25 May 2023 , 15:23
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Wrexham 's home will no longer be known as The Racecourse Ground from July 1, after co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced a new stadium sponsorship deal.
A new deal with US drinks company SToK Cold Brew Coffee has been agreed, just a day after Reynolds' wife Blake Lively sponsored the team with her own brand of beverages. Lively has sponsored Wrexham's pre-season tour in the United States, while SToK Cold Brew Coffee has acquired the stadium rights.
The Racecourse Ground is the oldest international football stadium, but according to Wales Online it'll be known as SToK Racecourse, or SToK Cae Ras, from July 1. The coffee products are not available to buy in the UK, proving the immense global outreach of Wrexham since Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the club.
Wrexham have acquired some major sponsors through Reynolds and McElhenney, with the newly promoted side wearing both TikTok and Expedia on matchday shirts. Lively has now sponsored their training kit with her Betty Buzz brand, and both Reynolds and McElhenney have partnered with Wrexham through their alcoholic beverage companies.
The Racecourse Ground was most recently changed in 2011, when it was known as the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium until 2022. It's set to be changed again on July 1, with the SToK company owned by Danone North America acquiring the rights.
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Wrexham co-chairmen Reynolds and McElhenney said: "We wanted a stadium sponsor that captured the vitality and energy of Wrexham Association Football Club while also, like Welsh, being a bit of a learning experience to say. SToK Cold Brew Coffee fit the bill perfectly. We’re incredibly excited and a little over-caffeinated."
Brittney Polka, vice president of ready-to-drink beverages at Danone North America, said: "Some may wonder why a US-based cold brew brand would sponsor a tea-drinking Welsh football team - the answer: SToK is all about bold moves. We were captivated by the story of Wrexham - the team, the fans, and the community - and we’re honoured to be welcomed into the Wrexham family. We’ll be cheering on the Red Dragons and raising our cold brews from afar."
Humphrey Ker, executive director of Wrexham said: "We are delighted to welcome SToK to the Wrexham family. Having secured the support of the club advisory board and understanding that the majority of fans were happy for the stadium to be sponsored, we were delighted to partner with one of the fastest-growing cold brew coffee brands in the US, as their ambitions and upward trajectory matches our own."
It's the latest financial boost for Wrexham after securing promotion to the Football League, and also reaping the rewards from hit Disney Plus series 'Welcome To Wrexham'. The owners have transformed the club since taking over at the end of 2020, but insist this is only the start of Wrexham's journey.