VBFC x EA Sports FIFA 21: Mural Reveal
The Kings & Queens of the Estadio De Dogtown
On Friday Oct. 9th 2020, Venice Beach FC and EA Sports made local history, by putting the kings and queens of the Estadio up in the sky. The Goliath of a painting at the world famous Venice courts - aka the Estadio de Dogtown - celebrates the fact that a bunch of slum dogs from Venice made it into the worlds biggest video game for the second year in a row. The relationship with EA and VBFC has become a pivotal part of our club’s history. VBFC’s pickup game, players, kits and apparel have been heavily featured in the new FIFA 21 and none of that would’ve been possible without the collective commitment and local talent continuing to make this club one of the most unique football clubs in America.
The mural was designed by Neil Jamieson (@the_sporting_press) and painted by artist Sergio Ramirez (@bartolallc). The painting process took over 10 days to complete, and by Friday it was ready to unveil it to the VBFC players and community that it celebrates. The collage of a players features king Kylian Mbappe front in center in the famous VBFC Mbappe exclusive kit designed by VBFC top baller Ryan Arambula. Surrounding the French world champion, are the top local talent, who’ve all made huge impacts within the club and neighborhood. The day Kylian Mbappe graced the hallowed Estadio court and left an indelible mark on the hearts of two of Venice youth players, Gera Seo-Flores and Cody Davis. The slogan “Win as One” message echoed by FIFA21, fits write in with the VBFC ethos. All walks of life from every clique of society come together on Sundays to hold court at the Estadio De Dogtown.
On the day of the reveal, we brought together all the featured personalities, minus Mbappe, to gather and soak up the mural thru celebration and pickup on the courts which it overlooks. Tru Artis hopped on the mic to add some color commentary to the game, some off the top flow, and his signature roasting of unassuming tourists passing by. VBFC players and supporters got a sneak peak at some of the newest apparel items teased before the launch of the online shop (venicebeachfc.shop) which will go live this month. The upcoming apparel collection feature the items included within FIFA21, new collaborations with local artist and Estadio legend Alessandro Canale, the release of the bespoke Mbappe kit made personally for Kylian on his debut in Venice, and several other new items.
Our club is super hyped to feature again in FIFA21, with some of their apparel and stadium branding being added as a new feature to this year’s title. With the online shop opening around the corner, this mural was a big moment to celebrate how far the slum dogs have come. The wave isn’t stopping anytime soon.
