Red Bull Company Limited, the Austrian company that produces the world's leading energy drink, today finalized an agreement to purchase the MetroStars of Major League Soccer and partner with AEG on the construction of the team's soccer-specific stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. With the purchase, the team will be re-branded as "Red Bull New York", including a new logo, uniforms and team colors to take effect immediately.
Red Bull's agreement with AEG, the team's former investor-operator, was approved by the MLS Board of Governors today, and includes the two companies joining together to invest in the custom-built stadium for the team in Harrison. As part of the agreement, Red Bull also purchased naming rights to the soccer-specific stadium. Red Bull will have a 50 percent ownership stake in the facility, and AEG will remain responsible for constructing, managing and booking the venue.
"The addition of Red Bull into our group of owners is a landmark moment for Major League Soccer and for all Tri-State area soccer fans," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz brings international credibility and proven, innovative marketing expertise to Major League Soccer. His presence on the MLS Board of Governors provides another authentic, avid soccer fan to our diversifying set of investors."
Red Bull New York's team emblem, unveiled today on www.newyorkredbulls.com, features two bulls charging toward a soccer ball. The team opens its 2006 campaign on Sunday, April 2 against D.C. United at RFK Stadium (5 p.m. ET). The team's home opener at Giants Stadium is Saturday, April 8 against the New England Revolution (7:30 p.m.). The Red Bull New York uniforms will be unveiled soon.
With Red Bull's eastern regional offices located in Hoboken, N.J., its commitment to the metropolitan New York area team suits both the company and Major League Soccer. In recent years, Red Bull has increased its investment in professional sports, including NASCAR, extreme sports and Formula One auto racing. In professional soccer, it has transformed Red Bull Salzburg into one of Austria's leading first division clubs by signing impact players and using innovative marketing to increase attendance.
