The Big Purple Marching Band will be updating their look as they plan to order new uniforms for the first time in 17 years. 

Dr. Brandon Houghtalen, director of the Big Purple Marching Band, said the old uniforms have been a mainstay with the band for a long time. 

“The Uniforms that we are currently wearing were designed in coordination with the new music building in 2003,” Houghtalen said. “We took really good care of them, but it’s time for new ones. We’re excited about that.”

The band also received a new parade banner that will go in tandem with the new uniforms.

Houghtalen said the new looks for the band are going alongside ACU’s transition to D1 and the updates that the Football and Basketball teams have received. 

“It’s finally our turn to get something that is the D1 transition,” Houghtalen said. 

Houghtalen said they are still in the process of designing the new uniforms and getting them approved by the university. Although he said he has received a lot of positive feedback from students and faculty he has shown early ideas to.

“No one has given it the thumbs down,” Houghtalen said. “Everyone is super excited.”

Katie Pantoja, sophomore multimedia major from Roscoe, said she is looking forward to the new uniforms.

“I think the uniforms they have now are great, but they could’ve been better,” Pantoja said. “I’m kind of glad they’re going to get new ones.”

The band has already measured all of the current members, and plan on placing the order for the new uniforms this semester.

Houghtalen said there are a few ways that the new uniforms will be an improvement over the old ones. 

“One of the things that the new uniforms are going to have, that our current uniforms don’t, is a pocket for cell-phones and flip folders,” Houghtalen said.

Houghtalen also highlighted the new material that they will be made from.

“They’re made from a material that is moisture wicking, so it keeps you cooler in the hot temperatures and it keeps you warmer when it’s cold.” Houghtalen said. 

Houghtalen said they hope to debut the new uniforms at the second football game in the fall.