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LOGAN — Utah State University Athletics Director Scott Barnes, along with distinguished Utah State Alumna and Nike President Charlie Denson, introduced a program-wide athletics brand and identity program during a press conference Saturday on the Logan campus.
The University worked with Nike in collaboration on a 15- month re-branding campaign that launched prior to the annual Blue-White Spring Football Game on April 28. The entire athletics department will benefit from this partnership, which has been made possible by the longstanding association between Utah State Athletics and the Nike brand.
"After working with Nike over the past several months we are extremely pleased with the results," said Utah State Director of Athletics Scott Barnes. "This branding initiative is another important step in growing our overall athletic program. Our new marks and branding program brings a crisp, modern clarity and consistency to our brand while honoring our rich history. I want to thank Nike and especially Nike President and former USU football student-athlete Charlie Denson for his passion and commitment to this project."
During the unveiling, student-athletes representing the sports of football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, women's soccer, cross country, softball and track and field modeled new uniforms that will debut during the 2012-2013 season. As part of the new program, all 16 of USU's varsity teams will receive new uniforms. These uniforms will highlight the use of consistent color across all sports and will feature new logos, lettering and numerals that are exclusive to the university. A manual outlining brand and identity standards and detailing the new design elements will be made available to licensees and university personnel following the event.
"Attending Utah State and playing for the Aggies was a great honor and very special time in my life," said Nike President Charlie Denson. "It's a privilege for me to be back here today with members of the athletic department to celebrate the long-standing traditions of Utah State, as well as to help unveil the new uniforms and kick-off another great season of sport here at the Logan campus."
Over the course of the identity development process, a strong focus was placed on respecting the historic traditions of Utah State, while representing the future direction of the university. Members of the Aggie community have played a significant role in the project; student-athletes, coaches, students, administrators and alumni all provided insights around the core values and attributes of Utah State, which are reflected in the elements of the new brand identity.
The strength of the visual elements will be matched by the collection of innovative performance products that have been developed for the 2012-2013 season. Aggie student- athletes will compete in lightweight uniforms designed for superior performance, ultimate moisture management and greater freedom of movement.
Representatives from Utah State Athletics and Nike were present at Saturday's event to provide additional comments on the scope and benefits of the brand and identity program. Merchandise bearing the elements of the new marks will be available for purchase following the Blue-White Spring Football Game, both on campus and at other licensed retailers in the Logan area.
NEW UTAH STATE BRAND IDENTITY STANDARDS
- Primary and secondary color palettes
- A refined primary mark to be used consistently across all athletic programs
- A custom font, numeral set and word marks
- A bold new tertiary mark to be used on performance and licensed products
Color Palette
A consistent color palette will allow for instant team identification and enhance the overall impact of the brand identity. The official colors for Utah State Athletics are Navy Blue, White and Pewter Grey.
Primary Identity - Utah State
A refined U-State mark will serve as the primary representation of the brand and will be used as the main identifying device for Utah State Athletics. The new mark is an evolution of the current U-State mark and supports the goal of respecting the past, while representing the future.
Secondary Identity - Typography & Word Marks
The custom font, numeral set and word marks were designed to reflect the bold and athletic attitude of Utah State and differentiate the institution from other schools. Consistent and careful usage of the typography will support the primary logo and ensure clarity and distinction in all athletics communications.
Tertiary Identity - Bull
The bull first appeared on a Utah State football game program in 1975 and was adopted as the Utah State University mascot the following year. The new bull mark references the rich agricultural heritage of the school, while bringing the characteristics of physical strength, fortitude and energy to life visually.
