The Ravens have tentatively selected a uniform design that features purple jerseys, black helmets and pants and a few distinctive patches -- possibly including one that incorporates the colors of Maryland's flag.
The result of weeks of study and focus group tests, the design still needs the final approval of team owner Art Modell next week and could change. The team is planning a public unveiling on June 5.
"It's going to be striking," said Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne, who would not reveal details of the design.
New uniforms and logos are tightly kept secrets before their unveiling, to thwart bootleg T-shirts and to give NFL-sanctioned apparel-makers time to manufacture and distribute the items in time for the announcement.
"We've refined it and told NFL Properties," Byrne said.
NFL Properties, the league's marketing arm, governs the $1 billion-a-year business of hats, shirts, computer games and other goods bearing trademarked NFL team logos and colors.
Team officials declined to comment on the design or colors, but several sources who have seen the design in various stages of development say the helmet will be black with a shield-like logo on the side.
L Also considered was a white helmet, and a silver/pewter one.
The home jerseys will be purple with white numbers and letters. Various accent schemes have been considered, including black or gold trim around the numbers and a Ravens patch on a sleeve or the front.
One source described the patch as a streaking raven landing claw-first on a football.
The road jerseys are white, possibly with black lettering trimmed in gold. White, gold, purple and black pants were considered but black has emerged as the most likely choice, sources said.
A patch featuring the black, red, white and yellow colors of the Maryland flag is under consideration for the pants, and has been tried on the hips and front pocket area.
One source said the patch has been controversial within the team and NFL Properties and may not be included in the final design.
NOTES: Applications for Ravens season tickets and permanent seat licenses become available to the public on Wednesday, and the team is planning a kickoff tour that will begin Friday from 12: 30 p.m. to 1: 30 p.m. at the Harborplace Amphitheatre, with quarterback Vinny Testaverde as host. On Saturday, June 1 at 4 p.m., the tour moves to Mondawmin Mall, where defensive end Anthony Pleasant will answer questions and sign autographs.
Pub Date: 5/25/96
