Boy, Puma and Arsenal sure know how to put on an event. On Monday, the club gathered at the Emirates with over 1,000 enthusiastic fans to show off the 2015-16 Arsenal Home Kit. The evening was buzzing, just a few weeks after Arsenal’s second consecutive FA Cup triumph. There was a certain aura in the air, with fans of all ages looking forward to next season. The excitement could barely be contained with some supporters showing up over 4 hours early for the event, singing all of the traditional Arsenal songs.
As fans entered, they were given a wristband, which signified where they were to be placed for the event. That may seem pretty normal for an event like this, but there was something special about these bands. More about them later, as they played a key part in the evening. There were multiple big screens, lights, and an awesome stage that created a unique and cutting edge look to the whole event.
The master of ceremonies was Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Multiple times, supporters broke out chanting his name. He gave a few recollections of his most memorable goals, best matches, and favorite jerseys throughout the years. He interviewed a few lucky fans, of which most were star struck and unable to control their excitement. He made his way back to the stage, and you could tell the fans were rabid to see their new kit.
When countdown clock struck zero, streamers and confetti exploded out as 5 Arsenal players stepped through the doorway onto the stage to the delight of the supporters. Highlight videos played, which furthered the fans frenzy. Henry then interviewed each of the five players who were debuting the kits. Santi Cazorla, Hector Bellerin, Tomas Rosicky, Nacho Monreal, and Danny Welbeck each gave their take on the new kits. Welbeck might have had the most memorable moment, joking that these kits were a bit looser fitting, and that this year he would be able to breathe on the pitch. Players also gave their favorite moment from the previous season, with the FA Cup being the highlight for most.
Remember the wristbands? They began lighting up after Henry gave the initial push as the fans broke out into song. Each wristband lit up when it was that sections’ turn to sing. The North Bank and the Clock End sections provided a unifying charge forward for the club, with a large optimism for next season. The pieces are beginning to come together, and a Premier League title is within reach for the club.
The kits themselves are a nice combination of modern technology and materials, while still holding the elegance and traditional look that Arsenal supporters have come to know and love. There is still the classic red and white color scheme, but this kit has a few more features as well. There is gold piping trim on the shirt, with a granddad collar to create a comfortable fit. The sleeves use Puma’s Form Strip combined with mesh inserts to enhance breathability. For a club that has had the same colors since 1933, this kit does an excellent job of honoring the past while using modern technology.
Any time you have a club legend like Thierry Henry on hand, you know something special is going to happen, and this event was no exception. Everything about the event was top notch and full of class, from the awesome wristbands to the joyous cheers. The fans truly made the atmosphere something special to behold. Their electricity of excitement could be felt long after the lights had dimmed, just showing that Gunners supporters have a unique class amongst themselves. This North London club has a bright future ahead, and the fans will be with the club every step of the way, because you know that they are Powered By Fans.
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