A company owned by Rubens Menin, one of the owners of the group that controls Atlético Mineiro, has acquired the naming rights for the Orlando City stadium. Inter & Co, a holding company of Inter bank, will replace the name “Exploria Stadium,” and the home to the MLS team will now be called “Inter&Co Stadium.”
The renaming was criticized by several fans on social media due to its resemblance to Florida rivals Inter Miami. Nevertheless, Menin celebrated the news. The first match under this new name will be the friendly between Orlando City and Flamengo on January 27.
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Rubens Menin celebrates the renaming of the Orlando City stadium
“Inter is expanding its presence in the United States. An agreement on naming rights was announced today with Orlando City and Orlando Pride, and their stadium will now be called Inter&Co Stadium, increasing brand awareness and bringing it closer to a qualified audience in a strategic region,” Menin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is a historic achievement. It is the club’s first international partnership and the first financial institution, with Latin American roots, to have the naming rights to a major stadium in the United States. Inter&Co has over 30 million customers (2 million globally) and has been present in the United States since 2021,” he added.
Orlando City’s statement
“Backed by partnership investments from Club ownership, Inter&Co Stadium has begun an enhancement project that will bring greater technology to the venue. Upgrades include five million new LED pixels, a new state-of-the-art video board, new fascia LED throughout the bowl, a 16’x9’ LED wall in the West Club, as well as over 200+ new TV monitors throughout the suites, premium spaces, concession stands and lower-level concourse.
Additionally, fans will experience new, interactive concourse displays; Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, the most up-to-date technology available today; 5G antennas for increased cell phone coverage; and new hospitality options such as “The Terrace” in Section 1. Additional enhancements will be announced prior to the start of the regular season.
The venue will officially re-open to the public on January 27 when Orlando City SC will host a preseason FC Series friendly against Brazil’s Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. The 2024 MLS home opener is slated for Feb. 24, when Orlando City SC hosts CF Montreal, with the Pride season set to kick off in March 2024.”
