KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Wednesday was the day many Volunteer fans have been waiting for. The University of Tennessee made the switch to the swoosh.

The University of Tennessee department of athletics announced in January, an eight-year apparel and sponsorship with Nike. The university will no longer use Adidas apparel. In the hour-long “Nike Show” student athletes modeled the new gear. The show was hosted by former Vols Charles Davis and Maria Taylor in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio on campus.

The agreement, which will end on June 30, 2023, will supply all 20 teams and spirit squads with Nike apparel, uniforms, footwear and equipment.

Volunteer fans were able to purchase officially licensed gear by Nike on Wednesday. Fans stood in lines outside of the Vol Shop waiting for the doors of the campus store to open. Some of these fans even traveled from out of state to buy the new Nike Vol gear. Wednesday only VolShops were selling the official Nike UT merchandise.

The Bellenfant family traveled from Huntsville, Alabama and lined up at 6 am.

“We came up here for a little vacation time and kind of coordinated with this date because we knew it was going to be a big day,” said Ray Bellenfant.

Everyone in line gathered around smart phones to watch UT’s big reveal of the Nike apparel. While most were very excited to see the change, supporters of the Lady Vol logo were continuing their efforts asking for signatures to bring the Lady Vol logo back for all sports.

“We are gathering signatures on petitions that hopefully they may change their mind,” said Slyvia Billingsley.

The Vol Team Shop at Neyland stadium opened its doors right after the show. The store’s associate director says Nike merchandise will bring a big boost in sales.

“It’s been the biggest thing that’s ever happen to us from a retail perspective,” said Drew Sims.

Fans seemed excited to the see the new Nike gear and left the store with bags of items.

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