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Nuggets 5280 meaning, explained: How Denver's jerseys honor Mile High City's altitude

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The Sporting News
5h ago

The Denver Nuggets have introduced a new set of City Edition uniforms known as the '5280' jerseys, which prominently feature the number 5,280 across their front. This number is significant as it represents Denver's elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, embodying the city's 'Mile High' identity. These jerseys are a nod to Denver's altitude and are part of a broader tradition among Denver sports teams to incorporate this theme into their branding. The current 2024-25 season's jerseys are white with rainbow accents, reflecting the Rocky Mountains and the city’s iconic sunsets, and are used alongside other uniform options. The team has worn these '5280' jerseys in a limited number of games, specifically seven home games, achieving a record of 5 wins and 2 losses in them.

Nuggets 5280 meaning, explained: How Denver's jerseys honor Mile High City's altitude

The Denver Nuggets' '5280' jerseys are part of the NBA's City Edition uniforms, designed to connect teams to their cities, with the number 5280 symbolizing Denver's elevation in feet above sea level.

This iteration of the City Edition uniforms is notable for its white base with rainbow colors outlining the Rocky Mountains, a design that pays homage to Denver's scenic views and iconic sunsets.

The '5280' jerseys reflect a longstanding tradition among Denver sports teams, such as the Rockies, Broncos, and Avalanche, who have all incorporated the Mile High theme into their branding.

Introduced for the 2024-25 season, these jerseys are part of the NBA's annual update of City Editions, showcasing unique aspects of each team's home city.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets have worn four different jerseys, including standard home and road uniforms, 'Mile High City' alternates, and '5280' City Editions.

Usage of the '5280' jerseys has been limited to seven home games, where the Nuggets have achieved 5 wins and 2 losses, reflecting a strategic choice in their game appearances.

The design evolution from previous seasons, where the City Editions were primarily black, to the current white with rainbow accents, highlights the team's effort to blend historical elements with modern design.

The Nuggets, like many teams in the NBA, have a variety of jerseys that they alternate wearing over the course of the season.

While most of those uniforms are familiar, including the standard white jerseys, blue jerseys, and "Mile High City" alternates, there is one set that is new to Denver's collection. That would be the Nuggets' iteration of the NBA's City Edition uniforms, also known as the "5280" jerseys.

These Denver alternates don't feature words on the front of the jerseys, instead displaying the number 5,280 across the front. This unique jersey has a particular connection to the Nuggets and the city of Denver, even if it may not seem like it at first.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning behind the Nuggets' newest alternate jerseys.

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Nuggets 5280 jersey meaning

The Nuggets' "5280" jerseys are part of the NBA's City Edition uniforms, as each team has one set of jerseys that were designed to connect the teams to their cities. 

For Denver, the key part of their City Edition jerseys is, obviously, that the number 5280 is written across the front of the white jerseys. That number is notable in Denver, as the city is 5,280 feet above sea level, which is the highest city among those that have teams in the NBA.

It is no surprise that a team from Denver leans into the Mile High theme, as the Rockies, Broncos and Avalanche have all done the same in their existences. These Nuggets' jerseys are just the latest instance of a team from Colorado paying homage to its altitude.

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Two seasons ago, the NBA revealed 5280 jerseys as Denver's part in the league's City Editions, but those jerseys were primarily black. This year, the Nuggets' City Edition changes to white, but keeps 5280 prominently displayed on the front in rainbow colors that outline the Rocky Mountains.

These particular jerseys are only in play for the 2024-25 season, as the NBA has been adding new City Editions each season.

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Nuggets record by jersey 2024-25

In total, Denver has worn four different jerseys this season: the team's typical home and road uniforms, its "Mile High City" alternates, and its "5820" City Editions.

Unsurprisingly, the Nuggets have worn their whites the most this year, and they've worn the "5280" whites the least, donning those uniforms in just seven games and all at home.

Here's how the Nuggets performed in the regular season this year based on their jersey:

  • White jerseys: 18-12
  • Blue jerseys: 13-12
  • "Mile High City" alternates: 14-6
  • "5280" City Editions: 5-2 

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