Instead of the typical blue and gold, Indiana Pacers fans will see the players wearing something new on the court.
This morning, the Pacers revealed that the team will be wearing “Hickory” uniforms inspired by the movie Hoosiers for certain games during the upcoming season.
The Pacers are partnering with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary. Hoosiers was released in 1986 and was inspired by the 1954 Indiana high-school state-championship team from Milan.
“Our team will be honored to wear the Hickory uniforms because of the attention it will bring to the storied history of Indiana basketball and the success of that movie,” Larry Bird, Pacers President of Basketball Operations, told NBA.com. “Hoosiers takes us all back to a special place and time.”
The uniforms will be worn during certain games during the 2015-16 season as part of the NBA Pride Collection. They will also make an appearance in select games over the next several seasons.
The reaction has been hit-or-miss on social media, with a few national personalities taking notice.
Here are our favorite tweets from the announcement:
It’s an honor to break this news: @Pacers going Hollywood next season! #HickoryPacers#HoosiersMoviepic.twitter.com/6iC52OSCv5
— INDIANA GEORGE HILL (@George_Hill3) July 21, 2015
See more photos of the new #HickoryPacers uniforms, to be worn for select games: https://t.co/IITsaNjae5pic.twitter.com/yBvADIy4fd — Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 21, 2015
Only of the #lakers rock this throwback. @TonyD1070pic.twitter.com/m0ClAloKix — JMV1070 (@JMV1070) July 21, 2015
Would rather see the Pacers wear Crispus Attucks unis than Hoosiers ones but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ — RUSS BENGT$ON (@russbengtson) July 21, 2015
1. This is amazing. 2. I want one. 3. Major pressure on Donald Sloan (no. 15) 3. Chase Budinger rejuvenation alert! https://t.co/3WjY2rVPpR — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 21, 2015
.@George_Hill3@Pacers George LOVE the new uniforms, nice throwback. But more importantly, LOVE that your hair color matches new uniforms.
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) July 21, 2015
Pacers unveil corny Hoosiers-inspired alternate jerseys: https://t.co/WgeyXGj38k
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) July 21, 2015
If you’re complaining about the “Hickory” #pacers uniforms you are some kinda knob.
— JMV1070 (@JMV1070) July 21, 2015
Vogel draws up Picket Fence, Paul George says “I’ll make the shot.” — KJ_NBA (@KJ_NBA) July 21, 2015