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The excitement was palpable on Friday, May 17th, 2024, as more than 2,500 enthusiastic fans gathered for the highly anticipated reveal of the USL Antelope Valley team's name, crest, and colors. The block party event, held from 6-9 pm, was a vibrant celebration of community and soccer, marking a significant milestone for the region.
The Crest and Colors
The newly unveiled crest of AV Alta FC is rich with local significance and symbolism.
Shield Shape: The shape of the crest is inspired by the poppy, a flower that thrives in the Antelope Valley and draws thousands of tourists and locals to the area every year.
Name: The team's name, AV Alta FC, combines 'AV,' a common local abbreviation for Antelope Valley, with 'Alta,' referring to the high desert location of the area and the original name for California, Alta California. This unique name aims to resonate both locally and internationally.
Letters AV: The letters 'AV' are stylized to resemble a B2 bomber, a flagship aircraft of the US defense industry designed and manufactured in Antelope Valley. The angles of the letters mirror the exact angles of the B2 bomber.
Colors: The team’s colors, 'Joshua Green' and 'Desert Sand,' are inspired by the iconic Antelope Valley landscape. Joshua Green reflects the unique Joshua tree, a common sight in the area, while Desert Sand represents the earthy and gravelly texture of the region.
The Reveal Event
The event saw the original supporters' group, The 661 SG, leading the celebrations. Marching to the front of the podium with drums and chants, they energized the crowd, who joined in the festivities with enthusiasm. This group, known for their passionate support, will have their own standing section in the new stadium. The 661 SG website in under construction. https://sites.google.com/csub.edu/the661-org/home
Speaking of the stadium, it was announced that the venue will be ready for the 2025 season. With a capacity of 5,300+ seats and the potential to add more if needed, it promises to be a state-of-the-art facility for both players and fans.
Community Involvement and Future Announcements
Founder and President John Smelzer, General Manager Nehemias "Nini"Blanco, Sporting Director Zaki Tahari, AV Alta FC Coach Brian Kleiban, and Head of Partnerships Francisco “Panchito” J. Ramirez Rueda were all present at the event, expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming community support.
Season ticket deposits are now open to the public, and already more than 2,000 deposits have been made. Fans are encouraged to secure their deposits soon before allocations run out. The link for tickets is: https://shop.avaltafc.com/products/2025-season-ticket-deposit
If you are interested in purchasing official AV Alta FC merchandise, order at https://shop.avaltafc.com/
Looking ahead, the club will announce their uniform kit and first player signings later this fall. The excitement and anticipation for these announcements are high, as the community looks forward to the next chapter in their soccer journey.
In conclusion, the reveal event was a tremendous success, showcasing the passion and unity of the Antelope Valley soccer community. As we await the unveiling of the official home kit and the first player signings, the future looks bright for AV Alta FC. Stay tuned to "The Field Talk" for all the latest updates on AV Alta FC as they prepare for their inaugural season in 2025.
Photos and videos are courtesy of AV Alta FC and Jose Lucha (Photographer).
VAMOS AV ALTA FC!