There is a double-header of Blues fixtures this coming Sunday with Stamford Bridge hosting a Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Everton arriving at Kingsmeadow for a Women’s Super League fixture. On this occasion both Wolves and Toffees will be greeted by dragons!
As we wish a Happy Year of the Dragon, supporters can join in too, with a new limited-edition pre-match range of tops now available and matchday activities and food offerings adding to the theme.
In the lunar calendar, each year is associated with a specific animal from the Chinese zodiac, and this year, it is the dragon’s turn.
The dragon is highly symbolic in Asian culture, representing strength, good fortune and power. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to inherit the dragon's positive traits of charisma, intelligence and courage.
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the Chelsea players will don exclusively designed pre-match tops when warming up on the pitch before this weekend’s games. The dragon features in addition to the branding of our club partners Nike and trivago.
The dragon is designed with traditional Chinese calligraphy technique, with sharp and clean edges, capturing its powerful and auspicious nature that is ushering in the new year with good fortune.
The Nike Year of the Dragon Collection features a short-sleeve pre-match top (men’s sizes only) and a long-sleeve quarter-zip drill top (men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes). The tops feature an exclusive Year of the Dragon crest on the chest and a unique illustration of the dragon on the back. Limited quantities are available to buy now from our online store and stores at Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow.
At both games on Sunday, supporters can look out for special photo opportunities with Stamford and Bridget in traditional costumes, as well as selfie cut-out boards.
At the Wolves match, there will be a lion dance at half-time inside the stadium and the lions will also be around the stadium pre-match and there when the players arrive.
There will be the chance to buy noodles near the wall on the west side outside the stadium, while at the other food outlets and in Club Chelsea there will be exclusive Asian menus.
Here's to a roaring Year of the Dragon!