Chattanooga's new pro soccer organization wants the public's help naming the team.
Team owner Bob Martino and Sean McDaniel, president and general manager, launched a contest today to involve the community in the city's newest franchise, according to a news release.
"We want our community to help us create a name that fully embodies and empowers our city," Martino said. "We're excited to add a professional team to Chattanooga's sports scene and invite soccer fans, athletes, children, families and all citizens to submit names that reflect our community, its history and our future."
The new team was announced Aug. 1.
Kicking off today, the "Name Your Team" contest invites community members to submit names and a coinciding story in support of their pick for the United Soccer League soccer team name. Names could include historical figures or events rooted in Chattanooga history, native species or animals with a unique origin in the region, local natural formations or landmarks, values that capture the spirit of Chattanooga's people or any submission containing a supporting story.
"Chattanooga is a soccer city, and it's also a creative community that's accomplished many milestones because of coordinated efforts," McDaniel said. "By helping name the professional soccer team, our community has a part in expressing who we are as a city and where we're going together."
The first round begins today and closes Aug. 29. Voting for the top three submissions will open Aug. 31. The name and logo will be unveiled at an upcoming public celebration this fall in Chattanooga.
To make submissions, visit www.chattanoogaprosoccer.com or access the link through social media by following @ChattanoogaSocc on Twitter, @ChattanoogaProSoccer on Instagram, and Chattanooga Pro Soccer on Facebook.