CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati cultural icons – FC Cincinnati and Skyline Chili – have announced a new partnership that will bring the region’s leading chili casual restaurant into Major League Soccer. Skyline will be the “Official Chili Partner of FC Cincinnati” beginning in 2019 and running through 2022 with the new partnership.
This four-year agreement includes in-stadium visual elements and concession stand space, as well as local broadcast inventory and digital media integration. Financial terms of the partnership were not released.
“Bring up the subject of chili in Cincinnati to anyone and Skyline immediately comes to mind,” Vince Cicero, FC Cincinnati Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Broadcasting, said. “For our fans and supporters, there is a natural connection between the two brands in this market and we’re so pleased to be able to extend this special relationship as we enter MLS in 2019.”
“Skyline Chili is honored to partner with FC Cincinnati as its official chili vendor,” said Sarah Sicking, director of marketing at Skyline Chili. “For nearly 70 years, Skyline has been dedicated to bringing family and friends together for an incredible meal and remarkable experience. We are excited to share this experience with FC Cincinnati fans as they cheer on the orange and blue for years to come.”
A testament to the excitement of FCC’s fanbase for Skyline, when the chili partner was initially announced as a late-season concession option at Nippert Stadium in the fall of 2018, the engagement levels of the social notifications alerting fans to the fact were among the club’s highest non-game performing posts of the month – a period which also included winning the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship.
The next time Cincinnati takes the field, it will be as MLS’ 24th team in March 2019 when the club debuts in the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada.
ABOUT FC CINCINNATI
FC Cincinnati is a professional soccer team that will begin play as Major League Soccer’s 24th team in 2019. The club’s ownership group is led by majority owner Carl H. Lindner III and also includes Scott Farmer and George Joseph. Launched in 2015 by Lindner III and current President and General Manager Jeff Berding, FCC began play in the USL in 2016. The club won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship in record-setting fashion, and earned postseason berths in all three of its USL seasons. In 2017, FC Cincinnati also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that included pair of victories over MLS squads. The team currently plays its home games at the historic Nippert Stadium on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, and has started construction on a soccer-specific stadium in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati that is expected to open in early 2021. | Follow the team on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, or visit the club’s official website: fccincinnati.com.
ABOUT SKYLINE CHILI
In 1949, Greek immigrant, Nicholas Lambrinides, began pursuing the American dream by serving his delicious secret recipes to appreciative customers. Since then, Skyline Cheese Coneys, 3-Ways and fast table-side service have been enjoyed by generations. Skyline Chili serves its signature products in over 135 restaurants and in thousands of grocery stores, making it one of the truly unique regional taste sensations in America. Skyline is dedicated to bringing friends and families together for an experience like no other. For further information, please visit skylinechili.com.
