Columbus Crew SC‘s kits will sport a new logo starting in 2017.
The club announced a landmark three-year jersey sponsorship deal with Acura, the luxury vehicle arm of Honda Motor Company, on Friday. The partnership represents the largest annual commercial transaction in Crew SC history.
.@Acura becomes #CrewSC’s Official Jersey Partner & Official Automotive Partner in 3-year sponsorship agreement.
➡️ https://t.co/ETg0kgFeca pic.twitter.com/ZCFlNaJoPp— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 24, 2017
Columbus Crew SC Announces Jersey Sponsorship Deal With Acura
Acura is the third company whose brand identity has donned the front of Crew SC’s jerseys. For the past five seasons, the team partnered with Barbasol, a popular shaving cream whose parent company, Perio, Inc., is based in Dublin, OH. Prior to that, Crew SC had a three-year shirt sponsorship pact with paint manufacturer Glidden from 2008-2010.
The historic partnership with Acura continues a trend towards expanding the business side of Crew SC under investor-operator Anthony Precourt and President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. Ahead of the 2015 season, the club secured a multi-year stadium naming rights deal with MAPFRE Insurance. Crew SC’s broadcast footprint has also experienced robust growth in this time.
Acura’s presence in the state of Ohio as a major employer is substantial. The automaker has manufacturing operations in Marysville and East Liberty as well as a research and development arm in Raymond. All three communities are in the vicinity of Columbus. In total, Acura employs over 10,000 workers in the area.
“The prestige of the Acura brand and company’s unwavering commitment to Central Ohio are powerful forces we are so honored to proudly stand alongside,” said Loughnane. “Acura and Columbus Crew SC are both committed to positively impacting our community, and this landmark partnership represents the collaborative capabilities of two brands that firmly believe in Ohio.”
The final game of the Crew SC preseason takes place Saturday when the Black and Gold face the Seattle Sounders in both teams’ third and final game of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Columbus can guarantee the best record in the tournament with a win. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET, with the game streaming on the club’s website.
A week later, the Black and Gold’s 22nd Major League Soccer campaign begins. Crew SC hosts their rival the Chicago Fire on March 4th with the game kicking off at 2 PM ET.
Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew SC Communications.
