Red Stars page homage to their city with their new custom jersey

CHICAGO – In a monumental year for women’s soccer, the Chicago Red Stars unveiled one of their most custom jerseys in their eleven-year history in the new Elevated Kit.

The Red Stars unveiled their new jersey for the 2019 NWSL season today in front of season ticket members and invited guests at an event at the Blind Barber with work done by The Times.

“This jersey is absolutely a pivotal moment in Red Stars history,” said Owner Arnim Whisler. “In a year with the Women’s World Cup and the player’s representing their countries, this breaks it down even more as a representation of Chicago. We were able to fully customize this year’s jersey top with the two crucial pieces of Chicago – the skyline and train system. Our team has always been known to have the top jerseys in the league and I think this year we continue to lead the way again. This jersey is more than just a jersey. It truly is a piece of Chicago and art and I am excited for the Chicago locals to finally see it.”

The Red Stars have always been proud to call Chicago their home the past 11 years, donning the stars and colors of the city’s flag on their jerseys, with the Elevated Kit continuing the tradition. With a pattern completely designed in-house by Red Stars graphic designer Anthony Guagliardo, it contains the entire Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ‘L’ train. Named the ‘L’ for the elevation of the tracks in Chicago, the jersey was named the “Elevated” jersey in honor of the train system in the city.

Photo by Dan Bartel

“Growing up in Chicago, I wanted to continue the strong tradition of the city’s themed jerseys for the Red Stars,” Guagliardo said. “I wanted to put my own spin to it and make it unique. I thought to incorporate the ‘L’ train pattern would be something unique to the city and stand out on a jersey. No one has really done something like that before so I spent hours trying to customize this pattern to exactly the look we have now. I hope not just Red Stars fans, but Chicago fans will love this and represent their city and their team.”

On the back, the pattern continues on the bottom of the jersey as the cities famous skyline is put on the back. The entire Chicago skyline graces the back of the jersey, adding in another design unique to Chicago and the Red Stars.

Photo by Dan Bartel

“Chicago has the best skyline in the world,” said Guagliardo. “I’ve seen a lot of teams put their city’s skyline somewhere.  I wanted to do the same and show off how amazing it looked. Just another small detail that makes this jersey 100% customized.”

The Elevated Kits will be Chicago’s primary home jersey for the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. Their first appearance will be in the home opener against Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, April, 20. You can purchase tickets to the doubleheader here.

The Elevated Kits are available for pre-order via Soccer2000 here.