Lions receive makeover from Adidas

North Alabama football players show off the new ADIDAS uniforms. ADIDAS takes over as the main supplier of gear, uniforms, sideline apparel and fan apparel for UNA.

All North Alabama teams will get a major makeover with new Adidas sponsored uniforms and gear.

The uniform designs created by Adidas was presented at the annual Lion Pride Dinner, and the football uniforms were also released on Twitter with a video for fans to see.

Athletic Director Mark Linder said the partnership with Adidas will culminate in excitement around UNA.

“Being affiliated with a worldwide leader like Adidas will help our brand and brings a tremendous amount of energy to the department and to our campus,” Linder said. “Our agreement extends to every department on campus, so we all have access to tremendous discounts from the retail cost of apparel and shoes.”

Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Todd Vardaman said he notices a difference in excitement.

“The uniforms have already resulted in positive energy surrounding our teams, fan base and athletic department,” Vardaman said.

The new Adidas uniforms and gear will debut during this athletic season starting with the fall sports: football, volleyball, soccer and cross-country.

Football added a new white helmet along with the new Adidas uniform sets. The football team has eight different combinations includes purple helmet, uniform and pants, and a white helmet, uniforms and pants. The Lions will also be wearing gold cleats throughout the upcoming year.

Linder said nothing is impossible when it comes to new uniforms in the upcoming years.

“With our creative staff and students, I would assume that there is always room for new uniforms and different designs,” Linder said.

All sports will be wearing brand new purple and white home and away uniforms. In volleyball, the libero will wear a black uniform to signify the position. The goalkeeper in soccer will wear green, and men’s basketball has an alternate gray uniform with purple and gold stripes on uniforms.

Vardaman said he was big on the new partnership.

“I think the new Adidas branded uniforms look great,” Vardaman said. “The response from our student-athletes has been very positive.  Our coaches have done a wonderful job in the design of each uniform.”

Vardaman said he is excited to give the student-athletes something for all of their hard work on and off the field.

“Our student-athletes work extremely hard in the classroom and on the field and court,” Vardaman said.  “They deserve these new uniforms more than anyone. I’m excited for them, as well as our coaching staff.”