Hurricanes will wear environmentallyfriendly uniforms this season.
CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes have a preseason top-10 ranking, skyhigh expectations and now, environmentally-conscious uniforms that, they hope, will not only raise awareness about pollution in the oceans, but raise funds for Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
On Monday, Miami and its apparel outfitter adidas unveiled a set of alternate uniforms the Hurricanes will wear for their Sept. 2 season opener against LSU that are described as “the first-ever football uniforms featuring repurposed and upcycled materials.” The uniforms were designed in conjunction with Parley for the Oceans, a nonprofit organization that “addresses major threats towards our oceans.”
After wearing the new uniforms in their nationally-televised opener, the Hurricanes will auction them off with the proceeds going toward the Rosenstiel School, Miami said in a statement.
“Our players and staff are excited to wear the new adidas Parley jerseys and gear for our season opener. We’re also excited that adidas and Parley are teaming up with UM to help promote sustainability around the world,” Miami coach Mark Richt said in a statement. “Community service has always been an integral part of our football program, and this partnership with adidas and Parley helps us continue those efforts.”
This marks the second time this month that Miami and adidas have unveiled new uniforms for the Hurricanes. A couple weeks ago, the school and its apparel outfitter debuted a modified jersey for the Hurricanes that will include the Miami “U” logo on the collar and new block-style lettering on the nameplates.
According to a joint statement released by adidas and Miami, these special edition adidas x Parley A1 uniforms are “composed of over 70% regenerated ECONYL® yarn; a raw material transformed from fishing nets and other nylon waste intercepted in marine environments.”
That material is then reworked into fibers that “create the material framework of a durable, yet breathable fabric that is optimal for adidas performance apparel.”
Along with the uniforms, the Hurricanes will wear gloves and cleats made of recycled materials, with adidas noting it will mark the first time eco-conscious footwear will be worn in an NCAA football game.
“[We] are thrilled to partner with adidas and Parley to wear the first ever college football uniforms made from repurposed Parley materials,” UM athletic director Blake James said.