MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Miami Hurricanes on Saturday unveiled a new-look uniform design that "reflects the vibrant, bold style of the city -- from the beach to the architecture to the people," according to the school.
The unveiling occurred about an hour before the start of the Hurricanes spring game at Sun Life Stadium.
In a press release announcing the new Nike uniform combinations, the new designs are "anchored by the familiar orange and green colors, as well as the iconic split-U logo" with modern accents added "to harness the team's early cutting-edge style both on and off the field in the '80s and '90s."
"Historically, UM has been a trend setter in college football for uniform designs," athletic director Blake James said. "With this latest uniform design, we are able to combine our iconic history with South Florida tradition and a modern edge."
Fans filled one end zone and surrounded four mannequins, each one sporting a new design under an orange covering before the 5 p.m. unveiling. After four Miami players ran across the field, each wearing a new design, team mascot Sebastian the Ibis removed an orange covering from each of the four mannequins.
The Hurricanes will feature four interchangeable uniform colors, with green, orange, and white forming three of the four new looks.
Miami will wear an orange jersey and pants ("Juice") with a white and silver helmet, featuring an anodized finish and gray facemask, at home; and a white jersey and pants ("Storm Trooper") away. The Hurricanes also will have two alternate jerseys -- a green jersey ("Surge") and pants with a white helmet; and an anthracite jersey ("Smoke") and pants serving as a reminder of the pre-game smoke that opened every home game.
"The uniform comes at the right time for the right team," coach Al Golden said. "These young men, who unselfishly guided us through some very dark days, now display a renewed attitude and spirit! These new uniforms capture that outlook.
"The innovative look respects our tradition but perhaps more importantly represents the future and our current Canes. We have one of the most iconic logos in college sports, and Nike has combined that with its latest performance technology to produce a sleek, dynamic new uniform for The U."
Miami's traditional white helmet with the split "U" will remain in the rotation, giving the Hurricanes three different helmet options.
An aggressive interpretation of the Ibis has been integrated into the uniform on the shoulders, hip of pant, and helmet.
You can follow Charlie McCarthy on Twitter @mccarthy_chas or email him at mac1763@bellsouth.net.
