
They call it the “Stars & Stripes” kit which features a gold championship star above the team’s crest to symbolize the 2018 MLS Cup Championship. American Family Insurance continues as the official kit sponsor of Atlanta United.
“We’re truly excited about the ‘Star & Stripes’ kit as it blends our iconic stripes alongside a championship star, something we’re proud to have accomplished in just our second season,” Atlanta United Club President Darren Eales was quoted as saying in a release sent to FOX 5 News. “While the star represents what we’ve already accomplished, the kit also shows a glimpse of what’s to come. We’re just as eager as our supporters for our third season to begin, starting with our club making its debut in Concacaf Champions League next week.”
Guests during the unveiling included speakers Arthur Blank, President Darren Eales, head coach Frank de Boer, as well as Atlanta United players Brad Guzan, Michael Parkhurst, Josef Martinez, and Pity Martinez. Josef and Pity Martinez , as well as Atlanta United Unified player Antonio Guzman, rapper Fabo and season ticket member Erin Prentice helped with the actual unveiling.
“I love the jersey. The star and the stripes celebrate what we have accomplished, as the 2018 MLS Cup Champions,” Josef Martinez said. “We earned it together and we play for you, Atlanta.”
The jerseys are said to be the most progressive, top-of-the-line performance in sports. They are designed to be battle heat be breathable with quick-dry fabrics.
There is, however, a deeper meaning behind the appearance:
“The front of the jersey features the club’s iconic stripes in victory red and black. The stripes stand for what the club will conquer as it continues to redefine history. The new gold championship star is found above the club’s crest, featuring the classic 5-stripe design behind the gold ‘A.’ The ‘17’ mark along the jock tag of the jersey represents the ‘17s’— fans who helped break every attendance record in MLS Regular Season, MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS All-Star history.”
Fans are able to actually scan various logos on the jerseys to access exclusive online content using augmented reality technology. That content will be updated all season long.
Atlanta United opens its 2019 season in Concacaf Champions League against C.S. Herediano on Thursday, Feb. 21. The team opens MLS Regular Season at D.C. United on Sunday, March 3.