words // Brandon Richard
For the first time, a night game will be played at the "Big House" when the Michigan Wolverines host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their first primetime meeting since 1990. To celebrate the "Under the Lights" Game, adidas created special retro style uniforms for both teams to wear, inspired by each school's rich football history and multiple championship eras of football.
The new Michigan jerseys highlight a fusion of jersey design elements from different eras of Michigan football. A large block M is centered on the chest, while the sleeves feature repeated stripes. There's a quilted stitch design on the letters and numbers and "132 Years of Championship Football" stitched on the inside collar. Sewn on the inside bottom hem of the jersey is a list of the years Michigan won the NCAA National Championship. Lastly, for the first time since in the late-60s, player numbers will appear on the helmets.
Notre Dame's uniforms pay homage to their rich football tradition. Players will wear a white jersey with Kelly Green lettering, along with gold pants and a gold helmet. A large Shamrock logo appears on the helmet for the first time since the 1960. Like Michigan's jerseys, a list of years Notre Dame won the National Championship is sewn on the bottom hem.
Fans can purchase the “Under the Lights” retro jerseys at The M Den and Notre Dame Bookstore for $80.
Former Michigan and Notre Dame greats Jarrett Irons (All-American LB) and Rocket Ismail (Heisman runner-up WR/KR) are on-site in Ann Arbor this week to capture exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos for adidas Football’s Facebook page. Check out www.Facebook.com/adidasFootballUS leading up to and during the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game for an inside look at “Under the Lights” week.
The "Under the Lights" Game will air this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN 3.
