Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, they’re back, baby.
The long-rumored return of the Utah Jazz’s purple-colored mountain-themed jerseys finally was confirmed by the team Wednesday morning on social media.
The jerseys, which the Jazz originally wore between 1996-2004, will be part of the team’s uniform set for the 2019-20 season.
“I remember as a kid watching the Jazz when they wore these jerseys in the Finals. I’m excited about them,” new Jazz point guard Mike Conley said in a statement. “I think it’s great. You get so used to wearing the same two or three jerseys, and then you pull out a new one and it gets your juices flowing. We’re all excited.”
Nike, the NBA’s official uniform supplier, worked with the organization to bring the jerseys back to serve as the team’s “Classic Edition” uniform. Many Jazz fans best remember those jerseys as road uniforms worn during the team’s back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.
The jerseys will be worn at 11 homes this season, and at select road games.
The new versions feature most of the original components, such as the white-to-purple gradient mountain range; the motion-indicating ’90s-style “Jazz” wordmark; the white numbers and teal-and-copper trim; and the shorts featuring the mountain range on the left leg, secondary “UJ” logo, and the snowflake design on the waistband.
The uniform also will include the team’s “5 for the Fight” sponsorship patch on the jersey (a white patch featuring black type and copper trim) as well as white Nike logos on both the jersey and shorts.
The Classic Edition jerseys are up for presale online at jazzteamstore.com. More purple mountain-themed merchandise (such as T-shirts and ballcaps) can be purchased now at Vivint Smart Home Arena in the team store, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Courtesy of Utah Jazz) Along with the return of the purple mountain jerseys the Jazz wore between 1996-2004 will be an accompanying court design. Vivint Smart Home Arena will feature this court during 11 games this season. Fans can get a first look at a free event to be held Saturday, Oct. 19.
There is, of course, all an accompanying replica court to go along with the jerseys. The classic logo design is at midcoast to serve as the circle for the opening tip. The keys are filled with teal coloring, and the free-throw half-circles are purple. The end lines are purple as well, and feature the snowflake logo between the white-painted words “UTAH” and “JAZZ.”
The team will host a “Classic Edition” event at the arena on Saturday, Oct. 19. The free-to-the-public event will give fans their first look at the arena and the jerseys — which will be on sale at the event. Tickets to games featuring the “Classic Edition” look will also be on sale then.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of sports is sharing moments and memories with family and friends,” said Bart Sharp, senior vice president of marketing for the Jazz. “It’s our hope that these Classic Edition uniforms will serve as a bridge to unite generations of our fans in their love of Jazz basketball past and present.”
Follow @tribjazz