Reno 1868 FC
 | |
| Full name | Reno 1868 Football Club[1] |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Stadium | Greater Nevada Field |
| Stadium capacity | 9,013 |
| Owner | Herbert Simon |
| Head Coach | Ian Russell |
| League | USL |
| 2017 | Inaugural Season |
| Website | Club home page |
Reno 1868 FC is an American professional soccer team based in Reno, Nevada. Founded in 2015, the team will make its debut in the United Soccer League in March 2017.
History
Previously, northern Nevada has had three other professional minor league soccer teams: Reno Rattlers, Northern Nevada Aces, and Nevada Wonders. Nevertheless, Reno now has a large youth soccer base and growing popularity of the sport. On September 16, 2015, USL announced that they would expand to Reno, Nevada starting in 2017. The club would be owned by Herbert Simon.[2]
To generate interest and increased fan involvement with a successful acquisition of a team, the new "USL Reno 2017" team would be named through a contest. Over 5,300 entries were submitted during a lengthened initial contest portion, followed by fans choosing from amongst the top six names: Reno FC, FC Reno, Reno Silver FC, Reno City FC, Reno United, or Reno 1868. The fans response refined the contest down to three finalists—Reno FC, Reno United, and Reno 1868—with the winner being Reno 1868 Football Club, a nod to the founding year of the City of Reno.[3]
On June 29, 2016, Reno 1868 announced a two-year partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS. It was also stated that San Jose would have control over the technical side of the club.[4] The team hired Earthquakes Assistant Coach Ian Russell as Head Coach on November 22, 2016. [5]
Colors and crest
The colors of Reno 1868 FC are Nevada Cobalt Blue, Silver Grey, and Light Gold, all colors featured on the Flag of Nevada. "With all home matches played on green grass, all of the colors of the flag will be represented on matchdays in Reno."[6] Similar to the naming of the club, the color choices were fan-driven.
Reno 1868's crest was released on May 25, 2016,[7] with the first kit being released on June 11, 2016.[8] SpineNevada, a local spine care facility, has signed a multi-year agreement as the team's kit sponsors.
Stadium
Reno 1868 FC will play home matches at Greater Nevada Field in Reno, Nevada, also home to the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League. Greater Nevada Field (formerly known as Aces Ballpark) is a 9,013-seat natural grass stadium. Aces management has already reported that the soccer pitch will be entirely grass, including over the baseball infield dirt.
Supporters
Reno 1868 FC's first independent supporters' group is known as the Battle Born Brigade.[9] The group gets its name from the wording "Battle Born" featured on the Flag of Nevada.
References
- ↑ ">"Reno 1868 Football Club (FC) as the official name". Reno 1868 FC. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
- ↑ ">"USL Announces 2017 Expansion Club in Reno". www.uslsoccer.com. Retrieved September 16, 2015.
- ↑ ">"USL Reno 2017 Name the Team". www.uslsoccer.com. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
- ↑ ">"Reno 1868 FC, San Jose Earthquakes agree to two-year affiliation". www.reno1868fc.com. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- ↑ "1868 FC Unveils Russell as First Head Coach". uslsoccer.com. November 22, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ↑ "Reno 1868 FC unveils team colors". reno1868fc.com. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
- ↑ "History in the Making as Liverpool FC U21's Visits Reno". reno1868fc.com. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ↑ "Reno 1868 FC Unveils Inaugural Jerseys". uslsoccer.com. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
- ↑ "Battle Born Brigade Facebook group".