News - 10/03/2003

National Basketball Association - Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Give Sneak Peek at Alternate Jersey

Special uniform symbolizes Canadian pride with new logo

(Oct. 3, 2003) - TORONTO -- As the Raptors continue to prepare for the 2003-04 regular season, fans were given a sneak peek Friday afternoon at the alternate road uniform and logo that emphasizes the Raptors’ pride in being Canada’s Team. Raptors forward Jerome Williams presented the first jersey to Canadian music sensation Shania Twain prior to the team’s afternoon practice.

The uniform, which will be worn a minimum of 10 times on the road, will also be shown to the Toronto home fans four times throughout the regular season, including Opening Night on October 29 at 8 p.m. when the Raptors take on Jason Kidd and the two-time defending Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets.

Produced by Nike, the official NBA licensee for game uniforms, the Raptors alternate road uniform has a distinct Canadian feel. Its primary colour is Raptors Red (Pantone 200) with black and white highlights.

The design specs for the Raptors third jersey. It has the Raptors Claw on the back above the player name and two Canadian TR logos on the shorts. The logo, which features a maple leaf attached to the team’s initials, is part of a continuing effort by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (MLSEL) to have the Raptors embraced by all Canadians.

“There have been several initiatives by our organization to promote the unique Canadian feel the Raptors exhibit,” said Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer of MLSEL. “Raptors NBA TV, the only basketball team-oriented station of its kind, provides a service to all fans from coast to coast. Additionally, each time the Raptors play a road game, they also become ambassadors for this country. The alternate road jersey uses colours that express the pride we all feel for Canada.”

Fans are encouraged to visit raptors.com over the coming weeks and CentreSports at Air Canada Centre once the regular season begins to get a closer look at the alternate road jersey.