CINCINNATI – Ahead of the start of the MLS season, both of Ohio’s franchises have revealed new kits (or jerseys) fans can expect to see on pitches multiple times over the next year.
On Wednesday, both FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew held digital and in-person events to show off their newest uniforms.
What You Need To Know
- FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both have new kits for the 2023 MLS season
- The theme of Cincinnati's jersey is the Ohio River, while the Crew's emphasizes speed
- Both teams begin their 2023 MLS campaign on Feb. 25
FC Cincinnati
The Orange and Blue debuted its River Kit at a private event at the TQL Stadium team store. The kit will serve as the club’s primary uniform for the 2023 season.
The design is a tribute to the Ohio River and Cincinnati’s historic connection to it, according to a statement from FC Cincinnati.
A collection of variable-width lines in several tones of blue run across the chest of the jersey. The imagery gives the appearance of depth and light reflection on water, according to the team.
A Cincinnati wordmark on the back neck represents the bridges that connect the team’s regional fanbase spread across parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The jock tag — a piece of material at the bottom of the jersey — features an illustration of the iconic John A. Roebling Bridge.
“Showcasing these famous landmarks throughout Cincinnati, the River Kit embodies FC Cincinnati’s connection to the community, and that the club is 'All for Cincy,'” the team’s statement read in part.
FC Cincinnati’s crest is above the left hem on the jersey and the Adidas logo is above the right hem. The team’s primary sponsor, Mercy Health, remains in the center of the jersey. It also has Adidas’ famed 3-Stripes design in white on both shoulders. It also has orange trim on the neck and sleeve cuffs.
Player uniforms will have a Kroger patch on the right sleeve. All 29 MLS clubs will have the MLS crest and the Apple TV logo on their left sleeve this season, per the team statement.
The rest of the uniform includes mostly navy blue shorts and socks.
The new uniform replaces the primary navy blue Dynamic Kit from the past two seasons. FC Cincinnati will wear the new kit as well as the orange Juncta Juvant Kit from last year.
FC Cincinnati plans to debut the River Kit at home on Feb. 25 against Houston Dynamo FC. This is the first home season-opener in club history.
Columbus Crew
In Ohio’s state capital, Crew officials unveiled its VeloCITY kit designed by Adidas.
The inspiration for this secondary kit stems from notions of speed and movement, according to the club. In a statement, the franchise said they “[look] to take the energy and passion of its home city of Columbus with them on the road.”
“[It] reflects Columbus as a city on the rise and makes a nod to the energy of the neighborhoods we are proud to call home,” said Kristin Bernert, the Crew’s president of business operations.
The chest of the kit has a black-on-gray isometric checkerboard design meant to be seen through a lens of speed and velocity. The goal is to evoke an appearance of movement, according to the club. The checkerboard, which is often used during motor races, has become synonymous with the Crew since the team debuted in the MLS’ inaugural season in 1996.
Embossed on the yellow tape down the side is the phrasing “never stand still,” a mantra the franchise believes reflects its commitment to continued growth. Fans will see “The Crew” italicized and transformed to be rising as one reads it on the jock tag at the hip.
This black kit pairs with the Gold Standard kit Crew debuted last season. The front and center of both jerseys features the club’s jersey sponsor, Nationwide. The right sleeve has a Tipico Sportsbook patch.
As part of their reveal, Crew also announced a partnership with a local nonprofit, the Columbus Fashion Alliance, to secure local fashion designers, photographers and videographers to create and showcase a small capsule of merchandise inspired by the new kit.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Columbus Fashion Alliance and local emerging designers to highlight the incredible creative talent that exists in Columbus, one of the top fashion communities in the country,” Bernert said.
Columbus begins its regular season on the road on Feb. 25 against Philadelphia Union. The team’s first home match is March 4 versus D.C. United.
Additional images of the FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew kits are available on the teams' respective websites.