Although relatively young in the U.S. Market, Arena has been fighting – quite successfully — to grab the attention of the swimming community.
Making a visible statement with the exclusive partnership with the U.S. National Team, primary sponsorship of FINA and presenting sponsorship of USA Swimming’s nation-crossing Grand Prix Series, the brand has been anything but camera shy.
And with the release of a new, head-turning printed racing suit, it’s done it again.
Arena revealed to media today the Limited Edition ST Racing suit, the first technical racing suit in its class to feature an all-over print.
“It’s a little unconventional,” said Tim McCool, Vice President and General Manager of Arena North America. “But that’s who we are. And let’s be honest, that’s who most swimmers are, too.”
The all-over print features a close-up rendering of the Carbon molecule, famously introduced into technical racing suits by Arena in 2012. Rebecca Soni launched the suit to fame and popularity with her double gold-medal performance and world record in London 2012.
Arena carried that print into the Podium Wear it designed for the U.S. National Team last year. And according to McCool, the similarity in theme is no accident.
“Our goal in developing this line is to create a real, visual tie between the kids who are swimming their hearts out across the nation, and the U.S. National Team,” said Tim McCool, Vice President and General Manager for Arena North America. “The swimming community is truly a family and these age group swimmers are likely our next National Team heroes. I guess we saw this as an opportunity to inspire these swimmers and reinforce their link to their national team idols.”
“We’re kicking the inspiration off with our first printed racing suit. But there’s so much more to come.”
Arena outfits some of the world’s best athletes, counting among them U.S. National Team Members Connor Jaeger, Matt McLean, Caitlin Leverenz, Laura Sogar and Tom Luchsinger.
“I love the idea that young swimmers have the chance to compete in a suit that looks a lot like what we wear on the podium,” said 2013 U.S. National Champion Tom Luchsinger. “I know as an age grouper, I idolized the U.S. Team, and wanted nothing more than to wear that USA jacket. If this sort of innovation had been out when I was a kid, I’d have been the first in line to race in it.”
Now Arena offers swimmers a full line of technology and fashion that celebrates both its continuing innovation and connection to the U.S. National Team, the world’s most dominant swim team.
The ST is available Sept. 15. Call 1-888-902-7362 for a vendor near you.
Swimming Gear / Swiming News courtesy of Arena USA, a SwimSwam partner.
Setting the over/under on price at $300. Buy three of them!
If we can’t have a man in a sailor suit this is a close second . Nice .