New ‘Heartbeat’ pink jersey inspired by fans
“We want more pink.” That was the plea from Inter Miami fans from the moment the team’s inaugural uniforms were unveiled two years ago.
The home shirts in
2020 were white with pink trim and the road uniforms were black with pink trim. But the hottest selling Miami jerseys that year were the pink training shirts. Pink – a hue long associated with Miami sunsets, Miami Vice and flamingos – quickly became the defining color of Inter Miami’s “La Familia” diehard fans, who love to blast pink smoke from the north stands.
And so, two years later, the fans’ request has been granted.
Inter Miami on Saturday morning unveiled The Heartbeat Kit, the team’s new all-pink primary jersey for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Inspired by and designed for the fans – “the true heartbeat of the team” in the club’s words – the kit includes a pink shirt, pink shorts and pink socks, all with black trim.
To illustrate the heartbeat theme, the cuff of the sleeves has a wavy electrocardiogram (EKG) line embossed into the fabric with M-shaped peaks for Miami. The same design appears on the left front shirt tag.
“The perfect way to launch the 2022 MLS season is to unveil our kit in honor of La Familia and the tremendous support our fans give us every day,” said Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas. “Every detail of our club’s primary jersey for the next two seasons is a testament to our gratitude for the supporters – the heartbeat of Inter Miami CF.”
The new jersey also includes an inscription on the back of the neck that reads “Libertad Para Soñar” (Freedom to Dream). The design and font are identical to a tattoo coowner David Beckham has on his chest. The words were originally scripted in the handwriting of Beckham’s close friend, singer Marc Anthony.
Brunette said Friday. “They play so well together.”
It’s a creative way to split the difference between two identities and get the Panthers’ two best forwards on the ice together more frequently than just on the power play. In the past two years, Florida has outscored opponents 12-7 when Barkov and Huberdeau are on the ice together for 5-on-5 action, but, “it’s just better for our team to be four lines deep,” with Barkov and Huberdeau split up, Brunette said.
“But, yeah, they’re two special players,” Brunette said. “When they get out there together, they’re pretty dangerous.”
ACCIARI DEBUTS
After a freak injury in the preseason forced him to miss the first 47 games of the regular season, Acciari finally made his regular-season debut Friday and got stronger as the game went on in his first
“This jersey represents our fans who are the heartbeat of the club,” echoed Beckham. “It is an expression of our love for the city of Miami and our incredible supporters, and it is extra special to me because it features my Freedom to Dream tattoo beneath the collar.”
The team will debut the appearance of the year.
Acciari lined up as the fourth-line right wing Friday and played 11:46, including 40 shorthanded as the second forward next to Barkov on the top penalty-killing unit. Although he got burned for a goal on Minnesota’s second power play in the first period, Acciari was otherwise solid and had his best stretch in the third period when he attempted three shots and blocked one. He also had two hits and went 2 of 3 on faceoffs.
“He got better every shift he played,” Brunette said, “so it was a good sign for us.”
While the Panthers’ forward depth means he might not be in the lineup every night, Acciari still looks like he’ll be a useful two-way piece for Florida.
ROAD TURNAROUND
At one point this year, the Panthers were 4-4-5 away from Sunrise. Now 11-7-5, they’ll have a chance to bring their road pink jerseys at the season home opener Feb. 26 against the Chicago Fire, according to club sources.
Michael Ridley, Inter Miami senior vice president of brand and marketing, is jersey-obsessed. He has a collection of 372 shirts and wanted Miami’s new one to be just right.
“We didn’t want pastel pink or fuchsia, we wanted our pink and were very careful with that,” said Ridley, adding that Inter Miami’s pink color code is Pantone 1895C.
The fabric also had to be just right. When the first version of the shirt arrived, Ridley exercised in it in his garage to build up a sweat and found that it became see-through, which was a problem with the previous white jersey. So, he requested a different fabric, and adidas found one that does not show through.
On the front of the jersey is “XBTO”, the team’s record up to .500 when they wrap up this road trip Sunday at 3 p.m. against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
Florida has won 7 of 10 away from FLA Live Arena, including two overtime wins in North Carolina, the rout in Minnesota, and a blowout win against superstar center Connor McDavid and the playoff-contending Edmonton Oilers last month.
INJURY UPDATE
Duclair went back to the locker room in the third period Friday after he took a massive hit from star forward Ryan Hartman, but he was able to return for a late shift, which Brunette said was a positive sign for his status moving forward.
Still, the coach said the Panthers would “reevaluate him” Saturday before they face the Blackhawks (18-25-8) in Chicago.
Florida is slated to practice Saturday at the United Center. cryptofinance firm sponsor, and the sleeve sponsor is software tech company XMANNA.
On Sunday, the DRV PNK Stadium team store will open from noon to 4 p.m. Fans will be able to take their photo with Inter Miami players Bryce Duke and Mo Adams from noon to 2 p.m.
From Feb. 21 to Feb. 26, fans can buy a limitededition Heartbeat Cake at Toothfairy Bakery in
South Beach. The cake will feature the EKG line along with the signature pink color. Five pairs of regular tickets to the Inter Miami home opener will be hidden inside the cakes. One lucky fan will find a pink ticket, which can be redeemed for a jersey and two Club seats to the home opener.
For ticket info, visit intermiamicf.com/tickets
Michelle Kaufman: 305-376-3438, @kaufsports