Louisville, KY – In a spectacular fusion of sports and tradition, Louisville City FC made headlines with a limited-edition jersey that commemorated the 150th Kentucky Derby.

The club are a professional soccer team based in Louisville, Kentucky, competing in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States. 

The club chose to collaborate with Admiral Sports to make their own club branded event jersey.  In the past the club has made both Breast Cancer and Pride jerseys with Admiral.

Limited Edition Event Merchandise raises awareness and revenue.

“Our theme nights are meant to reach different audiences and raise awareness. We’ve done breast cancer and pride game jerseys in the past.  We work with local organizations to raise awareness of our club, their cause and to make everybody feel welcome at our stadium and feel involved in something bigger.” Said Rachel Regenauer, Brand Manager at Louisville City.

“The goal is to make something that’s different and something that hasn’t been done before like our “Love XI” campaign as a reference to the starting eleven starting players and the eleven colors on the Pride flag.”

Thousands of dollars were raised from jerseys auctions after players wore the jerseys in special event games and then signed the jerseys. 

“I do love the customization options with Admiral, having that really helps us get creative we’re able to push boundaries with our design capabilities and make white label club branded merchandise and not every brand gives us that option…It helps us do what we want and not have any limitations.  Plus the price point and turnaround time are better than others. I haven’t seen anything that works as well”

Louisville City Jerseys Celebrate 150th Kentucky Derby Triumph

This year the club worked with Admiral to craft exclusive jerseys that not only capture the spirit of one of America's most iconic horse races but also set a new benchmark for event-themed sportswear.

A Stylish Tribute to a Historic Event

Released in conjunction with the Derby’s milestone anniversary, the jersey features a design that pays homage to the rich heritage of the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a closer look at the design elements:

• Horse & Jockey Pattern: The sleeves of the jersey are adorned with a dynamic repeating pattern of horses and jockeys, celebrating the central figures of the Derby.
• Rose Motif: The body of the jersey boasts a repeating pattern of roses, a nod to the Derby's famous "Run for the Roses" tradition. The red roses symbolize the victory and elegance associated with the race.

• 150th Anniversary Logo: At the heart of the jersey, the front center chest showcases the 150th Kentucky Derby anniversary logo in a striking Vegas gold. This detail not only adds a touch of sophistication but also highlights the significance of the occasion.

The Sell-Out Success

The jerseys were an instant hit, both online and at games, selling out almost immediately after their release. Fans and collectors were eager to own a piece of this unique collaboration, reflecting the deep connection between the local soccer community and the Derby’s storied history. Due to overwhelming demand and numerous requests on social media, Louisville City FC decided to order a second batch of these limited-edition jerseys, which were also quickly snapped up.

The design of the jersey was not just a nod to the Derby's anniversary but also a celebration of the partnership between the Derby and the club. This partnership included various activations around Derby Week, and the custom jerseys were part of a Kentucky Derby-themed soccer match held by the club.

“Admiral has a quick turnaround and customizable options and were the ideal partner for this special project. Their flexibility in design and production allowed us to produce high-quality, branded jerseys without minimum order requirements quickly.” Said Regenauer.

This capability ensures that clubs of all sizes can leverage Admiral Sports' factory for their own event-themed jerseys.

The Kentucky Derby, which traces its origins back to the Epsom Derby of 1780, has evolved over the years while maintaining its status as America's longest-running sporting event. The Derby’s resilience through world wars, economic downturns, and other challenges underscores its significance in American culture. It remains a spectacle where the elite meet, and where the race itself is only one part of the broader celebration of tradition, fashion, and entertainment.

In essence, the custom jerseys from Admiral Sports symbolized more than just a fashionable tribute; they connected Louisville City FC and its fans to a storied tradition, blending the excitement of soccer with the timeless allure of horse racing. This creative collaboration was a testament to how sports and local culture can come together to celebrate significant milestones in memorable and impactful ways.

A Call to Action for Clubs Across the USA. “Admiral Sports’ commitment to high-quality, customizable apparel makes it easy for clubs to enhance their connection with fans and their communities through unique and meaningful jerseys. Whether for special events, community support, or celebrations, these custom jerseys offer a powerful way for clubs to make a statement and engage with their audiences.” Said Paul Hamburger Owner of Admiral Sports and their factory. 

This article has highlighted the success of Louisville City FC’s 150th Kentucky Derby jerseys and encouraged other clubs to explore unique event jerseys with Admiral Sports. For more information on custom jerseys and how to order, please call toll free 888 646 6822 or see, www.admiral-sports.com