BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Monday a community partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The club will wear a redesigned, limited-edition kit with the Institute’s logo emblazoned on the back to open its 2020 USL Championship season at home on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET against Memphis 901 FC at BBVA Field. The match will air live on ESPN2 in front of a national audience.

The full kit is black, with all greyscale logos, nameplates, and numbering as a way to recognize the current international movement aimed at combatting social injustice and racial inequality. Following the match, each of the game-worn, player-signed jerseys will be up for auction, and all proceeds will go directly to the Institute. Legion FC’s social media accounts (@bhmlegion) will have more information about where and how to enter following Wednesday night’s game. 

“We’re honored to partner with an organization as distinguished as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “The Institute has done inspiring work to encourage communication and education on civil rights issues in this community and around the world, and as a part of this city, we are proud to support them with this partnership.”

“We are excited to join in partnership with Legion FC,” said Isaac M. Cooper, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board Chair. “This supports the Institute by reaching audiences in our everchanging world to bring voice and perspective to today’s activism for civil and human rights.”

Legion FC is now a corporate member at the Institute, and other jersey sponsors, Red Diamond, Buffalo Rock, and Mercedes Benz of Birmingham approved the commemorative kit and stand with Legion FC in support of BCRI. Fans can also support the Institute by becoming a member – find more information at the Institute's website. Also, any Institute member can come by the Legion FC Team Shop, located on 2213 1st Ave S in downtown Birmingham, show their BCRI membership card, and receive 10% off all Legion FC merchandise.