Tennessee debuted a new twist to its uniforms this past Saturday, adding Summitt Blue accessories to the traditional all-orange look. The Vols’ new accessories were celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Title IX on campus and honoring the legendary Pat Summitt. UT Martin serves as the alma mater for the former Tennessee head coach and basketball icon.
While uniform changes can often be hit or miss with the Tennessee fanbase, it seems like the majority of fans online were on board with the Summitt Blue twist.
On Saturday night after the game, Rocky Top Insider ran a poll asking users to vote on whether they loved the Summitt Blue accessories or wanted to leave them behind. After more than 2,700 votes in the first 15 hours, 88.7 percent of the respondents selected “loved them.”
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 22, 2022
Additionally, RTI asked fans during halftime of the game against UT Martin their thoughts on the accessories, which gave some better insight into how the fanbase felt.
As mentioned earlier, for the most part, the majority of the fanbase were in on the addition. Fans consistently referred to the Pat Summitt and Lady Vols tribute as one of the biggest reasons why they liked the blue add-ons. However, a good portion of those respondents did clarify and say that while they didn’t want to see Tennessee wear them for every game, doing it once a year was a great idea.
“Love it,” Twitter user Doug responded. “Do it for UConn next year.”
Tennessee will host UConn on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Neyland Stadium next year.
“I like it,” Twitter user Nikki said with an orange and blue heart emoji. “It’s a great tribute to the GOAT of Women’s Basketball.”
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Some users, as expected, had suggestions on how Tennessee could make the look even better.
“Good look,” one Twitter user wrote. “I think with white pants would be even better.”
“Love it,” Twitter user B. Slade wrote. “Maybe a new [Homecoming] tradition? Would like to see an alt logo using the Lady Vols Tennessee logo but dropping the ‘Lady’. Or maybe doing it on the front of the regular helmet where it says Vols.”
Rocky Top Insider also reached out to followers on Instagram to see their thoughts on the uniforms.
“I loved it and spent the whole game thinking about how they could integrate it into our actual uniforms,” Instagram user Jonah wrote. “The best I could come up with is our all-white road look with the Summitt Blue piping on the numbers and the logo.”
“Love it!!” Instagram user Joy wrote. “I hope they do this look every season with at least one game. Some in the comments don’t like it, but I think the majority of TN Vols fans love it and appreciate the tribute to GOAT Coach Pat Summitt. Summitt Blue forever!!”
With so many people making the comment, the suggestion really is a good one.
Tennessee should bring back the Summitt Blue accessories for the UConn game next season in Knoxville. Led by Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma, the Tennessee/UConn rivalry helped build the sport of Women’s college basketball. It would only be fitting to acknowledge the Lady Vols’ basketball program and Summitt once more when the Huskies head to Knoxville next November.
