CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Blue Bombers 'throw back' to retro jerseys for two autumn games against Argos

Published on August 26, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG - (August 26, 2008) - The Winnipeg Football Club joins the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL in a five-year launch celebrating the CFL's legacy when the Blue Bombers sport throwback 1950's-style uniforms for their two fall games against the Argonauts.

The first will be held at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Friday, September 12 (6:00 p.m. CT, TSN, CJOB Radio). They'll renew their tribute to the fabulous football of the fifties when they meet again on Friday, October 10 in Winnipeg (6:30 p.m. CT, TSN, CJOB Radio).

Other teams and eras will be showcased in future years as the CFL rolls out its retro initiative from now until the 100th Grey Cup game in 2012.

"This is our league, and it has a bright future, one built on the legacy that has been entrusted to us by the game's builders, players and fans over the years," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "When today's stars sport yesterday's look, they're really glancing back at history on behalf of us all, just long enough to say: ‘Thank you.'"

Tickets to the Bombers-Argos retro game at Canad Inns Stadium (October 10) are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca/ or by calling 204-780-3333.

The Blue Bombers' throwback jerseys are on sale at the flagship ‘Bomber Store' at Canad Inns Stadium, the club's new 4,400 square-foot ‘Bomber Store' at St. Vital Mall and online at http://www.bluebombers.com.

The retro jerseys were carefully designed by Reebok Canada, the authentic outfitter of the CFL, who studied photos and other memorabilia before working to combine the football fashions of the past with the performance features of today in a full uniform: jerseys, pants and helmets.

"This launch is another indication of the proud heritage the Winnipeg Football Club has had for 78 years," said Jerry Maslowsky, the Blue Bombers VP of Marketing. "The 50s were a great era for this team, and to have these retro uniforms is a tribute to those past players and for our fans to appreciate the history of this franchise. Our heritage is what and who we are today, and the Bomber legends of the past have provided us with many great memories."

A full line of Bombers retro sideline gear has also been designed by Roger Edwards, a leader in sport and lifestyle fashion. It includes long and short sleeve t-shirts and hats. There's also a line of clothing featuring the CFL's new Retro Week logo, a hybrid of the stylized helmet logo so prevalent in the 1970's and the giant maple leaf that was its' predecessor.

The line of Blue Bombers retro sideline gear is also presently on sale both ‘Bomber Store' locations and on the Internet.

Former Bomber great Khari Jones modeled the Winnipeg throwback jersey at one of two media conferences on Tuesday. The recent inductee into the team's hall-of-fame was in Toronto for the concurrent launch.

"Those of us who have played in the modern era owe a tremendous debt to those who came before us," said the 2001 CFL Most Outstanding Player. "There would have been no Khari Jones if there hadn't been (legendary Bomber QB) Kenny Ploen. Our league is here because of our history, and I applaud the CFL for celebrating it."

The launch of the Retro initiative comes on the same day the CFL built for the future by announcing a new five-year deal with Reebok Canada.

The agreement makes Reebok the exclusive supplier of uniforms and on-field apparel for the league, expands the presence of CFL Reebok merchandise in retail stores, and increases royalty revenue for the league.

"This is an important year for the Canadian Football League, and as our fans have rallied to our league, they've told me they want us to celebrate our legacy, and build for the future at the same time," Cohon said. "That's exactly what we're doing today."

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Canadian Football League Stories from August 26, 2008


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