The Stack is Back as WKU unveils new helmets for 2024. (Or, an Ode to the Chrome Domes)
FB: WKU's equipment team is looking to the past in order to move forward. But at what cost?
As we ramp up ever closer to the start of fall camp for the Hilltoppers, WKU dropped some exciting yet somber news: Red helmets are back!
But, unfortunately, that probably means the end of the Chrome Dome era.
The helmets are a direct throwback to what the Hilltoppers wore in the early 2000s. Most notably, during the 2002 I-AA national championship season.
It’s not the first time “the stack” has returned to WKU’s lids in recent years: Last year, for the Tops’ matchup against New Mexico State. For you uber uni-nerds, WKU wore it with red jerseys and white pants.
The Stack Is Back
Two versions of the red helmet - The Stack and the Script Tops - look set to debut this year, joining a crowded rotation of domes.
According to Helmet History, WKU wore the following lids in 2023:
Chrome Domes: Six games
White Helmet (Script Tops): Two games
Matte Black (Red Towel): One game
Position Big Red: One game
Matte Black (Script Tops): Two games
White Helmet (Stacked WKU): One game
12 games, six helmets. It’s a rotation that’ll only get busier as the program debuted two helmets at once.
It also leaves to question: With the Chrome Domes on their way out (unconfirmed, but everyone around the program is saying it’s the case), what will become the “default” helmet? I attempted to ask the WKU Equipment Twitter account (a must follow if you’re not already), but they didn’t respond (if anyone sees this, feel free to let us know!).
Also, unless another helmet is to be unveiled, there’s only one helmet that has WKU’s actual logo on it - that was these that they wore at Ohio State. And honestly, I’m not a fan of the chrome-red look on the logo, I’d much rather see the “actual” logo.
My best guess? The Stack becomes the most-used helmet. Or, at the very least, “red” helmets are the most used - maybe three games each between the Stack and the new Script Tops helmet, which features a white logo and white face mask (to differ from The Stack’s black).
As a noted disliker of the “Tops” logo, it’ll be a bummer if we don’t see a red towel helmet this year. But, do remember, we didn’t get word of the Positional Big Red series until the middle of the season, so we’ll almost assuredly get yet another helmet during the season.
An Ode To The Chrome Domes
Chrome helmets are maybe the most mid-2010s aspect of college football. Popularized by Oregon, WKU introduced the Chrome Domes with a uniform refresh in 2013 and it was worn for every WKU game from 2013-2015, and has been a staple in the rotation (which as become busier and busier with each year) since 2016.
I can’t lie, it’s a bit bittersweet to be saying adieu to them, even if they are difficult to maintain. For a program with a unique brand, the chrome helmets certianly helped to visually separate the Hilltoppers from the rest of college football when they were worn.
Before we separate this morning, I ask you: What was your favorite memory in the Chrome Domes?
I don’t know if it counts as my “favorite” memory, but I’ll lever forget being at the Tops’ eventual shellacking at the hands of Tennessee. It was high noon in Knoxville, the chrome domes were polished to perfection, and the sun’s reflection off of them nearly burned out my retinas from the press box.
When I see the chrome, it just reminds me of the offensive firepower we had under Jeff Brohm and two straight conference championship games at home. We've had great season's since and I love the job Helton has done, but those Brohm years will always hold a special place for me, especially those championships (and ruining Marshall's undefeated season at their place, 67-66)!
Fav memory is first time chrome dome is debut beating UK in nashville