The Philadelphia Flyers have unveiled their highly anticipated new uniforms, marking a significant moment in franchise history. Daniel J. Hilferty, Comcast Spectacor Chairman & CEO and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers, emphasized the blend of honoring the past while stepping into a new chapter: “This New Era of Orange is all about honoring our franchise’s storied past while writing an exciting, new chapter of Flyers history,” he stated. “These new uniforms represent that sentiment perfectly with details to honor previous eras paired with a fresh, modern design.” Adding to the excitement, Independence Blue Cross, a prominent organization in Philadelphia, was announced as the Flyers’ first-ever jersey patch partner.
The design process was a collaborative effort with adidas, the NHL’s uniform partner, and involved input from various stakeholders, including Flyers season ticket members, alumni, and broadcasters. The core objective was to create a modern adaptation that respected the franchise’s rich heritage. The result is a stunning Flyers Uniform that incorporates iconic elements from different eras, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation.
Iconic Design Elements of the New Flyers Uniform
The new Flyers uniform is a masterful blend of classic and contemporary design. Several iconic elements from past jerseys have been thoughtfully integrated to create a fresh yet familiar look.
Bold Striping and Sleeve Numbers
One of the most defining characteristics of Flyers uniforms – the bold striping across the shoulders and down the arms – has been amplified in this new design. The stripes are widened to fully encompass each player’s numbers, creating a streamlined and impactful visual. In a nod to the original 1967-1970 uniforms, the sleeve numbers are returning to a single-color design. This marks the first time since those early years that single-color numbers will grace the sleeves of the Flyers uniform.
Streamlined Bottom Stripe
The black horizontal stripe at the bottom of the jersey has been strategically moved to the very edge of the sweater. This adjustment allows the jersey to sit flush with the black pants, creating a more fluid and unified aesthetic. This design choice is reminiscent of the uniforms introduced in 1982, further connecting the new Flyers uniform to the team’s storied past.
Contrasting Nameplate
Maintaining a unique feature of the Flyers uniform, the new design carries over the contrasting nameplate. First introduced in 2008, this detail sets the Flyers apart as the only team in the NHL to feature it on their primary uniforms, adding a distinctive touch to the overall look.
The Return of Burnt Orange
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated element of the new Flyers uniform is the return of “burnt orange.” This iconic shade defined the great Flyers teams of the 80s and 90s and is deeply cherished by fans. Burnt orange serves as the primary base color for the home jerseys and is prominently featured on the arm and shoulder panels, as well as the large player numbers on the away jerseys. Both home and away socks also incorporate burnt orange to complete the cohesive look. This vibrant hue injects nostalgia and energy into the new Flyers uniform.
Iconic “Flying P” Logo
At the heart of the Flyers uniform remains the timeless “flying P” logo. Since the team’s inception in 1967, this emblem has represented speed and motion on the ice, and it continues to be the focal point of the new design, grounding the modern elements in the team’s foundational identity.
Keith Jones, Flyers President of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor, perfectly captured the significance of the burnt orange and the overall design philosophy: “These burnt orange sweaters are one of the most iconic symbols of Flyers hockey,” Jones stated. “There’s no doubt that this look is known throughout the NHL and uniquely beloved by our fans because it brings to life one of the most important parts of our rebuild – it honors our past while we continue to forge a new path forward.”
Independence Blue Cross: Jersey Patch Partner
Adding another layer of significance to the uniform launch, the Flyers announced their inaugural official home jersey patch partner: Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross. This multi-year deal establishes Independence Blue Cross, a leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, as the Official Health Insurance Partner of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Gregory E. Deavens, Independence Blue Cross president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Independence Blue Cross is excited about this opportunity to highlight our ongoing support for the Philadelphia Flyers in such a visible way. We are proud of our Philadelphia roots and our service to Southeastern Pennsylvania over the past 85 years. As the hometown health insurer, we are delighted to support the traditions that mean so much to our community, including deepening our relationship with our region’s legendary hometown hockey team.”
The Independence Blue Cross logo will be prominently placed on the right chest of all Flyers home sweaters and the third alternate jersey. The partnership extends beyond the jersey patch, with Independence Blue Cross becoming a presenting sponsor for a social media series focused on nutrition and healthy eating on Flyers channels. Special single-game discounts for Independence Blue Cross members will also be announced in the future.
Fan Engagement and Debut
Flyers fans won’t have to wait long to see the new Flyers uniform in action. The team will debut them at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season. To celebrate the launch, the Flyers are hosting a sweepstakes where five lucky fans can win an autographed jersey. Fans can enter the sweepstakes until Friday, June 30th, at PhiladephiaFlyers.com.
Furthermore, Flyers Charities is hosting an auction to commemorate this New Era of Orange. Fans can bid on autographed jerseys, customized jerseys, and more, with proceeds benefiting Flyers Charities. The auction is live now, having opened at 11 AM.
The new Flyers uniform is more than just apparel; it’s a symbol of the franchise’s enduring legacy and its exciting future. By honoring the past and embracing modern design, the Flyers have created a Flyers uniform that will resonate with fans for years to come.
