Grambling State News

World Famed Band to Sport Two Unique adidas Originals Designs at Honda Battle of the Bands

January 23, 2020 – Today, 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.

“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 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.

Supporters of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band are encouraged to follow the World Famed Tiger Marching Band and join the conversation surrounding this weekend’s Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase using #HBOB:

• Facebook – @gramfamband & Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
• Twitter – @gsuworldfamed & @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda
• Instagram – @gsu_worldfamedband & @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda

For media inquiries, contact mediarelations@gram.edu or call 318-274-2203.

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About adidas Originals

Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas – one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel – adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.