For the first time as an MLS franchise, the Seattle Sounders will not wear Xbox jerseys. On Thursday, it was announced that Seattle-based online retailer Zulily will be the jersey sponsor for both the Sounders and Seattle Reign FC, signaling a landmark partnership between the local company and two soccer franchises. From a surprise announcement at Zulily headquarters, to Stefan Frei hanging out Pike Place Market, to an aerial advertisement of the new-look jersey, plenty of things went down the past couple days. Let's catch up.
Wednesday Afternoon
One day before it was publicly revealed, select members of the Seattle Sounders’ organization unveiled the newly embellished kits to an energetic crowd at Zulily’s headquarters in downtown Seattle. Initially, Zulily’s executive staff, led by CEO Jeff Yurcisin and CMO Kevin Saliba, revealed the company’s new logo. Suddenly, “Salute to the Olympians,” the Sounders’ theme song for over 40 years, piped through the speakers and soccer players entered from both sides of the stage.
“We are so excited to have you join our family,” Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer told the audience. “To be connected in this way, the Sounders, the Reign, Zulily – it’s such an exciting partnership to us.”
READ: Sounders FC revealed jersey sponsorship to Zulily employees in surprise announcement
Thursday Morning
Early Thursday morning, lockers began to pop up at notable locations around downtown Seattle.
Thursday, 12 p.m. PT
At Olympic Sculpture Park's PACCAR Pavilion, media and select guests filled the room in eager anticipation of the club's reveal. After opening remarks from broadcaster Matt Johnson, a video highlighting key moments over the past 10 seasons displayed on a big screen near the stage...
Thursday Afternoon
Remember those lockers from earlier in the day? Stefan Frei, Will Bruin, Jordan McCrary and Harry Shipp showed up to hang with the fans that had gathered.
And yes, there was even a plane that flew throughout the Puget Sound with a giant Rave Green Zulily jersey.
