News Summary
The University of Alabama launched two camouflage patterns, ‘Tree Tide’ and ‘Tusk’, as part of its Crimson Tide Outdoors program. The patterns, developed with input from student-athletes and an outdoor personality, aim to enhance outdoor branding and appeal to Alabama fans and outdoor enthusiasts. Merchandise featuring these designs will be available through various retailers, with proceeds benefiting the student-athletes involved. Future patterns, including a fishing design, are also planned as the program expands.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The University of Alabama has announced the launch of two new official camouflage patterns, “Tree Tide” and “Tusk,” as part of its Crimson Tide Outdoors program. The unveiling took place on May 8, 2025, marking a significant step for the university’s initiative to enhance its outdoor and branding outreach.
Hal Shaffer, an outdoor personality and native of Alabama, collaborated with the University’s Trademark Licensing Department and several student-athletes to develop these unique camo designs. The “Tree Tide” pattern features a deer stand design that incorporates elements of the outdoors, such as trees, the sky, and leaves. In contrast, the “Tusk” pattern mimics the look of elephant skin while incorporating colors typically found in natural outdoor settings.
Four Crimson Tide student-athletes have been appointed as the first ambassadors for the program through Yea Alabama: Ty Simpson and Bray Hubbard from the football team, Marlie Giles from the softball team, and Karly Weathers from the women’s basketball team. These athletes will play a crucial role in promoting the new camouflage patterns, along with providing insight for future designs and marketing strategies.
Ty Simpson expressed enthusiasm about having Alabama’s Script A logo featured in the camo designs, indicating strong support for the patterns among outdoor enthusiasts who are fans of the university. The camouflage apparel will be licensed to various retailers, creating a diverse range of merchandise options, including T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, bags, and functional hunting gear. Some products will be specially designed with names and branding that allow direct benefits to the student-athletes involved through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.
The new collection aims to appeal to a broad audience consisting of Alabama fans of all ages, genders, and interests. Designed for everyday wear and outdoor use, the camo apparel provides practical options that resonate with various lifestyles, whether for casual outings or specific outdoor activities. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will directly support the student-athletes who contributed to the design efforts.
The introduction of the camouflage patterns is aligned with the University’s commitment to leading in NIL initiatives and educating student-athletes about branding and licensing aspects. Products featuring the “Tree Tide” and “Tusk” designs are already available through retailers including Athlete’s Thread and Shaffer’s “Hide The Tide” website.
In addition to the current offerings, a new fishing pattern is set to be released later in the spring, with intentions of further expanding the line of camouflage products. Further partnerships with retailers are in the works, aiming to enhance the availability and variety of the Crimson Tide Outdoors merchandise. To stay informed about the latest launches and product availability, fans can monitor updates through UA Athletics’ social media channels and official communications.
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Additional Resources
- University of Alabama Announcement
- On3: Crimson Tide Outdoors Ambassadors
- SI: Alabama Baseball and Camo Hats
- Alabama News Center: Cheer Team National Title
- SI: Live Blog Alabama Baseball
- Wikipedia: Camouflage
- Google Search: Crimson Tide Outdoors
- Google Scholar: University of Alabama NIL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Camouflage
- Google News: University of Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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