Breaking: Hartford Athletic Unveil 2023 Home Jersey

Hartford Athletic have officially unveiled their 2023 home kit for the USL Championship season, ‘The Capitol Kit’.

Featuring several nods to the state capitol building just down the road from Trinity Health Stadium, the kit features an all-green look with a blue trim around the sleeves and neck.

The front of the jersey features a pattern mimicking the inside of the capital’s unique dome roof centered around the Hartford Crest. The Connecticut Coat of Arms emblem is also displayed on the back of the shirt and under the neckline, just above the name and number.

Connecticut’s motto, “Que transtulit sustinet” (Latin for “[He] who transplanted still sustains'') is displayed on the inner neckline. While the origin of the historic motto is unclear, it was first displayed in 1639 as the official seal of Saybrook County, before officially being transferred to the state of Connecticut when they purchased the land in 1644.

Several new sponsors appear on the kit this season, most notably Liberty Bank, who will see their name appear under the player number, replacing the Stanley Black & Decker logo from last season. The shirt will also feature the new sleeve sponsor, “Bradenton Anna Maria Longboat Key”, on the right sleeve. Hummel continues to be one of the only non-Adidas sponsors in American professional soccer, supplying Hartford’s kits for the second-straight year.

Finally, the bottom of the kit features a white swoop with a dark blue bottom, sporting a pattern similar to that of last year’s kit. The full kit will also feature blue shorts and green socks. 

Now, for my opinion. While I initially wasn’t sure how I felt, this kit instantly grew on me. This strays far beyond the bland world of templates that fans have become accustomed to across American professional soccer leagues throughout the years. The patterns are unique to state capitol, and the jersey is a canvas of historic references to the state of Connecticut. The inclusion of the state emblem and motto is also a personal touch that has been missing in previous editions, in my opinion.

I’ve always thought that Hartford has hit it out of the park with their jersey designs, and this one is no exception. The re-introduction of Hartford’s famous green home color as a main staple in the kit is a massive upgrade, and something that was missing from last year’s home jersey. 

Finally, the navy blue swoop at the bottom of the shirt smoothly integrates the blue shorts with the rest of the kit, and gives the design a bold pop of color. The green socks are also a nice touch. 

One of the most unique and intricate kits in Hartford’s five-year history, the Capitol Kit truly embodies Connecticut’s history and identity. The kits are available for purchase now on Hartford’s team website.