Adelaide United will wear a special one-off playing kit when it takes on Macarthur FC at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday, 14 April.
Paying homage to South Australia’s iconic Mall’s Balls, the unveiling of the unique jersey, designed in collaboration with the Club’s Global Technical Partner, UCAN, also aligns with the 45th anniversary of Rundle Mall’s formation as a pedestrian mall.
The sculpture, officially known as ‘The Spheres’, but affectionately known as the ‘Mall’s Balls’, was erected in 1977 and has become synonymous with the state’s busiest shopping precinct.
Created with UCAN’s Utech Dry technology, the jersey incorporates a cool grey tone and utilises a reprographic technique that simulates continuous-tone imagery, featuring an all-over unique double-dot red pattern referencing the Mall’s Balls.
In keeping with the two-colour scheme, the Adelaide United logo is printed solely in red and embossed on the shirt to maintain consistency and boldness.
Red trimming is visible around the collar and sleeve cuffs to accentuate the look.
Like the home and away shirts, the piping shrike and the Club’s foundation year, 2003, appears at the base of the neck, as does the ‘More Than Football’ inscription on the bottom-seam of the kit.
Red shorts and grey socks with the identical double-dot pattern of the top will accompany the one-off strip.
Speaking on the unique design, Adelaide United’s Global Commercial Director, Adam Thomson, said: “Like our home and away kits released at the start of the season, this one-off strip is again fully customised.
“Since entering this partnership with UCAN we have worked in a really collaborative and constructive manner to produce quality apparel.
“This new jersey is again a testament to this and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with our Global Technical Partner in the future.”
UCAN’s Global General Manager, Ally Zhao, explained: “Collaborating on this design was another extremely pleasing experience and I think we’re all delighted with the end product.
“We really believe the Adelaide United fans will value the distinctive look as it pays tribute to one of the City’s most famous attractions.”
The Club’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Marius Zanin, said: “This is another significant milestone for the Club, as it’s the first time we’ve used grey for one of our playing kits and utilised a landmark that is distinguishable to Adelaide.
“Having the freedom to tailor our design highlights why we partnered with UCAN and this is really just the beginning of an exciting relationship.
“It’s a striking kit and we hope our fans will appreciate that there will be a limited supply of the jerseys available for purchase.
“This is another positive step for the Club, as we continue to be different and showcase who we are as a brand.
“I encourage our fans to continue to watch this space.”
The Club’s Premier Partner, Flinders University, will appear on the front of the shirt, Platinum Partner, Starfish Developments, will feature on the back of the A-League strip, the distinctive McDonald’s logo sits on the right sleeve, and a Rundle Mall Authority patch has been added to the bottom left-hand corner of the special edition jerseys.
Adelaide United supporters can now purchase this unique jersey at the Adelaide United Store, online, and in Rundle Mall at the Mall’s Balls from 12-2pm today, Wednesday, 14 April. Everyone who purchases the jersey today, Wednesday, 14 April, will also receive two tickets to the Reds’ match against Macarthur FC, kick-off at 7pm.
While a limited number of one-off jerseys will be on-sale for fans, following the match, player-issued and player-worn kits will also be available for purchase. Click here for information on where to buy the Mall’s Balls jersey.
