CSU 'state-pride' jerseys, related apparel a big hit

Replica “state-pride” jerseys are being sold before they reach the shelves at the CSU Bookstore, and other apparel in the Colorado state flag-themed series remains a big hit with consumers three weeks after its unveiling.

Colorado State University’s football program and Under Armour unveiled the “state-pride” uniforms it will wear for a Nov. 11 home game against Boise State on Sept. 21, and the university’s authorized retailers of licensed apparel have been overwhelmed by the demand ever since.

The new Scheel’s sporting goods store in Johnstown sold out of the jerseys in the first hour of its grand opening Sept. 30 and was out of “state-pride” hoodies, pullovers, polo shirts and T-shirts by lunchtime.

Online sales are booming, with higher-end items on back order for three to six weeks. Jerseys, which weren’t available at all last week, are now for sale online for $89.99 each and sold with a disclaimer that notes the item will be shipped no later than Nov. 17. Pullovers and polos, each priced at $62.99, will ship by Oct. 27. Those dates are conservative estimates, said Chris Ferris, CSU’s senior associate athletic director for sales, marketing and communications. Items should be available for shipping sooner.

The 'state-pride' apparel also is available at the Ram Zone stores in Old Town Fort Collins and at the CSU Stadium, Rams Bookstore at Laurel and Mason streets and Dick's Sporting Goods at Centerra in Loveland.

CSU receives a royalty from each item sold, Ferris said. He was unable to say how much money the “state-pride” gear has brought in so far, saying he was still receiving sales information from the licensed retailers. He expects to have preliminary figures soon.

“One of the exciting things about this particular ‘state-pride’ initiative is it’s really resonated with everybody statewide,” Ferris said. “Obviously, the state marks, they’re incredible and wildly popular. I think you combine that with the popularity of Colorado State’s brand and the momentum Joe (Parker, CSU’s athletic director) has built for our program, I think that goes beyond what’s happening in volleyball, what’s happening with our football program and beyond.

“I think a lot of good things are happening, and people are excited about it.”

Previously:Colorado State football unveils special state-flag uniforms

The “state-pride” football jerseys are white, with blue numbers trimmed in red. The Colorado state flag is on each sleeve. The Rams will wear white pants with two blue stripes down each side with the jerseys for the game against Boise State, along with white helmets, with two blue stripes across the top from front to back and the red “C” with a gold center like that found on the state flag on each side.

(Story continues below the photo)

The related “state-pride” apparel, created through CSU’s partnership with Under Armour, includes blue T-shirts, hoodies, quarter-zip pullovers and polo shirts adorned with the Colorado state flag and the words “CSU” or “Colorado State.”

CSU's school colors are green and gold.

Ferris didn’t know the details about the origin of the “state-pride” theme or who specifically came up with the design. The process began, he said, prior to his hiring in July 2016, He referred those questions to athletic director Joe Parker, who was not immediately available Wednesday evening.

The “state-pride” uniforms were designed specifically for the football team, Ferris said. But he wouldn’t rule out carrying the theme over to other sports.

“Right now, it’s a football thing,” Ferris said. “But I would tell you that there’s been a lot of planning well before we introduced the football (idea) related to some of our other teams, and I don’t want to necessarily directly share our plan yet.

“I think the popularity of ‘state-pride’ with football has only reinforced that we’re excited about some other things that we’ll be announcing shortly with some other teams.”

Follow reporter Kelly Lyell at twitter.com/KellyLyell and facebook.com/KellyLyell.news and listen to him talk CSU sports at 11:35 a.m. Thursdays on KFKA radio (AM 1310).

More:CSU football's 'state pride' jerseys already a hit with fans