They were announced back in April. They were teased earlier this month in a design story video. Now they’re here. Today, Under Armour pulled back the curtain on the all new Northwestern University Wildcats football uniforms for the 2012 season. UA went for a blend of NU tradition and Under Armour innovation, bringing the school’s purple spirit into the modern era of football threads. Full press and pics below.
EVANSTON, IL (July, 26, 2012)– Northwestern University Athletics today unveiled new football uniforms for the 2012 season designed by Under Armour, Inc., the Baltimore, MD-based leader in sports performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Wildcats’ partnership with Under Armour, which was announced in December, is an all-school, multi-year pact, and represents the company’s first outfitter agreement with a Big Ten institution.
The new Northwestern uniforms reflect a fusion of innovation and tradition, providing players with state-of-the-art technology while celebrating the University’sfootball heritage. The focal point of the jersey is a prominent stripe, a symbol of the University’s football legacy that recognizes the school as the originator of this design element. Known throughout the football community as the “Northwestern Stripe,” this feature will be integrated throughout the entire athletic program, ensuring that each of the 19 sports teams has a unique look but is united by a common thread.
The uniforms incorporate a unique design aesthetic, taking inspiration from the different elements of the Northwestern campus, including the gothic-style architecture and intricate stonework. These details are strategically woven into the uniform through the font style and numeral design, adding intricate details to the prominent Northwestern stipe across the jersey. The uniforms will be complete with baselayer, gloves, and footwear that all coordinate with the home and away uniforms.
“We’re thrilled about our partnership with Under Armour,” said Jim Phillips, Northwestern’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Under Armour apparel, footwear and equipment offers our teams the best innovations and latest technologies to ensure we have a competitive advantage on the field of play.”
“Under Armour is dedicated to making all athletes better through innovation and design and the new Northwestern uniforms are the perfect example of blending best-in-class technology with the University’s rich football heritage,” said Matt Mirchin, SVP Brand and Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “We are excited to see these uniforms take the field and look forward to providing the entire Northwestern athletic department with a unique, cohesive look to represent a great university.”
Northwestern will debut its new, state-of-the-art look against Syracuse University on September 1 and at home on September 8 at Ryan Field versus Vanderbilt.
