FC Cincinnati on Wednesday announced the name of its soon-to-debut stadium in the West End: TQL Stadium, with the official naming rights going to Total Quality Logistics, an international freight transportation and logistics company based in Cincinnati.
"We are thrilled to partner with TQL, a highly respected business that has grown from a start-up to industry leader, right here in the Queen City," FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding said in a release.
During the official unveiling before a snow-covered pitch, Berding added it was important to have a Cincinnati-based company as the naming partner "to reflect our hometown. We wanted a Cincinnati-based company to get the national and international recognition that comes with putting their name on what will be the best soccer stadium in the United States."
The multi-year naming rights partnership includes exterior and interior signage and a seating zone. The stadium's lighting technology are unique to the stadium — architects say the 700-foot lights will create a new experience every time fans attend a game — and will feature the company's logo moving across the stadium exterior.
"TQL Stadium is an investment in Cincinnati," TQL President Kerry Byrne said in a release. "The city means a great deal to us. It is where we were founded and have been headquartered since 1997 — we are thrilled to have one of the most incredible stadiums in the country here, which will have our name on it."
TQL Stadium is set to have its ribbon-cutting ceremony May 1. The stadium will have a capacity of 26,000, but to start, will be capped at 30% capacity due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The stadium will have a grass surface, which FC Cincinnati hopes will make it a candidate to host FIFA events, including World Cup Qualifiers. A roof covers every seat in the stadium and is said to help contain noise, a concern for the West End community and nearby arts organizations.