Nike Air Diamond Turf Max 96 Prime "Varsity Maize" wide release date set

Deion Sanders and Nike are expected to create a Prime marketing extravaganza next month

Coach Prime will celebrate a one-of-a-kind weekend next month. Nike is expected to release Diamond Turf Max 96 Prime "Varsity Mazie" sneakers on April 25, according to multiple sources. Two days before CU's Black and Gold Spring Game in Boulder. 

It was initially reported that Nike would be pushing out the release of Deion Sanders' famed retro signature shoes until mid-summer of this year. But after the company shock dropped a low number of shoes over Super Bowl Weekend to "test the market," they've reportedly settled on a wide release later next month. A huge win for sneakerhead who've followed the rise of Prime at Colorado. 

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, BuffsBeat broke the news that some of the CU players would be wearing the cleat version of Sanders' Nike Air Diamond Turf 3. The news was confirmed by Deion "Bucky" Sanders Jr. and Well Off Media a few days later. In November, Coach Prime broke the news of Nike's initial re-release and said they were planning to retro the Diamond Turf 3 to the public in the original “Varsity Maize” colorway in 2024. 

The timing for April 25 is nearly perfect considering multiple factors. Coach Prime said this year's Spring Game would become a weekend event with a fashion show and feature a mix of celebrities. Outside of it being in Boulder, the release would be during the opening round of the NBA playoffs and the opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft.    

There is a growing possibility that Nike’s Lebron 21 DT Max 96 (Lebron James’ 24 NBA All Star shoe inspired by Deion Sanders’ Diamond Turf 3) is being considered for a wide release. The other possibility would be the Lebron 21 DT Max 96 could be held back as a player exclusive. However, “PEs” rarely get a lot of publicity and run up. Typically, a PE doesn’t exist, then one day it’s on a player’s feet. There’s no marketing designed for a release. At this point, it would be very strange for Nike to publicize and market the Lebron 21 DT Max 96 only make it a miniscule allocation intended for players only. 

Shedeur Sanders receives a special delivery from The King

Outside of sneakers, Deion Sanders and at least one of his players have commented on changes coming for the Colorado's football uniforms. This is actually something that has been in the making for a while now. While there is no firm confirmation of this being revealed soon, the earliest opportunity to see any version of those uniform changes would be at the Spring Game on April 27.

Sanders will have a busy month starting in mid-March with his initial book tour. He will be in four cities, including Atlanta and Dallas, to promote his new book, “Elevate and Dominate: 21 Ways to Win on and off the Field," which is available in stores March 12.  

Colorado's Black and Gold Spring Game tickets have yet to go on sale. In 2023, CU sold out the exhibition for the first time ever. Despite winter weather, over 47,000 fans were in attendance at Folsom Field. Visit CUBuffs.com for more information about tickets.

Nike Air Diamond Turf Max 96 Prime "Varsity Maize" will be available next month via the SNKRS App and select retailers for $170.