At halftime of the Spring game, several UNC players modeled new uniforms on the field. The last uniform to enter the stadium through a cloud of smoke was the all-black alternate uniform that included a new black helmet. The other uniform styles aren’t really any better than what they currently use – in fact, I would say they are worse.
But the all-black uniform is sharp and will be a good contrast and break from the more traditional uniforms. Bryn Renner, second from the left in the picture, modeled the black uniform.
The Tar Heels will wear the all-black uniforms against Miami on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Kenan Stadium. Billed as “Zero Dark Thursday,” Carolina will face the Hurricanes on national television in just the second ESPN Thursday night home game in school history. The all-black uniform on “Zero Dark Thursday” is the first installment of the new “Tar Pit Series,” which will feature an alternate uniform or helmet for one game each year. This year’s alternate uniform color has been taken from the black tar in the Tar Heel logo.
The University of North Carolina, together with Nike, unveiled the new collection of football uniform designs and colors. The new uniforms feature Nike Pro Combat technology.
Unfortunately the other uniforms aren’t as impressive. The numbers look strange – the font and the black – and the uniforms overall frankly don’t look like Carolina. The Carolina blue looks a little off and the white uniforms are too white – like Penn State. The Tar Heels have three different jersey options available in 2013, including a Carolina blue top with black numbers, a white jersey with black numbers and a black jersey with blue numbers. Carolina has three pant options – Carolina blue, white and black – to choose from.
The Carolina blue top and white pant will continue as the traditional home uniform. The away uniform is a streamlined look in all white, and all black alternate uniform has Carolina blue numbers. A new customized font and typeface also serves a functional purpose as they are easier to read and more visible downfield. The stripes on the uniform pant and shoulders reflect the lines from the horns of a Ram, Carolina’s mascot.
The Nike design team worked closely with Tar Heel coaches and student athletes to understand their unique approach to the game. UNC head football coach Larry Fedora reminds his athletes to be “smart, fast and physical” on every play. This mantra is embroidered on the back neckline of the jersey to reinforce Fedora’s message to the athletes as they suit up before each game.
Prior to the Spring Game, the blue and white jerseys and helmets were on display at Bell Tower Park for fans to experience and photograph.
“Our kids are excited about the new uniforms,” said head coach Larry Fedora. “They saw them for the first time Friday and they are fired up about wearing them this year. We wanted to design a uniform that connected our team to The Tar Pit, our name for the student section. Make no mistake, Carolina Blue and white will always be our traditional colors.”
The fully integrated uniform system incorporates the latest in performance innovation where the athlete’s baselayer works in concert with his 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. The design enables speed without compromise.
“I haven’t had the chance to wear them in a game, but I’m excited about the new look and what Nike has done to enhance the feel of the uniform for players,” said senior quarterback Bryn Renner.