Today, Nike opened its latest factory store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The brands first retail destination in a college town, the store sits one mile from the University of Alabama, an institution with a deep history and one of the strongest collegiate athlete programs in the country.

'A quote from famed University of Alabama football coach, Bear Bryant, adorns the upper walls'

'Athletics are such an important part of the history and tradition in Tuscaloosa,' said Zoe Krislock, vice president of Nike Factory Stores North America.'We believe this retail space in the heart of T-Town will be an ideal complement to a city so deeply connected to inspiring, training and celebrating athletes.'

To celebrate the opening, Nike welcomed 2015 first round draft pick out of the University of Alabama and Nike athlete Amari Cooper to the ribbon cutting.

'Nike has always been a huge part of my life - from Pop Warner football to the University of Alabama, and now as a Nike athlete. I'm excited to be a part of bringing a Nike Factory Store to Tuscaloosa,' said Cooper.

Opening day festivities also included appearances from the University of Alabama Spirit Squad and Million Dollar Band.

History is a key theme of the new store, which features Tuscaloosa athletic imagery throughout, alongside a quote from famed Alabama football coach Bear Bryant, 'If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you have to know the password - roll tide, roll,' which adorns the upper walls. The store also features Nike.com Assist, enabling consumers to purchase product from nike.com, together with in-store products, in a single, mobile transaction and with no shipping cost to their home.

Nike retail stores give consumers an all-access pass to the world of Nike performance products. The Nike Tuscaloosa Store offers a wide selection of local college product, as well as key footwear and apparel in running, training and sportswear.

'The community's passion for sport comes to life through local imagery.'

The Nike Tuscaloosa Store is located at 1800 McFarland Blvd East, Suite 100-102.

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