Want a cheat sheet of relevant facts for FC Cincinnati’s admission into Major League Soccer (MLS)? Check out the details below on what we learned at Wednesday night’s press announcement.
FC Cincinnati will begin MLS play in 2019 – It was stated that the Orange & Blue will officially take the field for the 2019 MLS season. 2019 will mark the 24th season of the league which will be sending up to 30 players to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Next season is significant as FCC will be the only club to participate in 2019 Expansion Draft. Look for fellow expansion teams Nashville and Miami joining FCC as early as the 2020 season.
Franchise #26 – Commissioner Don Garber announced that FC Cincinnati will officially be the 26th team with Nashville and Miami earning the 24th and 25th designations.
Season Ticket Priority – Current FC Cincinnati Season Ticket Members will have priority in the seat selection process for the team’s inaugural 2019 MLS season should they decide to renew. Fans without priority at this time can earn a priority for the 2019 season by purchasing pro-rated 2018 season tickets, which will be available through June 30th.
2019 Season Tickets Go On Sale – FC Cincinnati will be taking deposits for 2019 season tickets beginning on Monday, July 2nd. Non-current season ticket holders will need to place a $50 deposit to be placed in a priority line to purchase seats at Nippert Stadium. Current season ticket members DO NOT have to place a season ticket deposit for 2019.
Unknown Conference – During the upcoming months, Major League Soccer will announce which conference FC Cincinnati will join in 2019. The league is currently made up of two conferences with the West being comprised of 12 clubs and the East with 11. MLS must also work out where Nashville and Miami best fit in the future with a potential Columbus to Austin relocation possible.
21,000 Seat Stadium – Wednesday’s press release did confirm that the club is working toward a 21,000 seat soccer-specific stadium in the West End Community. The stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2021 season with the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium being a temporary home.
Mercy Health – The FC Cincinnati ownership group has touted significant support from the business community from the beginning. Next season’s jersey sponsor shows that local business have bought into the regions newest major league team at a high level. Mercy Health has signed a deal that will rival that of Atlanta’s American Family Insurance. Having a lucrative jersey partner will help offset some of the financial losses FCC will incur playing in their temporary venue.
Adidas – Not much of a surprise, FC Cincinnati will be moving to Adidas as their apparel and kit provider once in Major League Soccer. Some Adidas FCC gear was present in Wednesday night’s venue with club personnel including the DJ wearing some of the new apparel to be offered.
Additional MLS Announcement Coverage
Wait Is Over: MLS Welcomes FCC for 2019 Season – by: @rspeirce
FC Cincinnati Fan Reaction to MLS Announcement – by: @trishapocalypse
@bryanweigel for @CincySoccerTalk
Recommended for you
