The Cincinnati Bengals have unveiled a new locker room at Paycor Stadium, blending cutting-edge technology with a nod to the team’s rich history. Bengals founder and pro football pioneer Paul Brown, who introduced innovations like the playbook and the radio helmet, would likely be impressed with the modern updates and historical touches that define this new space.
Following a busy offseason of renovations, the Bengals' locker room has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. Joe Burrow and his teammates moved in before Tuesday's practice to find their space radically updated, combining the latest technology with design elements from the Bengals' origins in the 1960s.
A sophisticated lighting system, capable of mimicking the nuances of natural daylight throughout the day, is one of the standout features. The system's complexity rivals that of a small city’s, adjusting to suit the time of day and the mood of the team.
The new locker room boasts 93 "beast lockers," each weighing about 800 pounds and equipped with a 24-inch electrical panel. These panels power everything from wireless phone chargers to Bluetooth lockboxes. These lockers are not only functional but also a testament to innovation, featuring internal lighting from eight LEDs certified by a national safety standard and nine drying fans for helmets, shoulder pads, and cleats. Each locker includes a lift-up footlocker storage compartment stamped with Paul E. Brown’s laser-engraved autograph.
“There’s nothing like it in the world. It’s a locker designed only for them,” says Sam Allen, owner of the Texas-based Longhorn Locker Company, the firm behind the project. “What the Bengals have is cutting-edge. This is the most intricate, most expensive, most involved project, requiring the greatest number of hours.”
Elizabeth Blackburn, part of the Bengals' ownership group, spearheaded the renovation project. The redesign aimed to modernize the locker room with advanced technology while maintaining a connection to the team’s storied past.
“We aimed to modernize the locker room with technology and a clean, cool design,” Blackburn explains. “This renovation built upon the locker room's original football shape but increased the ceiling height and made several other modifications to further open up the space to create a connected feeling for the team. We hope it’s an energizing, high-end, professional setting for our players every day.”
The new locker room is rich with historical elements. Blackburn ensured that the lockers feature subtle tributes to the team’s legacy. The lyrics “And win this game for Cincinnati,” from the team fight song composed in 1968, are placed above the door leading to the field. Patented shelving units in each locker display lines from the “Who Dey Think Gonna Beat Them Bengals?” chant. The compartments for drying shoulder pads are lined with the "Established 1968" logo, and the iconic running tiger logo leaps through the lockbox.
The reaction from the players has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s amazing,” says wide receiver Tee Higgins. “A lot more space. The lockers are nice. I think the guys will love it. They really outdid themselves. They took it to another level for sure.”
Joe Burrow, who had a sneak peek last week, was equally impressed. “The more we continue to invest in stuff like this, the more comfortable the players are going to be. We’re going to love coming into work. I’m really happy with it. It’s quite an upgrade. Credit to ownership for putting this all together.”
The Bengals' new locker room is more than just a place to change and store gear. It’s a modern, luxurious space designed to foster team unity and enhance player performance, all while honoring the rich history of the franchise. As Joe Burrow says, “It’s open to any and all,” capturing the welcoming spirit of this impressive new facility.
With these upgrades, the Bengals are poised to not only meet the needs of today’s players but also adapt to the demands of the future, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of innovation in the NFL.
As the countdown to the college football season begins, fans and players alike are buzzing with anticipation. This offseason has been particularly exciting, marked by a flurry of uniform reveals across the country. Among the latest to join the trend are the UAB Blazers, who unveiled their new look for the 2024 season.
One of the most striking changes in UAB's new uniform lineup is the absence of the gold helmet, a staple of the Blazers' identity for much of their history. Last season, the gold helmet was already showing signs of decline, making appearances in only two out of twelve games. This year, the gold accents on the white uniforms, such as the numbers and 'UAB' lettering, have been replaced with a bold green, signaling a significant shift in the team’s aesthetic.
Perhaps the most notable addition to UAB’s uniform arsenal is the green helmet. Not seen since 1994, the green helmet is making a comeback, featuring a striking white dragon logo. This addition is part of a trio of helmets introduced for the season:
Green Helmet: Featuring a white dragon logo.
White Helmet: Showcasing a green dragon logo, worn five times in the previous season.
White Helmet with Lime Green and Black Dragon Logo: A fresh design that has yet to make its on-field debut.
The UAB Blazers have unveiled a range of uniforms for the 2024 season, each designed for specific occasions. The Home uniform features an all-green ensemble, while the Away uniform presents a clean, all-white look. For the Birmingham Series Alternate, the team sports a green helmet paired with a gray jersey and pants. The Smile-A-Mile uniform, which supports children diagnosed with cancer, includes a white helmet with a black jersey and pants. Finally, the Children’s Harbor uniform, honoring seriously ill children and their families, consists of a white helmet with a gray jersey and pants.
Two of UAB’s uniform sets underscore the team's dedication to charitable causes. The Smile-A-Mile uniforms, introduced last season, feature jerseys without player names, instead displaying the names of children diagnosed with cancer. These uniforms are worn during select games and donated to the patients at the end of the season, with the black jerseys previously showcased in games against Louisiana and Memphis. The Children’s Harbor uniforms, now in their eighth year, include gray and lime green jerseys adorned with the names of Children’s Harbor patients.
These special uniforms were worn in last year’s games against South Florida and Florida Atlantic, and the Blazers will continue this meaningful tradition on November 2nd when they host Tulsa.
While it's unclear if UAB will experiment with additional uniform combinations beyond the five main categories, the possibilities are exciting.
Western Kentucky University has excited football fans and alumni alike with the unveiling of two new helmets that pay homage to the program's rich history. The announcement, made on Thursday, revealed that both helmets are throwbacks to the red helmets the team wore in the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride.
One of the newly introduced helmets features the classic "WKU" lettering on both sides. This design is complemented by a striking black facemask and a bold center stripe in white and black.
The second helmet showcases the word "Tops" in elegant cursive script on both sides, creating a stylish and distinct appearance. This helmet features a white facemask, which contrasts beautifully with the red helmet, and a prominent black and white center stripe. The design captures the essence of the Hilltoppers' identity, providing a fresh yet familiar look for the team.
These throwback helmets are more than just a change in gear; they represent a bridge between the past and the present. By revisiting the red helmets that were once a staple of the program, WKU is honoring its history while also invigorating current players and fans with a sense of continuity and tradition. The nostalgic designs are a tribute to the legacy of Western Kentucky football and a celebration of the community’s enduring spirit and support.
The ULM Warhawks are gearing up for the 2024 football season with a fresh and exciting change to their on-field look. This year, the team will debut a new primary helmet inspired by the iconic P-40 Warhawk aircraft, symbolizing a blend of tradition and innovation.
The P-40 Warhawk was a formidable fighter plane during World War II, known for its distinctive design and valiant service. By incorporating elements of this legendary aircraft into their helmet design, ULM is paying homage to the past while looking forward to a new era of football excellence.
The new helmet features bold graphics reminiscent of the P-40 Warhawk, including sharp, aggressive lines and a fierce, determined look that embodies the spirit of the Warhawks. The helmet's design aims to inspire players and fans alike, serving as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
As the Warhawks prepare for the upcoming season, the introduction of the P-40 inspired helmet adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. The new helmet is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a statement of identity and pride for the team and its supporters.
With the new helmet set to make its debut, the Warhawks are ready to take on the 2024 season with renewed vigor and a sense of purpose. Fans can look forward to seeing their team don this striking new gear as they strive for success on the gridiron.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to support the ULM Warhawks as they soar to new heights this season with their P-40 inspired helmets!
Notre Dame football revealed their 2024 home football jerseys, that now feature arm sleeve patches of the interlocking “ND” logo in gold. This metallic hue is designed to match the iconic gold helmet, with the logo trimmed in blue for an added touch of elegance.
The home blue jerseys will also sport white numbers with metallic gold trim, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Notre Dame has yet to announce its 2024 green jersey game. Over the past two seasons, the Irish have donned green jerseys against California (2022) and Ohio State (2023). Fans are eagerly awaiting news on which game will feature this color scheme for the upcoming season.
A special unfirom typically accompanies Notre Dame's Shamrock Series contests. This year's game, set for November 23 at New York's Yankee Stadium against Army, is sure to be a highlight of the season. Fans can expect another unique and memorable uniform design to mark this special occasion.
With these exciting updates, Notre Dame continues to blend tradition with innovation, keeping their look fresh while honoring their storied history. Fans and players alike can look forward to a season of not just thrilling football, but also standout style on the field.
The Oregon Ducks football team has revealed the second uniform combination from their highly anticipated “Generation O” series, showcasing a nostalgic yet modern design. This latest reveal, the "Gang Green" uniform, honors the 1990s Ducks teams coached by Rich Brooks and coincides with Oregon's debut season in the Big Ten Conference.
The "Gang Green" uniforms pay tribute to the legendary 1990s teams that were known for their fierce defense and competitive spirit. The primarily green and yellow combination brings back the iconic “O” helmet, a symbol that has been somewhat overshadowed by the winged helmets of the modern era. This classic helmet design, along with other elements of the uniform, is expected to be a staple for the Ducks this season.
Key features of the "Gang Green" uniforms include the return of the green “O” logo on the helmet, a hallmark of the Ducks' storied history. The jersey design showcases yellow wings flanking the green “O” logo on the front collar, with the modern Duck logo prominently displayed on the shoulders. The green jersey is further complemented by yellow names and numbers, with yellow accents adding a unique touch to the inside of the armpits.
The "Gang Green" uniform is the second in the "Generation O" series, following the black “Fly Era” combination revealed on June 26. The Ducks are expected to unveil a total of five unique uniform combinations, each celebrating different eras and aspects of the program's rich history.
As Oregon prepares for its inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference, the "Gang Green" uniforms symbolize a blend of tradition and innovation. Fans eagerly await the Ducks' performance on the field, clad in these striking new uniforms that honor the past while looking ahead to the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on the "Generation O" series and get ready to cheer on the Oregon Ducks as they make their mark in the Big Ten!
Cal’s Golden Bears are stepping into their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a fresh new look. Cal revealed their revamped football uniforms, exciting fans with both the preservation of tradition and the introduction of new design elements.
While Cal has retained much of its traditional aesthetic, there are subtle yet significant updates to the uniforms. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of the "ACC" logo on the front of the right shoulder, marking the team's new conference affiliation.
The uniforms no longer feature the Sather stripe, which was introduced seven years ago. Instead, it has been replaced with a stripe reminiscent of the one used during the Joe Roth era in the late 1970s. This nod to the past is complemented by block font lettering that matches the new stripe design, creating a cohesive and nostalgic look.
The Cal script logo has been repositioned to the neckline, which in turn brings the front numbers higher on the jersey. This change not only modernizes the appearance but also pays homage to past uniform styles, blending heritage with contemporary design.
The Golden Bears now have six uniform combinations to choose from, offering a variety of looks for different games. The combinations include white and blue jerseys, paired with white, blue, and gold pants. This mix-and-match approach allows for flexibility and visual interest throughout the season.
The iconic gold helmet from the Joe Roth era, featuring the block "C" logo on the side, remains a staple of Cal's football wardrobe. This helmet ties the new uniforms to the rich history of Cal football and ensures that a piece of the past remains a constant on the field.
As Cal enters the ACC, the updated uniforms symbolize a new chapter for the Golden Bears while honoring the legacy of the program. Fans can look forward to seeing their team in these striking new uniforms, ready to make their mark in a new conference.
With the 2024 season just around the corner, Tennessee football has revealed its latest alternate uniforms, continuing the much-loved Smokey grey series. Less than 50 days before their season opener, the Volunteers have introduced a new look that pays homage to the state flag of Tennessee, prominently featuring the iconic tri-star logo.
The 2024 Smokey grey uniforms are a celebration of Tennessee's heritage. The tri-star logo, a symbol of the state's three Grand Divisions, is prominently displayed on both shoulders of the jersey. This emblem, set against the smoky grey backdrop, underscores the Vols' deep connection to their home state.
The helmet is a standout piece in this uniform set. It features the classic Power T logo, enhanced with a depiction of the Smoky Mountains. The design is completed with an orange and white stripe running down the center, adorned with three stars, mirroring the tri-star theme.
Across the chest plate of the jersey, "Tennessee" is boldly displayed, ensuring that the team's identity is front and center. The numbers are orange with a crisp white trim, providing a vibrant contrast that enhances visibility and style.
In 2022, Tennessee announced its plan to wear a unique version of the Smokey grey uniform each season over a three-year period. This initiative showcases the program's commitment to blending tradition with modern design. Last season, the Vols honored former player Condredge Holloway, the first black quarterback to start for an SEC team in 1972, with a special edition of the Smokey grey uniforms.
The new tri-star themed Smokey grey uniforms are more than just a fresh look; they are a testament to Tennessee's rich history and cultural pride. As the Vols prepare to take the field this season, these uniforms will serve as a visual reminder of the team's roots and aspirations.
Virginia Tech Hokies fans have something new to look forward to this football season as the team unveils its updated uniforms. Blending nostalgic elements with contemporary design, the new uniforms honor the 1999 throwback style while incorporating fresh details that reflect the program's evolution.
The new uniforms are a reimagined version of the beloved 1999 throwback uniforms that the Hokies wore during the 2021 season. However, instead of being an exact replica, these updated uniforms feature the program's current font, enhanced with a sublimated Hokie Stone pattern. This subtle yet impactful detail adds depth and texture, giving the uniforms a distinctive modern edge.
One of the standout features of the new uniforms is the color scheme and trim. The jerseys boast white or maroon numbers with orange trim on the front and back, ensuring high visibility and a bold appearance. The sleeves showcase orange numbers with maroon and white trim, adding a dynamic contrast that enhances the overall aesthetic.
In another departure from the 1999 throwback design, the new uniforms replace the "Tech" wordmark on the right hip of the pants with a "Hokies" wordmark. This change not only modernizes the look but also reinforces the team's identity and pride. The new wordmark is featured on both the maroon and white pants, creating a cohesive and polished appearance.
Completing the uniform set are the maroon and white helmets, both adorned with Virginia Tech's primary logo on the sides. The white helmet also includes a striking new striping pattern in maroon, white, and orange, adding an extra layer of visual interest and tying the entire ensemble together.
As the Hokies prepare to take the field, the updated uniforms symbolize a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. They pay homage to the past while embracing the future, ensuring that the team not only looks sharp but also feels a renewed sense of pride and energy.
— Oregon State Football (@BeaverFootball) July 12, 2024
As the Oregon State Beavers gear up for the 2024 football season, fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement over the team's updated look. When the Beavers take the field on August 31 against Idaho State, they will debut their first new uniforms since 2019, showcasing a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads.
The unveiling of the new uniforms, revealed four distinct sets of uniforms and helmets, including three tailored for home games. The Beavers will now sport an all-white, all-orange, all-black, and grey uniform combo, offering a versatile range of styles that they can mix and match throughout the season.
One of the most notable features of the new uniforms is the fresh texture in the numbers, providing a contemporary touch to the classic design. Additionally, an updated stripe pattern now adorns the top of the jerseys' shoulders, adding a dynamic element to the overall aesthetic.
The new uniforms are not just about colors and combinations; the intricate details set them apart. The updated texture in the numbers provides a unique feel and look, ensuring that the jerseys are not only stylish but also functional. The new stripe pattern on the shoulders enhances the visual appeal and adds a sense of movement and energy to the design.
Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite team in a variety of exciting new looks this season, each representing the pride and tradition of Oregon State football. With these stylish uniforms, the Beavers are ready to make a statement and leave their mark on the 2024 season.
