The city's new United Soccer League professional team announced its official name as the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club on Monday.
The team outsourced the selection of the name to the community, with the Red Wolves, Chattanooga Express, Chattanooga Generals, Chattanooga Ironhorses and Sporting Chattanooga being the finalists.
"The level of engagement from not only local soccer fans but the greater community in naming our club is energizing," president and general manager Sean McDaniel said in a news release. "We are excited to share the name with fans, as this is one of the many milestones for our professional soccer club. We plan to continue our engagement with the community as we further develop the brand and crest, which we will ultimately reveal and celebrate at a later date."
According to the news release, red wolves are "native to the Southeastern United States and one of the most endangered species in the world. They have a unique presence in Chattanooga, which has rallied around not only saving the red wolves but creating an environment for the animals to thrive. Chattanooga plays a major role in protecting these beautiful and resilient creatures through the work of the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, which is one of only 41 wildlife sanctuaries in the nation, which houses the species."
The team, which begins play in 2019, will next reveal its crest and colors, along with roster and schedule announcements.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.