For The Tribune-Democrat
NEW YORK —
The 103rd edition of the Backyard Brawl will have a completely different look to it.
When Pitt hosts West Virginia on Nov. 26, both teams will be wearing Nike Pro Combat uniforms designed for 10 elite college programs. The Panthers and Mountaineers were among the 10 teams selected to wear the uniforms this season. The uniforms were specially customized for each university in order to reflect the teams' traditions, character and culture.
"The Nike Pro Combat System of Dress merges innovation and inspiration to deliver the lightest uniform in the industry," said Kris Aman, Global VP and GM of Nike Athletic Training, which includes football. "The designs incorporate cultural cues emblematic of each team's identity and heritage. They're more than uniforms, they're expressions of pride."
Pitt's design details include, according to Nike: "Notched Team Gold jersey numbers and stencil stripe on the helmet evoke steel I-beams in reference to Pittsburgh's steel industry."
West Virginia’s were designed with the state’s mining history in mind, specifically as a memorial to the 29 miners who died in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster. The Mountaineers’ jerseys and helmets simulate coal dust.
