ENARADA, Bangalore, August 12, 2014
PUMA introduced the much-celebrated Arsenal Football Club kits in India for the 2014/15 football season.
PUMA unveiled the Home, Away and Cup kits through a spectacular Arsenal Tunnel of Time and larger-than-life projections on the facade of Bangalore’s iconic UB City building – Oakwood Suites.
Fans were also treated to a special appearance by Gunner invincible- Fredrick Ljungberg, who launched the new Kits and took 11 Gooners through the Tunnel of Time.
In a one of its kind set up, PUMA created a football Tunnel called ‘The Arsenal Tunnel of Time’, which traces the history of one of the most popular clubs in the Premier League. With signed memorabilia, a Trophy Trilogy with the current FA Cup, The Invincibles Trophy (awarded to Arsenal in 2003-‘04 for remaining unbeaten in the Premier League season) and the Premier League Trophy, as well as photographs of Arsenal legends and key moments from the Club’s history – The Arsenal Tunnel of Time is a fitting tribute to a legendary Club and its rich history.
Arsenal legend Fredrick Ljungberg not only unveiled the Jerseys, but took 11 lucky Arsenal fans for an exclusive walk through the Tunnel of Time. Earlier in the day – he visited the Bangalore Football Stadium and engaged with players from the PUMA Sponsored team – Bengaluru FC as well as students from the Arsenal Soccer Schools – for which he is an Ambassador. PUMA is tied up with Arsenal Soccer Schools as well.
Each of the three Arsenal kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club that form the basis of the Future, Forever, Victorious story.
The blue and lime green Future Cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in Cup competitions, including the UEFA Champions LeagueTM and FA Cup. It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, resulting in Arsenal becoming the first team to wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium flood lights so the team could play at night. It also acknowledges the focus on youth development that has become synonymous with the club.
The home kit stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. It represents Forever, inspired by the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years, and the importance of this community to the Gunners. From the very beginning, Arsenal supporters have been at the heart of the club, a sentiment that stands true today as Arsenal’s appeal continues to spread across every corner of the world.
Victorious is the theme of the Away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of the most famous Gunners victories away from home. Arsenal’s players and supporters have always demonstrated a class and excellence away from home, the yellow and blue colours are inextricably linked with some of the Gunners’ greatest moments including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup Final wins, and the title winning victory at Anfield in 1989.
Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg said, “It’s great as a former Gunner to see how loved and celebrated the Club is in India. Indian fans know a lot about the Club and the Arsenal Tunnel of Time by PUMA is an incredible tribute to the legacy of the Club and its ever-exciting Future.
Mr. Rajiv Mehta, MD PUMA India said, “We are very excited to be associated with a club as legendary and historic as Arsenal. Arsenal Supporter Clubs in India are among the biggest in the World, and the club boasts a massive following here. Gooners have already bought out the Arsenal jerseys from PUMA Stores around the country and we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey with them”.
The Home and Away Replica kits and a full collection of fan wear is now available for fans to purchase online at www.pumashop.in, in PUMA stores nationwide and Myntra.com. The Arsenal Tunnel of Time will be open for public viewing between Aug 13 and Aug 17 at the UB City Piazza from 11am to 10pm.
