Gastonia, NC – August 14, 2020 – The newest club in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), located in Gastonia, NC announced today the launch of its “Name the Team Contest,” which encourages fans to submit names for consideration as the club builds its brand identity. Submissions can be made at www.GastoniaProBaseball.com now through August 31.

Fans are encouraged to consider factors relative to the City of Gastonia, including its historical significance, roots in baseball, local geography, work ethic and culture, the community’s personality, and other elements unique to the city and its people. The naming contest and subsequent brand development will render elements such as team name, logo, mascot, jersey designs, merchandise, and other promotional materials.

“We believe, as the anchor tenant in the transformational FUSE District, this team will serve as a catalyst for economic development, jumpstarting a new vision for the city of Gastonia,” said team owner, Brandon Bellamy. “However, as we look to the future, we must also honor the city’s rich heritage and spirit as we build our organization. Authentic community engagement is our primary focus, and our Name the Team Contest feels like the perfect way to lead off.” 

Fans will have the opportunity to vote for one of the top five selected team names in early September, with the winning name expected to be announced late Fall. Fans can follow along on the team’s social media pages for updates to the naming process, as well as timelines for future team announcements and milestones leading up to Opening Day.

The city’s ballpark, which will be managed by the team, broke ground in October 2019, and is under construction according to ALPB facility specifications. It will host family-friendly events, provide an intimate fan experience with innovative gathering areas, and host year-round athletic and entertainment events. The ballpark will serve as a community asset open to all for its inaugural season in 2021. For more information about the ballpark and overarching FUSE District, please visit www.fusegastonianc.com.