More than 59,000 fans who crowded Autzen Stadium on Sept. 20 for the Oregon-Michigan game got the first peek at the Oregon Marching Band’s new uniforms. The outfits were provided by the Oregon Athletic Department, courtesy of its contract with Nike.
The uniforms were kept hidden from public view before the game and the unconventional design, much in line with Nike’s new design for Oregon’s football uniforms, may have shocked spectators.
The uniforms feature slim thunder-green overalls and matching jackets with lightning-yellow accents on the shoulders. Band members also wear simple white undershirts beneath the jackets.
The most distinct addition to the band’s uniforms are the hardtop helmets. The untraditional helmets were the main source for rumors about a new “biker gang” look for the marching band the week leading up to the Michigan game.
According to OMB Director Todd Zimbelman, the decision to keep the public from getting a peak at the new uniforms was more about timing than trying to create a buzz.
“The media was trying to get a look at them prior to the Michigan game, but we barely had all the pieces together and we were heavy into rehearsals,” he said. “It was easier to hold everyone off until we actually had them fitted and displayed for all to see at the same time.”
Nike, as part of their athletic contract with the University, conceived the idea for the new uniforms. However, members of the marching band did provide input for the final design, and Zimbelman said there were “some minor alterations that took place.”
What has been the reaction to the new look? Among the band, it is mixed.
“I really like them,” band member Laura Marshall said. “The helmet I don’t know about — I wish we had more traditional helmets.”
Matt Conrad, another member of the band, said the new uniforms make up in function what they might lack in fashion.
Decidedly less happy with the new look is fellow band member Elliott Gavino.
“I’m proud to march under the school’s name, but not under Nike’s new uniforms,” he said.