St. Louis City SC recently revealed a striking gold alternate jersey honoring Tina Turner, whose musical journey began in the bars of St. Louis. The jersey’s launch ties deeply to the city’s history and Turner’s legendary status as the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. This unique kit celebrates her local legacy and reflects the club’s commitment to connecting soccer with St. Louis culture.
From a Small Venue to Soccer Ownership: Jo Ann Taylor’s Story
When Jo Ann Taylor was 17, she desperately wanted to attend a rising artist’s show in East St. Louis but faced obstacles traveling across the Mississippi River alone without a car. Luckily, a friend lent her family’s hearse, making the trip possible. This moment, over 60 years ago, might have stayed a family anecdote if not for Taylor becoming a part-owner of St. Louis City SC. Her experience inspired the design and significance behind the club’s new gold kit.
I just hope so many other people are going to learn something about our history here that they didn’t know even growing up here,
Carolyn Kindle, Taylor’s daughter and a co-owner, told GOAL.
Tina Turner’s Unique Connection to St. Louis Music Heritage
While musical icons like Bruce Springsteen and Prince are strongly tied to New Jersey and Minneapolis respectively, St. Louis boasts a more diverse musical identity. This city is the birthplace and home to numerous legendary figures, including Miles Davis, Chuck Berry, Scott Joplin, and of course, Tina Turner. Turner moved to St. Louis at 16 and built her reputation performing across its clubs, a history often overlooked despite her global status.
St. Louis City SC has boldly embraced this legacy by immortalizing it in their newly unveiled away kit for the next two seasons, named the Tina Turner kit. Crafted in a lavish gold design, it features intricate curved patterns, a patch with Turner’s image, and her signature beneath it. The red accents nod to her iconic lipstick and nails, making the jersey unmistakably a tribute to the music legend.
It’s subtle, but it’s amazing. It actually takes your breath away when you see it in person,
said Carolyn Kindle.
Inspiration and Design Origins of the Tina Turner Jersey
The concept for the gold kit has been developing for some time and drew inspiration from Adidas’ collaboration with Nashville SC on their Johnny Cash kit in 2023. Adidas, which sponsors all 30 MLS teams’ uniforms, helped ignite the idea of celebrating local music icons through soccer apparel. When the question arose, “What about Tina Turner?” the St. Louis City SC ownership group quickly embraced the chance to honor a female music legend.
St. Louis City SC stands out as the first majority women-owned club in Major League Soccer, underscoring a commitment to female empowerment. Adidas’ partnership on this kit marks its first collaboration with a female music artist, reinforcing the club’s message of girl power and cultural pride.
When it came to some of the music collaborations, they came to me and said, ‘there’s been Johnny Cash in Nashville, what about Tina Turner?’
Carolyn Kindle explained.
Balancing Boldness and Authenticity in the Gold Kit’s Creation
Perfecting the Tina Turner jersey took careful collaboration and oversight. Kindle expressed confidence in her team’s creative abilities while remaining involved throughout the process to ensure the final product would be impressive and genuine. From the start, the kit was envisioned to be eye-catching and a faithful homage to Turner’s stature in the city.
I’m a girly girl. The more glitter, the more that’s on there, the happier I am,
Kindle said, showing her enthusiasm for the sparkling design elements.
The club’s programming around the kit illustrates its importance beyond the field. Alongside the jersey release, St. Louis City SC has planned a concert with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on February 15 and is launching a music education program focused on children. These initiatives aim to engage fans of all ages in celebrating Tina Turner’s legacy.
We really wanted to make sure that from youth all the way to adults felt like they had the opportunity to not only wear the kit, celebrate the kit, but also participate in some of the programming that does continue to celebrate Tina herself,
Kindle said.
In addition, a week-long Tina Popup retail event will offer fans the chance to purchase the jersey and limited-edition merchandise, culminating with a Tina Turner night on August 22 to honor the Queen of Rock n’ Roll’s music.
Building a Club Identity Rooted in Community and Culture
Since its inception, St. Louis City SC has sought to establish itself as more than just a soccer team—it aims to embody the spirit and unique identity of the city. Although many MLS teams view themselves as soccer hubs, St. Louis has distinguished itself by integrating the city’s culture, history, and preferences into its brand, creating a stronger connection with fans.
The St Louis community, they don’t like to be told what to do. They don’t like to be told what they’re going to support. So every time we did something, whether it was our name, whether it was our food partners, we’ve always gone out to the community and said, ‘What would you like to see?’
Kindle explained.
As a result, the new kit and associated events resonate beyond hardcore soccer supporters. The jersey and programming appeal to a wider audience—including music lovers, local culture enthusiasts, and food fans—making it a meaningful tribute to St. Louis’ diverse fan base.
You don’t necessarily have to be a die hard soccer fan, but you can be a food fan, you can be a music fan, you can be a St Louis fan,
Kindle emphasized.
The Tina Turner Kit: A Symbol of St. Louis Pride and Cultural Legacy
The introduction of the Tina Turner gold kit marks a historic moment for St. Louis City SC and the city itself. This jersey not only celebrates a global music icon’s roots but also reinforces the club’s dedication to honoring the cultural fabric of St. Louis. By combining sport, music, and community engagement, the kit is expected to strengthen fan loyalty and elevate the team’s profile within Major League Soccer.
Looking ahead, the club’s plans for concerts, educational initiatives, and exclusive retail events around the kit are likely to generate excitement and deepen ties with fans old and new. As St. Louis City SC continues to grow, this homage to Tina Turner stands as a shining example of how sports franchises can honor local heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
