All eight CFL teams this week unveiled new Reebok uniforms in a project that "took two years” and was part of a marketing effort to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup, according to Peter James of the MONTREAL GAZETTE. During the first phase, which was completed last year, teams "met with Reebok to toss around design ideas and settle on the final look." Over the last 12 months, Reebok "tested the jerseys and put the uniforms into production." Reebok Team Services Marketing Coordinator Jay Ranjitsingh saying, "Some of these teams have been around 80-plus years and some of them are a little reticent about change" (Montreal GAZETTE, 5/2). In Toronto, Bob Mitchell, noted changes for the Argonauts include a "new/old look" for the team. The club's new uniform "sees the Argos returning to their Cambridge and Oxford University double blues." With new striping on the sleeves, the jerseys are "reminiscent of those worn in the 1968-75 era, and the colours were inspired by the Argonaut Rowing Club that founded the team 139 years ago." Argonauts Exec Chair & CEO Chris Rudge said, "We’re going to put Argo pride, the Argo brand, back on the A-list in this town in a big way" (TORONTO STAR, 5/2). The MONREAL GAZETTE's James noted the Hamilton Tiger-Cats "decided to go in a different direction, adding stripes to their sleeves, giving their uniform a more old-school look." The team also "removed the yellow stripe from their helmets." The Montreal Alouettes' "biggest change ... is the addition of the word Alouettes in block letter on their home jersey" (Montreal GAZETTE, 5/2).
OUT WEST: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are dropping their white away jerseys with the changes this season in favor of a new gold jersey that will be worn during all away games (Blue Bombers). Ranjitsingh said, "The league had a bit of hesitation towards going to a gold, but once they saw it … you can’t deny how great it looks." He added, "When you’re leaving the game you won’t feel like you’ll want to take it off when you go to the bar to hang out. You’re proud to wear it" (WINNIPEG SUN, 5/2). In Calgary, Allen Cameron notes the Stampeders' new uniforms feature a white-on-white road ensemble, "a distinct departure from the past when the Stamps generally wore red or black pants to go along with the white tops." The new jerseys are also a "departure in many ways from the outfits sported in recent seasons." Stampeders Equipment Manager George Hopkins said that a new design for third jerseys "will be unveiled next season" (CALGARY HERALD, 5/3).
