Seattle Sounders unveiled a new secondary kit for the 2021 and 2022 MLS seasons, taking inspiration from legendary Seattle-based music artist Jimi Hendrix.
The shirt is dubbed “The Jimi Hendrix Kit”, combining purple, orange and yellow as a tribute to Hendrix’s love of psychedelic colors and patterns. The design is part of the “Community Kit” line.
“We couldn’t be more excited and proud to finally introduce the Jimi Hendrix Kit to the world; a true intersection of sports, music and pop culture, ”said Peter Tomozawa, owner and president of business operations for Sounders FC, in a statement. “Jimi’s legacy is great, not just here in Seattle, where he was born and raised, or for the Sounders, where his iconic version of ‘All Along the Watchtower’ has been part of the game days tradition for years, but in Worldwide.
“In his short life, Jimi presented us with his talent and, even more, with his generous and loving spirit. We wanted this kit to incorporate that colorful and creative personality, while using it as a way to promote good, just as Jimi used his own platform. “
In the lower left corner of each shirt, a reproduction of Hendrix’s authentic signature is stamped. The neck ribbon features lyrics from her song “Straight Ahead” that said “Let’s stand, side by side” and signifies Seattle’s belief in the importance of being together.
Zulily continues to be Sounders FC’s main partner, while the right sleeve of the shirt features the Puyallup Tribe logo as part of a newly announced partnership. As part of the partnership, Sounders will donate revenue of up to $ 50,000 from the first 30 days of Jimi Hendrix Kit sales made at official Pro Shop locations and on MLSstore.com to five local nonprofits: The Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation , the Pop Culture Museum (MoPOP), the Museum of North American African Northwest (NAAM), the RAVE Foundation and the Tacoma Public Schools Indigenous Education Program.
“Seattle was and will always be Jimi’s home. The Sounders also belong to Seattle, ”said Janie Hendrix, president and CEO of Experience Hendrix, LLC, in a statement. “Collaborating with the Sounders to create a shirt is our way of playing for the home team. We are celebrating two local heroes and at the same time supporting a cause that unites. Jimi has always honored where you came from. This venture allows us to give back to the community he loved. I think that would make Jimi proud. “
