TENNESSEE FOOTBALL PLAYERS UNVEIL NEW UNIFORM DESIGN

Spectators watching UT football this season will be treated to a new uniform. Developed by a design team at Adidas America, the updated jersey and pants were unveiled Wednesday to the media and debut nationally when the Vols open their 2002 season Aug. 31 on ESPN2 against Wyoming in Nashville.

The new design continues to integrate Tennessee's strong color scheme of "Tennessee Orange" and white. Designers made minimal changes to the current home jersey, while the coordinating home pant incorporates a Lycra orange panel down the outside of each leg. The updated away jersey continues the color-blocked theme with a Tennessee Orange stripe down each side, as well as down the outer pant leg. The product range will be available at retail this fall.

“I’m enthused about the change because the players are enthused,” head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “I don’t think a uniform wins or loses ballgames, but it is important to look good. We felt we needed more orange in the road uniform and Adidas made the recommendation to look at the stripe up the side. We’re excited about the look and hope the fans enjoy it.”

The redesign of the Volunteers football uniform is part of a larger partnership agreement with Adidas that began in 1997 and was renewed in April 2001 for four additional years.

"The University of Tennessee is extremely proud of our partnership with Adidas," athletics director Doug Dickey said. "This new design serves as a testimony to Adidas' commitment to our university and athletics programs. Adidas and UT have worked well together for the past five years and we're looking forward to many more."

As well as uniforms for teams, Adidas provides a range of services to UT, including ensuring coaches, trainers and medical staff have everything they need to support the needs of college athletes. Adidas also fosters internship programs with the university and provides a specialized retail environment with a specific Tennessee look and feel. Adidas will continue to license apparel and accessories that bear the UT trademark at retailers nationwide.