Enjoy Illinois Partners with Premier League Side Crystal Palace

Premier League side Crystal Palace have announced that Enjoy Illinois has become the club’s Official Destination Partner.

The Eagles visited Chicago in 2023 during their pre-season tour and returned to the United States earlier this summer for the second straight year, playing in the Stateside Cup.

Palace will also be returning to Illinois for the next Premier League Mornings Live, taking place in Chicago on September 21–22. This is the second recent agreement between a U.S. destination and Premier League side, as Experience Kissimmee announced a multi-year partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion in June.

“We are thrilled to announce Enjoy Illinois’ new partnership as the Official Destination Partner of Crystal Palace,” said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “We welcomed 2.16 million international visitors to Illinois in 2023 and the UK remains one of our top five markets.

“As we gear up for the football season, we’re eager to welcome Crystal Palace fans to Discover Illinois’ world class sports entertainment, our vibrant city of Chicago and diverse culture, all while getting your ‘kicks’ on Route 66 and enjoying our small-town charm and thrilling outdoor adventures.”

Enjoy Illinois will be displayed on the sleeve of the first team’s training wear as well as the LED boards at Selhurst Park, plus interview backdrops. Enjoy Illinois will also sponsor the halftime challenge at Selhurst Park and will run competitions throughout the season where fans can win prizes.

“As a club, we are hugely appreciative of the support we receive from the U.S. and we’re delighted to announce this partnership with Enjoy Illinois after our warm welcome in Chicago last season,” said Barry Webber, chief commercial officer of Crystal Palace.

There are plenty of ties between Crystal Palace and U.S. soccer fans, as USMNT player Chris Richards is featured on the first team, while the club’s Selhurst Park was where the American hit show Ted Lasso was filmed.

“Crystal Palace has a significant following among American fans, particularly due to the Club’s engaging social media presence and outreach efforts,” Webber said. “The Club has recently participated in back-to-back pre-season tours in the USA, helping expand our fan base and promote the brand across the Atlantic. The Club’s crest is the American Eagle, while Kayla the American Bald Eagle was recently the club’s mascot for over a decade.”