Hummel, Lakeland Tropics finalize uniform deal for PDL debut season

LAKELAND – The Lakeland Tropics have announced a deal with Hummel Soccer to be the official uniform provider for the USL Premier Development League team which kicks off its season May 11 against Miami City FC in South Florida.

"We are excited to be a key part of the Tropics inaugural season and look forward to supporting the team as well as all soccer in Central Florida.  Hummel strives to partner with organizations that are committed to the sport and we find real passion with the Tropics" said Hummel Sport USA President Jeff Duback.

Hummel, first founded in 1923, has been providing some of the leading soccer clubs around the globe with uniforms for more than 90 years, including the likes of Real Madrid, Crystal Palace and Tottenham, and the national team of Denmark where the company is headquartered.

“It is another feather in our cap to partner with such a long-standing and prestigious outfitter as Hummel,” said Tropics Majority Owner Dr. Panos Iakovidis. “They have worked with some of the top soccer sides in the world, so we are absolutely thrilled to have them in partnership with us and our fans to provide the best look possible this season and for years to come.”

The Tropics are expected to unveil their official look shortly before the season opener in Miami.

Lakeland will play 14 regular season games this year, including the home opener at historic Bryant Stadium on Saturday, May 25 at 7:35 against the Villages SC. The Buffalo are the defending PDL southeastern division champions, and are one of 21 PDL teams invited to play this  year in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Six of the Tropics seven home games will be on Saturday nights, all with 7:35 starts. The Tampa Bay Rowdies U23 PDL team will visit on May 27 for a Memorial Day weekend showdown. The complete schedule, and more information on the franchise and apparel sales, can be found at www.lakelandtropics.com. All seven of the team's home games will also be streamed live online, as were all 10 of the home games this past winter of their sister franchise, the Florida Tropics of the Major Arena Soccer League who call the Lakeland Center home.

Free tickets to the Tropics home opener on May 20th can be ordered courtesy of Hummel at www.lakelandtropics.com/hummel