Basketball fans, get ready to cheer for the Fighting Irish in a fresh new look! Notre Dame men’s and women’s basketball teams have just unveiled their stunning new alternate jerseys for the 2025-26 season—and these aren’t just any jerseys. They’re a heartfelt tribute to the city that supports them every game: South Bend, Indiana. As a fan and blogger passionate about sports culture, I’m excited to share every detail about these innovative jerseys with you!
I’m Wasay Brohi, and through this article, you’ll get all the insights about these special jerseys, the story behind their design, and how Notre Dame is deepening its bond with its home city. Let’s dive in and explore this colorful fusion of sports, history, and community spirit.
A Jersey That Tells a Story
What makes Notre Dame’s new “The Bend” jerseys stand out isn’t just their black and gold color scheme. These jerseys are packed with symbolism inspired by South Bend’s unique identity. The name “The Bend” itself pays homage to South Bend’s geographical location at the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River. This isn’t just a nod to geography but a celebration of the city’s roots and enduring spirit.
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Each element on the jersey was thoughtfully chosen to tell a piece of South Bend’s story:
The Script Across the Chest: The word “The Bend” is emblazoned in a bold, elegant cursive font inspired by the iconic “South Bend” mural on the side of the Madison Oyster Bar downtown. This mural is a beloved local landmark, and now its style is immortalized on the court.
The Numbers: Custom-designed numbers take cues from classic Studebaker cars, an automobile company deeply rooted in South Bend’s history. The font style echoes the tailgate designs of Studebaker pickups, merging heritage with modern sports fashion.
Side Lines on the Shorts: The sleek lines running along the sides of the shorts are inspired by the South Bend city flag. They represent the St. Joseph River flowing through the city, a lifeline for the community.
Waistband Flag: The finishing touch is the South Bend city flag proudly displayed on the waistband of the shorts. It’s like carrying a piece of home wherever the players go.
This thoughtful design conveys pride in place and history, turning every game into a celebration of South Bend’s culture.
The Big Reveal: Irish Jam at Eddy Street Commons
Notre Dame didn’t just drop these jerseys quietly—they went all out with a community event called Irish Jam at Eddy Street Commons, right in the heart of downtown South Bend. This event is a fun and festive preseason basketball showcase, much like the “Midnight Madness” events popular at other major college basketball programs.
Fans gathered on October 3rd to be the first to see the new “The Bend” jerseys live. The event also featured:
Community activities and games from noon to 5 p.m.
The main Irish Jam event with men's and women's basketball programs starting at 6 p.m.
A basketball court set up on Eddy Street with fans cheering courtside.
Speeches by Notre Dame’s men’s basketball coach Micah Schrewsberry and women’s coach Niele Ivey, getting fans fired up for the season.
Fan-elected captains drafting teams for fun competitions like 3-point shooting and skills challenges.
The jerseys themselves went on sale the same day both online and at Notre Dame bookstores, giving fans a chance to own a piece of this historical tribute immediately.
When Will the Jerseys Hit the Court?
The “The Bend” jerseys aren’t just for show—they’ll be worn in actual games during the opening week of the season. The men’s team will wear these all-black, gold-lettered jerseys for their season opener against Detroit Mercy on November 7th. Two days later, the women’s team will sport their versions against Chicago State on November 9th.
Seeing these jerseys in action will surely be an emotional experience for players and fans alike, marking a new chapter in Notre Dame basketball history with a strong connection to their hometown.
Why This Matters: Sports and Community Connected
At its core, sports is more than just competition; it’s about belonging and representing something bigger than yourself. Notre Dame’s new alternate jerseys emphasize this connection perfectly.
South Bend is not just where the team plays—it’s the community that supports the players, fills the stands, and cheers them on year after year. By tying these jerseys directly to South Bend’s history and symbols, Notre Dame is telling fans and players alike that this city matters deeply.
It also shows how sports programs can bridge athletics with culture, identity, and local pride. This is more than a uniform—it’s a statement.
Behind the Scenes: Design and Inspiration
While official statements don’t name every individual behind "The Bend" design, significant contributions come from Notre Dame Athletics alongside partners like Under Armour and local supporters such as Visit South Bend Mishawaka. Their collaboration ensured the jerseys looked great but also resonated emotionally.
Designing a sports uniform that carries so much history means marrying style with storytelling—a challenge that requires deep respect for both.
What Fans Are Saying
Reaction to the jerseys has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans love the sleek black and gold look combined with nods to local pride. Social media buzz shows excitement among students, alumni, and residents who appreciate the tribute.
The unveiling event itself energized the community, making basketball season kickoff feel more inclusive and festive.
How to Get Your Own “The Bend” Jersey
For those wanting to support the Irish and wear a piece of South Bend pride, jerseys are available at Notre Dame bookstores and online starting Friday mornings. The official release aligned with the dramatic Irish Jam event so fans can immediately join in the celebration.
This opens fresh merchandising opportunities while deepening fan engagement through memorabilia that tells a story.
A Final Thought from Wasay Brohi
Sports have a unique way of bringing people together, and Notre Dame’s approach with “The Bend” jerseys is a fantastic example of this. Honoring South Bend with these uniforms is a symbol of unity, respect, and community spirit I truly admire.
As a sports enthusiast and blogger, I hope this article helps fans appreciate the heart that goes into every game beyond just the scoreboard. Here’s to a thrilling 2025-26 season with the Fighting Irish proudly representing South Bend on every court.
Thank you for reading, and may your fandom shine bright,
Wasay Brohi