DULUTH, GA (WXIA) – The Gwinnett Gladiators unveiled their 2015 alternate jerseys to the public on Wednesday. The jerseys pay homage to the historic Atlanta Flames, which was the first pro hockey team to play in Atlanta.
The National Hockey League team played their home games at the old Omni Coliseum from 1972 through 1980. The team moved to Calgary in 1980, where they continue to play as the Calgary Flames.
As part of the Gladiators' #PassTheTorch campaign, the team introduced the new jersey, which will be worn at all non-Sunday home games for the remainder of this season, beginning on Friday, January 23. On Sundays, the Gladiators will wear their traditional black uniforms.
The new jersey is in the same bright red color that adorned the Flames' jerseys, with two new logos – a Gladiators "G" in the center of the jersey which includes a the same flame from the old Atlanta Flames logo running through it. The second logo includes a sword thrust through the center of the "G" with flames coming from both sides of the "G".
"We wanted to create something that was decidedly 'Gladiator' with a nod to the fact that Atlanta has such a significant history within our sport," explained Christi Johnson, Gladiators Director of Media, Game Operations, and Merchandising. "What better way than to embrace the retro feel of the old Flames color scheme? The unmistakable hues of the jersey resonate with a lot of people in Metro Atlanta, still to this day, and it was just a natural fit for what Steve (Chapman) and I wanted to accomplish with our new design."
The team says the jerseys will be available for purchase at the Gladiators' store and on the team's website.
The Gladiators play their home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Ticket and schedule information can be found at the team's website, http://www.gwinnettgladiators.com/ or via telephone at 770-497-5100.
