INDIANAPOLIS ---The NCAA announced today its support for “College Colors Day,” scheduled for this Friday, August 31.

The Collegiate Licensing Company has officially designated Friday as “College Colors Day,” which encourages NCAA membership institutions, student-athletes, fans, alumni and students to wear apparel of their favorite college throughout the day on August 31.

College Colors Day was established in conjunction with the fall “back to school” season and the kick-off to intercollegiate athletics to help celebrate and promote the traditions and spirit that make the college experience truly remarkable. This initiative also strives to create a greater awareness of higher education and the accomplishments of collegiate institutions.   

"College Colors Day has been embraced by organizations, businesses, state governments, and most importantly, colleges and universities from across the country,” said Pat Battle, president and CEO for the Collegiate Licensing Company, the licensing representative for more than 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, BCS, The Heisman Trophy, and the NCAA.

Universities, colleges and companies are eagerly taking part in the 2007 College Colors Day. Country superstar Brad Paisley will perform his “Bonfires and Amplifiers Tour” in Essex Junction, Vermont, as part of the celebration, and ESPN will broadcast the second annual College Colors Day Football Classic where Syracuse University will host the University of Washington.

College Colors Day has already been recognized by the following states: Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, California, Montana, Kansas, West Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Washington, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida and Indiana.

The newest addition to the festivities is a College Colors Day-themed wedding at the University of Montana’s Washington Grizzly Stadium. All of the guests will be attired in school colors; the UM marching band will provide music; the cheerleading and dance teams will perform; and the school mascot, Monte, will be the couple’s ring bearer.  

Membership institutions can encourage all students, professors and staff to wear its signature college attire to campus on August 31. To help promote the event, discounts can be offered on school merchandise or prizes can be awarded for those with most school spirit.

College Colors Day provides a great opportunity for community outreach. Students can attend elementary and secondary schools to talk about the value of pursuing higher education or show their commitment to community service by volunteering at local charities.

Companies can participate by inviting all employees to wear their favorite college apparel to work. The NCAA National Office also plans to allow its staff to wear college apparel on August 31, and a group photo will be taken.  Other possible events could include hosting a staff appreciation tailgating event or sponsoring a scholarship contest with a local high school or college.

The first College Colors Day was celebrated on September 2, 2005.

College Colors Day is a national celebration coordinated by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). For more information of College Colors Day, visit www.collegecolorsday.com.