Grambling State University unveiled two exclusive sneaker designs developed by athletic apparel partner, adidas Originals, for the students of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band on Friday.
“We appreciate that our partners at adidas engage our students with meaningful experiences,” said Grambling State President Rick Gallot, who formerly played percussion and guitar in the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. “Investments like this help position them for increased visibility on the world stage and expose them to unique career options in the sportswear industry.”
The new Grambling State adidas sneakers come just days before the Band’s Atlanta performance in the 17th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, where they will go head-to-head against seven (7) other top-ranked HBCU marching bands.
“Throughout our partnership with adidas, they’ve continued to demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique needs of our athletes, including the Band, “said Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Director of Bands at Grambling State. “The sneaker design perfectly reflects the originality, imagination, and pride that comes with being a Grambling State Tiger.”
One of the adidas designs displays the University’s official colors, black, and gold, with a bold accent of red laces, the Grambling athletics logo on the ankle, and the Grambling State Tiger logo on the tongue. The other sneaker design has a classic feel with an all-white palette and features the Grambling State Tiger logo on the ankle.
“Students are at the heart of all partnerships and led this creative project”, said Martin Lemelle, Executive-Vice-President. Student leaders from the Band and the Orchesis Dance Company were invited to a marketing focus group with adidas executives to assist in designing the shoe last spring. “It’s rewarding to see their creativity realized through the release of this unique product.”
adidas continues to celebrate the vibrance of Black culture and partner in ways that advance HBCUs, including the recent partnership with the DTLR HBCU Tour. In 2019, the HBCU-forward Beyoncé invited Grambling State’s Marching Band to perform at her private activation party for the partnership between adidas and her athleisure line, Ivy Park. Months later, Grambling State’s campus hosted an adidas MakerLab experience where University homecoming attendees created custom adidas apparel items.
The new designs are exclusive to the World Famed Band, however, a limited supply will be available for auction this spring. Grambling State fans are encouraged to follow @grambling1901 for updates on the forthcoming auction and more from the adidas partnership.
Courtesy: GSU Media
Sure they were for sale to the general public!
Actually all Adidas HBCUs received customized shoes this year!