The Chattanooga professional soccer organization is opening voting on the final five team names selected from community submissions through the "Name Your Team" contest.
Chattanooga Pro Soccer received more than 350 submissions, which included stories tied to the region's history, industry, native species and animals as well as its landmarks, music, art, values and spirit, according to a news release.
Beginning today, the following top five names will be open to the public for voting:
- Chattanooga Express
- Chattanooga Generals
- Chattanooga Ironhorses
- Chattanooga Red Wolves
- Sporting Chattanooga
"I am blown away at the range of names and creativity put into each submission," said Bob Martino, owner of Chattanooga's United Soccer League Division III professional team. "Chattanooga has a varied and interesting story, including its Civil War, Native American and locomotive history as well as its rise to protect its natural beauty and embrace its outdoor assets. The submissions wonderfully capture the heart and story of Chattanooga, and we're excited to have this level of engagement in naming the city's new professional sports team."
The new team was announced Aug. 1.
Following review of hundreds of submissions, the professional soccer organization decided to increase final voting to five options for the team name.
Voting will continue through Sept. 5. The professional soccer team name will be announced on Sept. 6. A public brand unveiling and community celebration will take place later this fall.