Hurricanes Unveil New 2014 Football Uniforms
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – In South Florida, football is played with a sense of speed and style that transcends the field of play. The University of Miami Hurricanes have become more than a team – they embody the soul of Miami and have defined the culture of the sport.
The new Hurricane uniform design reflects the vibrant, bold style of the city – from the beach to the architecture to the people. Steeped in tradition, the new aesthetic is anchored by the familiar orange and green colors, as well as the iconic split-U logo. Modern accents have been added in order to harness the team’s early cutting-edge style both on and off the field in the 80’s and 90’s.
“Historically, UM has been a trend setter in college football for uniform designs,” Miami Athletic Director Blake James said. “With this latest uniform design, we are able to combine our iconic history with South Florida tradition and a modern edge.
The ibis has long been an important part of the university’s heritage. As a well-known Native American symbol for both danger and hope, the bird was believed to be the last animal to seek shelter before an oncoming hurricane and the first to emerge after the storm. An aggressive interpretation of the Miami Ibis has been integrated into the uniform on the shoulders, hip of pant, and helmet.
Miami will now feature four interchangeable uniform colors. The tonal colors of the Ibis logo (green, orange, and white) inform three of the four new looks. At home, the Hurricanes will dress in orange. The orange jersey (“Juice”) is accented by green directional graphics at the shoulder. A clean white and silver helmet, featuring an anodized finish and grey facemask, completes the look. The white jersey (“Storm Trooper”) and pant is accented with green at the shoulder, and serves as the foundation of the away look. The white uniform is capped with a white helmet. The team will also showcase two alternate uniform colors – the first alternate showcasing a green jersey (“Surge”) and pant with a white helmet. The team will also introduce a new alternate anthracite “Smoke” jersey and pant serving as a reminder of the early pioneering pre-game smoke that opened every home game.
“The uniform comes at the right time for the right team,” head coach Al Golden said. “These young men, who unselfishly guided us through some very dark days, now display a renewed attitude and spirit! These new uniforms capture that outlook.
“The innovative look respects our tradition but perhaps more importantly, represents the future and our current Canes,” Golden said. “We have one of the most iconic logos in college sports and Nike has combined that with its latest performance technology to produce a sleek, dynamic new uniform for The U.”
Miami will also keep its traditional and iconic white helmet with the split “U” in the rotation, giving the Hurricanes three different helmet options.
“This more aggressive look will amplify our brand as well as incorporate Nike’s latest uniform technology,” said James. “We have one of the most recognizable brands in college athletics, and we hope this begin strengthening that position in the years to come.”
The uniform font and numbers are now larger, refined and more aggressive, amplifying and anchoring the entire design. Graphic details on the uniforms include the primary “U” logo on the helmet, jersey neck patch, and on the back of the pant. The “U” is also present in custom palm graphics on the Nike Vapor Jet 2.0 gloves, appearing thumb to thumb when the hands are locked up.
This fully integrated uniform system incorporates the latest in Nike’s performance innovation, where the athletes’ baselayer works in concert with the entire uniform – true innovation from the inside out. Lightweight padding is integrated directly into the crucial “hit zones” in the baselayer. Innovations include integrated Flywire technology in the neckline for reduced weight and lockdown fit over pads. Additionally, increased sleeve articulation provides better range of motion, and four-way stretch fabrication delivers a streamlined, shrink-wrap fit.
As the first team to bring a refreshed sense of style to the game back in the 80s and 90s, this new uniform aesthetic harnesses the teams’ ever-present style and bravado, while positioning the Hurricanes on the leading edge for the future.
For more on Miami’s #RENEWED identity, visit www.renewedidentity.com.
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The University of Miami has launched the $7 million Football Victory Fund to address the most important needs of the football program. There are a variety of ways to contribute to the Football Victory Fund as well as to Hurricanes Athletics. For more information on how you can donate and details of the pending projects, please call the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699 or visit www.umvictoryfund.com.
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