Much like an agreement it had with an English Premier League soccer team, Osceola County tourism marketing arm Experience Kissimmee has reached a partnership with a professional Scottish football club known widely around, and outside, the United Kingdom nation.
Rangers Football Club, based in Scotland's largest city of Glasgow, has signed a multi-year partnership with Experience Kissimmee, which becomes as the Official Travel Destination of the club and will include naming rights for the Edmiston House Fan Zone, stadium branding in their 50,000 seat Ibrox Stadium and co-branded marketing campaigns in Kissimmee.
As part of the deal, the club, Experience Kissimmee and the North American Rangers Supporters Association are in discussions to host the 2025 NARSA convention in Kissimmee, with possible player appearances in Kissimmee during the convention.
Rangers, referred to as the Glasgow Rangers to some of its fan base outside the U.K., have played in the Scottish Premiership and associated leagues (it features relegation and promotion like its English counterparts) since 1890. They were second in the 12-team league to their Glasgow rivals, Celtic (their fan bases collectively are called the "Old Firm"), in the 2022-23 season. The 2023-24 began Saturday (Rangers dropped a 1-0 decision to Kilmarnock) and runs through May. Midlothian, Dundee and Aberdeen are other Scottish clubs known outside of the isle.
What they're saying:
“We are delighted to be able to announce this partnership with Experience Kissimmee ahead of the new season as we look to grow and strengthen our relationships in the United States,” said Rangers Chief Executive James Bisgrove. “As a club we already have strong links in the U.S., with an incredible overseas fan base and this partnership will allow us to continue to build on those as well as create visibility of the Rangers FC brand in Kissimmee.”
“We are excited about partnering with Rangers FC,” said Jessica Beers, Executive Director of Kissimmee Sports Commission. “Together, Experience Kissimmee and Rangers FC will create unique Kissimmee awareness opportunities in addition to experiences for fans and future Kissimmee travelers to come together through sport.”
“This collaboration not only strengthens our position as a premier tourism destination but also presents us with a unique platform to engage with Rangers FC's global fan base,” said D.T. Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee. “We are particularly thrilled about hosting the NARSA Convention, which promises to bring a significant number of room nights and deliver substantial economic impact to Osceola County. It's an exciting prospect to showcase our outstanding accommodations and attractions to Rangers FC fans from all over the world.”
EK struck a similar deal with EPL club West Ham United out of London, serving as their official destination partner from 2016-22. EK also had similar positioning with nearby Major League Soccer side Orlando City Soccer Club.
