The home of the Rochester Rhinos has a new name, as it is becoming Capelli Sport Stadium for 2017 and beyond.
As part of the agreement, Capelli Sport will also become the uniform supplier of the Rhinos. Prior to this announcement, the USL franchise’s home had been through several name changes, and it was most recently known as Rochester Rhinos Stadium.
Rochester Rhinos Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 13,700, will become Capelli Sport Stadium through an agreement of the venue’s naming rights. In addition, all official club uniforms, training gear, merchandise, and fan wear will be provided by Capelli Sport. The agreement also calls for Capelli Sport to become the official uniform supplier for the Rochester Junior Rhinos, the club’s youth academy, beginning in August 2017.
“I am honored to welcome Capelli Sport to the city of Rochester as the official uniform supplier and stadium naming rights partner of the Rochester Rhinos,” said Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “This partnership will greatly enhance Rochester’s position as a regional destination for the growing legion of professional soccer fans, which will advance our goals of creating more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens.”
“This partnership demonstrates the commitment of Capelli Sport to both the Rhinos and our region,” said Rochester Rhinos Owner David Dworkin. “Wendy and I along with the entire Rhinos organization look forward to welcoming Capelli Sport and their brand to our community.”
Founded in 1996, the Rochester Rhinos are one of the most storied professional soccer clubs in North America. Entering their 22nd season, the Rhinos have won four league championships, the most recent coming in the 2015 USL season, and were the last non-MLS side to claim the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999.
Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by President George Altirs with the mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. More than 25 years in the apparel, fashion and accessory business with parent company GMA Accessories, led to the creation of Capelli Sport and many global recreational, club, semi-professional and professional sports partnerships through the brand’s innovative, world-class training gear, equipment and uniforms.
Altirs said the agreement will provide the Rochester Rhinos with sport-specific products that correspond with their club-wide objectives.
“We are excited to bring our high-level performance uniforms and training gear, which continue to support professional organizations around the world, to such an established and accomplished club as the Rochester Rhinos,” Altirs said.
“It’s a great fit for both Capelli Sport and the Rochester Rhinos,” added Capelli Sport’s Sporting Director, Jason Arnold. “We appreciate the history of the Rochester Rhinos and their ability to continuously provide a quality product, both on and off the field. We strive to adhere to the same initiatives with our existing partners and look forward to joining the capabilities of the Capelli Sport brand with this talented and proven organization.”