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“Simply the Best” Tina Turner–Inspired Kit Revealed for St. Louis’ MLS Team
In a groundbreaking tribute that blends sport, music, and cultural history, St. Louis CITY SC has unveiled a dazzling new jersey inspired by the legendary Tina Turner. The launch of the “Simply the Best” Tina Turner–Inspired Kit Revealed for St. Louis’ MLS Team marks a historic collaboration between the MLS club and global sportswear giant Adidas.
The fourth-year Major League Soccer franchise announced that the shimmering gold “Tina Turner Kit” is the first partnership of its kind between adidas and a female music icon in global sport — a powerful nod to Turner’s enduring legacy and her deep roots in St. Louis.
Honoring the City That Shaped a Legend
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner moved to St. Louis at just 16 years old. She settled in The Ville neighborhood and graduated from Sumner High School before immersing herself in the city’s thriving R&B scene.
It was inside local venues like Club Manhattan where her destiny changed forever. During a 1957 intermission, Turner famously stepped up to the microphone — a spontaneous moment that led to the formation of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and ultimately launched her global career.
While her journey included personal hardship and challenges, St. Louis remained the birthplace of her artistic identity. The new kit serves as a heartfelt tribute to that formative chapter of her life.
A Jersey That Sparkles Like Tina
Designed to reflect Turner’s electrifying stage presence, the gold jersey captures the energy and glamour that defined her performances.
Key design elements include:
A radiant gold finish reminiscent of her iconic fringed minidresses
A metallic gold silhouette stamped on the jersey tag
Her signature printed in “CITY Red,” inspired by her bold lipstick and nail color
The kit was developed in collaboration with Turner’s estate, BMG, and Warner Music Group. It will serve as St. Louis CITY SC’s secondary jersey during the 2026 and 2027 MLS seasons.
Erwin Bach, Turner’s husband, described the tribute as a meaningful homecoming.
“St. Louis is a homecoming for Tina. It’s where she first felt the thrill of the stage and the joy of performing,” he shared.
A Cultural Celebration Beyond Soccer
The tribute goes far beyond the field. To celebrate Turner — who passed away in 2023 at the age of 83 — the club has organized a series of cultural events across the city.
The highlight is a one-night-only concert titled Eternal: A Tribute to Tina Turner, held at Powell Hall. The evening features Grammy-winning artist Brittany Howard performing alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Howard expressed deep admiration for Turner’s influence, calling the opportunity to honor her “personal and powerful.”
Joining the tribute is St. Louis native and The Voice finalist Kennedy Holmes, along with acclaimed vocalists Tamika Lawrence and Shaleah Adkisson. The orchestral arrangements are conducted by Stéphane Denève and guest conductor Anthony Parnther.
Bach shared his excitement about hearing an orchestral interpretation of Turner’s classic hit “Proud Mary,” adding that local youth initiatives tied to the celebration will introduce children to the transformative power of music and performance.
A Pop-Up Experience for Fans
Fans can also immerse themselves in Turner’s legacy at a special pop-up shop hosted at City Foundry. The experience allows visitors to purchase the new jersey and view pieces from Turner’s personal collection, including wardrobe items and Grammy Awards — she won eight throughout her remarkable career.
The celebration also includes a Tina-focused music education initiative created in partnership with COCA, a local arts organization. Funded in part by proceeds from kit sales, the program introduces young people to Turner’s music through vocal instruction and choreography inspired by her unforgettable performances.
The festivities will culminate in Tina Turner Night during CITY SC’s home match on August 22.
Music at the Heart of CITY SC
Since launching in 2023, St. Louis CITY SC has woven music into its club identity. The team previously collaborated with hometown rapper Smino on its Homegrown initiative, spotlighting local talent through mentorship programs and match-day performances.
From hosting major artists at block parties to partnering on charitable streetwear collections and welcoming the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for game-day moments, the club continues to merge culture and community in meaningful ways.
With the release of the “Simply the Best” Tina Turner–Inspired Kit Revealed for St. Louis’ MLS Team, St. Louis CITY SC delivers more than a uniform — it offers a golden tribute to a woman whose voice, resilience, and artistry changed music forever.
