ORLANDO, Fla.—Orlando City SC and Fifth Third Bank announced Thursday the field naming rights for all Orlando City matches for the 2013 season. The partnership, which calls for the pitch to be named Fifth Third Bank Field at the Citrus Bowl, is an important partnership as Orlando continues to improve their corporate base in the Central Florida area.

Kim Praniewicz, senior vice president of marketing at Fifth Third Bank, said the partnership is a perfect joining of two successful brands.

“As Orlando City Soccer builds a foundation of excellence and a tradition of winning in the Central Florida community, Fifth Third Bank is proud to be a partner in pursuing success,” said Praniewicz. “From financial literacy to investments and mortgage to auto loans, we’re the expert in our field. We are glad to join you (Orlando), literally and figuratively, on your field. Fifth Third Bank is excited to continue to develop this partnership and serve our community with pride.”

In the two year history of the franchise, the Lions have never secured field naming rights- leaving little doubt the club is moving upward both on and off the field. Orlando is favored as one of the favorites as one of the next expansion franchises in Major League Soccer, with support coming from Florida Governor Rick Scott as recent as last week (link to piece). Specific figures of the Fifth Third Bank deal have not been disclosed.

Orlando City has a track record of top corporate partnership in the area, continuing with the Fifth Third deal. The club has an 86% renewal rate and remains one of the best sports brands values in the state of Florida. The partnership also calls new for a sponsored Fifth Third walk-out banner, ball boys equipped with the bank’s logo and much more.

Key pieces of sponsorship still remain for Orlando City as they put the pieces in place to become a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, including stadium branding. If you’d like to inquire about a partnership, please contact our Corporate Sales Director Jeff Garcia at [email protected]