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Colorado artist helps design new Rapids jersey

It's the first time in MLS history that a club has collaborated with a local artist on a kit design.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have a new secondary jersey for the 2023 season.

The Rapids said its "New Day" jersey features a bright, geometric design inspired by Colorado's sunrises and sunsets.

Co-designed by Denver-based artist Pat Milbery, the kit has a street art style with a geometric heart on the lower left front and a sunset icon on the back neck.

Milbery previously painted a custom mural for the club at Dick's Sporting Goods Park during the 2022 season.

"This is the first time in the history of MLS that a team has partnered with an artist to allow their jersey to be a canvas," Milbery said. "The Rapids are true pioneers in this sense because they appreciate art and the power it has to tell a bigger story. I’m so honored they chose me to help be a part of this story because this is way bigger than soccer — it’s a story about our deep love and care for the health and well-being of our Colorado community." 

The Rapids said as part of the jersey's launch, the club is partnering with Mental Health Colorado (MHC) and UCHealth to bring attention to the mental health crisis in Colorado, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and amplify awareness of public resources. The club will support mental health initiatives throughout the season.

"I love this state and I want people to wear this jersey, and this heart, proudly because love unites us — the love of sport, love of our community and the love we show ourselves when we remember that every day is a new day," Milbery said. "Working with the Rapids has been a unique and special opportunity for me because it’s at this beautiful intersection where sport meets art."

Credit: Garrett W. Ellwood/GWE Photo

"In our drive to be the heartbeat of sport in Colorado, we are proud to work with a local artist in Pat Milbery on this kit launch, and even more importantly, to raise awareness and help tackle a significant issue facing our community as a whole," said Wayne Brant, Rapids senior vice president of business operations.

"With the New Day Kit, we see an opportunity to once again connect directly with our state by using Colorado’s stunning landscape as the inspiration for the jersey, while working with our local partners to bring attention to a mental health crisis that effects so many," Brant said.

"Decreasing the stigma around mental health care is critically important," said Dr. Justin Ross, a licensed clinical psychologist and UCHealth’s director of workplace well-being. "Whole person well-being requires that we address mental health in a proactive and sustainable way."

The New Day Kit is available online at ColoradoRapids.com, AltitudeAuthentics.com and MLSstore.com.

The Rapids kick off their season on the road against Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, Feb. 26.
   

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