Photo Credit | Fanatics
In yet another example of corporate America getting in on the patriotic spirit of the year, the sports merchandising company Fanatics announced a new partnership on Monday with the White House, the America 250 organization, and several prominent sports companies to release a series of limited-edition athlete uniforms and fan apparel to celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial.
The announcement was originally supposed to occur at the White House on January 27, but it could not happen at that time due to winter weather. “Sports have always played an important role in America’s rich history, uniting communities and shaping culture,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “At Fanatics, we were passionate about finding a meaningful way to honor this incredible milestone with our partners and sports fans. We’re honored to help bring commemorative USA 250 patches and fan apparel to life across many of the biggest sports moments this year.”
Fanatics’ announcement comes as the Trump administration is working with every major American sports league to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC, and WWE have all indicated their interest in partnering with the White House. Athletes will be wearing a “USA 250” patch and logo throughout the year at events such as Super Bowl LX, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Final, the MLB All-Star Game, WrestleMania 42, and the UFC event occurring at the White House in June.
As AMAC Newsline reported earlier this week, the nation’s capital will host an unprecedented IndyCar racing event on the National Mall in August.
WWE President Nick Khan also mentioned that his company has big plans for the partnership. “America 250 and Fanatics have put together a phenomenal plan to pay tribute to this year’s historic anniversary, and WWE is honored to play a role in these efforts,” he said.
Fanatics explained that apparel will be available to fans “featuring the USA 250 patch alongside select team and league logos.” The merchandising company has already launched a “limited run t-shirt, hoodie, quarter-zip, and jacket featuring the USA 250 trademark” available online.
NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell also touted his organization’s participation in displays of patriotism this year. “For nearly 80 years, NASCAR has defined the best of the American spirit through our pursuit of speed, precision, and excellence in competition,” O’Donnell said. “We’re honored to join America’s 250th celebration, along with many other annual military appreciation initiatives throughout our season, highlighted by NASCAR San Diego, our first street race at a military base, Naval Base Coronado, on June 19-21.”
America 250, the organization comprised of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit arm America250.org, Inc., which Congress established in 2016, also announced a partnership with Cracker Barrel on Friday. The restaurant chain will “invite guests to celebrate American stories through in-store experiences, limited-time menu offerings, and storytelling that brings to life the traditions, people, and moments that define America.” This includes new commemorative designs of the restaurant’s famous rocking chairs.
Together, these partnerships show that America 250 is more than a date on the calendar. It is quickly becoming a nationwide celebration woven into the games, traditions, and pastimes that millions of Americans already love. From stadiums and racetracks to hometown stores and family restaurants, the semiquincentennial is shaping up to be a yearlong reminder that our shared history and our national pride still unite the country like nothing else.
Alan Jamison is the pen name of a political writer with extensive experience writing for several notable politicians and news outlets.
