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North Carolina FC Ushers In New State Of Soccer

Club's GM Curt Johnson discusses some big changes in Cary
Matthew Levine (@NASLInsider} | Feb 8, 2017

Photo credit: North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC is ushering in a new state of soccer in 2017. And it’s more than just a mindset.

During the offseason, the Carolina RailHawks rebranded, underlining their strong presence in one of the country’s most renowned soccer states.

“We wanted to create a brand that appealed to everyone in North Carolina,” North Carolina FC GM Curt Johnson told NASL.com.

The new logo pays homage to the club’s home state – like the wings for the Wright brothers’ flight and the acorn shape dedicated to the state’s capital – while keeping its roots in the Triangle area close. The logo’s star, harkening to the state flag, has one of its triangles accented in gold coloring.

Another huge component to the club’s offseason transformation has been the addition of an NWSL side, the North Carolina Courage, which will also take the field in 2017.

While there have been many changes in recent months, 2016 really set the stage for the new era during owner Steve Malik’s first full year.

“We tested a lot of things last year,” Johnson said. “We advertised in places we hadn’t advertised, and we did a lot of grassroots and millennial outreach.”

Two major milestones during the club’s 2016 season happened on the same night. Premier League side West Ham United played the club to a 2-2 draw in front of a sold-out crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park. During the friendly, at halftime, the club announced the arrival of Mexican international Omar Bravo.

While Bravo will not return for the club’s first season as North Carolina FC, what his signing represented should be a pillar for the club moving forward as well as potentially welcoming more top international sides to Cary.

“Absolutely,” Johnson said about hoping to have players of Bravo’s caliber in the team and hosting top European competition. “Those are two things that worked last year. They were two things that really pushed the envelope for us and were well received by the fans.”

In referencing the friendly, Johnson said: “We never hosted a Premier League team in the Triangle. That was a huge success story that raised the club and was impressive to Steve and myself.”

Another new addition was a regional television deal that helped the club reach fans in both North and South Carolina. The club also had a local TV presence through an additional partnership.

“Part of reaching our full potential as an organization is continuing to cultivate the brand,” Johnson said. “We have a great local partnership with WRAL – Capital Broadcasting – and a tremendous partnership with Time Warner Cable for our regional North and South Carolina broadcasts.”

The new state of soccer will debut at WakeMed Soccer Park on March 25, when North Carolina FC plays host to Miami FC.

“It’s about creating teams that fans can get more passionate about,” Johnson added.

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