This Friday marked an important milestone as Puma launched the 2023/24 Manchester City home kit, in a grand commemoration of the club’s 20-year-long residency at the legendary Etihad Stadium. The home kit has been thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the stadium’s iconic features while drawing influence from the inaugural jersey worn in the new arena.
Back in August 2003, Manchester City made a symbolic move of just over two miles from Maine Road to establish themselves at the Etihad Stadium. The relocation signaled the dawn of a new era for the club, paving the way for unprecedented records, birth of new legends, and unforgettable moments. The new home kit encapsulates this rich heritage, celebrating Etihad Stadium and its sense of belonging.
The graphic design of the new home kit encapsulates the unique architecture of the Etihad Stadium, particularly the four towering turrets visible from the exterior. These iconic structures form tonal stripes on the jersey, and the stadium’s postcode is proudly displayed on the nape to mark the stadium’s 20-year milestone. An added nod to the past, the jersey features a white V-neck inspired by the home jersey of the 2003/04 season.
As part of the jersey’s launch, Puma and Manchester City invited a select group of fans and club representatives, along with players from the men’s and women’s first team. Among them were Shaun Wright-Phillips, a club ambassador who was part of the 2003/04 squad. He proudly stated, “The Etihad Stadium plays a vital role in Manchester City’s history. Players and fans alike will have unforgettable memories of all the great moments we have shared in this stadium. It is fantastic that Puma has drawn inspiration from this for this year’s match kit“.
Marco Mueller, Senior Head of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel at Puma, also commented on this momentous occasion: “The 20th anniversary of Manchester City’s move to the Etihad Stadium represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the club’s incredible ascent during this period. The new home jersey pays tribute to the club’s standout moments here, with the unwavering support of its fans“.
The new jersey is engineered with cutting-edge technology to provide optimal performance and comfort on the pitch. Constructed with ULTRAWEAVE fabric, the jersey features a structured four-way stretch design to reduce weight and friction, enabling players to move freely and comfortably. Additionally, the fabric’s integrated dryCELL technology is designed to keep the body sweat-free.
The replica version, made from 100% recycled polyester, also employs dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to keep wearers dry and comfortable for the full 90 minutes and beyond. Both versions of the jersey are crafted from 100% recycled materials (excluding trims and embellishments), taking a step towards a better future.
Following the success of the first-ever Puma jersey launch in the Metaverse for Manchester City’s third kit of the 2022/23 season, the club is also emphasizing the launch of the 2023/24 home kit with a Metaverse event on Blue Moon, the club’s Roblox experience. A virtual version of the home jersey will be available with customization options for players.
The 2023/24 Manchester City home jersey, commemorating Etihad Stadium, is available from May 19 in Puma stores, on puma.com, and at selected retailers worldwide.
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