KTLO Features

Arkansas unveils new football uniforms

Photo courtesy of University of Arkansas
click on the picture to enlarge

     FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas unveiled new uniforms for the 2012 season Wednesday featuring Nike Pro Combat System of Dress technology combined with a unique cutting-edge design inspiration that harkens back to the Razorbacks rich tradition and history.
     The fully integrated uniform system incorporates the latest in performance innovation and design while paying tribute to the school's mascot and identity. The team took a clean modern approach, keeping a cardinal uniform and helmet as well as a white version of both bringing back a helmet color the Razorbacks have worn in the past. Additionally, Arkansas introduced a fierce new anthracite (gray) color as an alternate.
     For more than a century, the Arkansas football uniform has had a number of variations in which the Razorbacks have won one national title, 13 conference titles and made 39 bowl appearances. Fifty All-Americans and 244 All-Conference selections have also worn the Razorback uniform. With a nationally ranked squad set to take the field with one of the most anticipated home schedules in history the 2012 football team will bring a new look to a tradition-rich program.
     While the Razorback's new uniform delivers superior lightweight performance and optimal protection, it tells a story through the new design which was the culmination of a one-year process. During that time, Nike representatives visited Arkansas to study the tradition of the Razorbacks in order to incorporate many of the elements that make the university unique. On their visit, representatives toured campus and collected input from department members and student-
athletes. Arkansas worked closely with Nike during the process to bring elements of the school's rich Razorback heritage into a distinguished, clean and modern uniform design by emphasizing the strong iconic Razorback features. The shoulders are accented with jagged metallic Razorback lines, which reflect the hairline along the mascot's back, thus creating a wider look across the pads. The "RAZORBACK" slogan has been placed on the front of the home jersey, which also features new number fonts and logo typeface designed to look like the sharp edge of a razor, while "ARKANSAS" is shown on the away and alternate versions. Additionally the numbers, as well as the helmets, feature an aggressive faded finish. The "RING THE BELL" rally cry is also stitched into the inside neckline as a reminder to the student-athletes to perform their best in order to achieve team goals.
     In addition to the new design, this integrated uniform system provides enhanced durability and innovation from the inside out. Additional padding without the bulk offers optimal low-profile impact protection specifically throughout the crucial "hit zone" around the hip area.
     The uniform system design also emphasizes improved thermoregulation, including the Nike Pro Combat base layer, which is constructed with fabric selected for its ability to help keep the body cool and wick away sweat - making the uniform, and player, lighter and dryer. The jerseys are made of four-way stretch nylon that sheds moisture. Flywire technology in the collar eliminates two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place.
     Replica jerseys will be available in retail stores, including Hog Heaven located at Bud Walton Arena in July.