As the 2023 soccer season has swung into full gear, much of the focus has been on one team in particular – Wrexham AFC. The Welsh-based team found success this year in the National League and earned promotion to the fourth division, a significant accomplishment that had not been achieved since 2008.
Their success has been further bolstered by a major sponsorship deal with American brand STōK Cold Brew. One of the key aspects of the sponsorship, and one that has been met with mixed reactions from fans, is the change of name of the club’s home stadium.
The controversial name change of Wrexham stadium
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The Racecourse Ground, historically known as Cae Ras, has now been renamed STōK Cae Ras | STōK Racecourse. This will take effect from the start of next season and is a historic move in the long history of the stadium. The Wrexham owners, Ryan Reynolds, and Rob McElhenney, recently expressed their satisfaction with the sponsorship deal in a hilarious fashion.
Brand new sponsor, same team culture. Welcome @Stokcoldbrew, @Wrexham_AFC’s newest sponsor of the world’s oldest international football stadium. pic.twitter.com/a4A5NbqOia
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 25, 2023
This deal has sparked a debate as to whether this naming change is appropriate or not. The Racecourse Ground has been the home of Wrexham AFC since 1864, making it the oldest stadium in world soccer. This topic of discussion was made even more prevalent when a poll was released on Twitter inviting fans to share their opinion on the name change.
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The majority of the votes came out in favor of the name change. They argued that the extra money from the sponsorship deal was extremely beneficial for the team’s development and could significantly improve the stadium’s future. However, there are also 3.5% of people who want it to be changed back.
Fans share their opinion on the sponsorship deal
A great deal of the discussion on the name change has come from Wrexham fans, who have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts and opinions on the subject. Many are in favor of the move due to its financial gain, citing how money from the sponsorship deal is a much-needed boost for the club and stadium. Wrexham fans pointed out that the name ‘Cae Ras’ or ‘Racecourse’ will remain, preserving its history.
Here are some of the reactions from fans:
Bring in the cash. It will forever be The Racecourse to the fans and the people of Wrexham
— (C)🏴ᗯᖇᗴ᙭ᕼᗩᗰ Ǥᗩᗰᗴᖇ🎮⚽🏉 (@wrexham_gamer) May 25, 2023
I've said it a few times, I think it was inevitable. Ultimately, you can call it what you want, it will always be the Racecourse regardless of what sign is on it. Why not make a few quid in the process 🤷♂️
— |Jamie| (@jde_888) May 25, 2023
Don't see what all the fuss is about. It'll always be Cae Ras/ The Racecourse. This is purely temporary – a company name tagged on for commercial purposes only for the duration of their sponsorship. This is how clubs make money these days.
— Alan O'Grady (@agogrady) May 25, 2023
It won’t make any difference to the majority of fans who will still call it the same thing. It’s a good opportunity to get investment in my view
— Phil Roberts (@Philrobertss) May 25, 2023
Could have been much worse and was always going to happen! Take the dollars which will help with FFP and the Racecourse will ALWAYS be known locally as Y Cae Ras💯
🏴⚽️❤️— Andy Woodfine🏴⚽️❤️ (@AWoo73) May 25, 2023
It was inevitable & if it brings crucial investment it has to be good. It will always be Y Cae Ras / The Racecourse anyway
— Sarah C 💙🖤 (@Sarah_C67) May 25, 2023
Free money and everyone will still call it the racecourse
— Kevin Caswell-Jones (@poshkev1963) May 25, 2023
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You cant climb the leagues without addition sponsor revenue. Could have been much worse
— Northern Border (@CanuckSportsFan) May 26, 2023
The STōK Cold Brew deal certainly has been the talk of the soccer world as of late. As the club looks forward to a successful 23/24 season in the fourth division, it is clear that the sponsorship deal between Wrexham and STōK Cold Brew has been met with much enthusiasm.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Top Footballers That Ryan Reynolds Poached After Acquiring Wrexham
What are your thoughts on this name change? Let us know in the comments.