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UA Unveils New Logo and More Featured

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UA Unveils New Logo and More University of Akron

(University of Akron) The University of Akron (UA) Department of Athletics today unveiled its new principal logo, a modern, stylized “A”—and a companion version that also incorporates the name “Akron”—showcasing the University as a prominent NCAA Division I program. The new design is the anchor in a comprehensive and unified UA Athletics visual brand identity that features a bold and distinctive primary letterform. It also subtly includes the “Z” that has been utilized for the last several years.

 

 

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Charles Guthrie said, “One of the significant recommendations of last year’s University-wide Athletics Working Group—whose members included student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni and community representatives—was to streamline UA’s athletic branding, which had become a jumble of no fewer than eight logos. This new approach simplifies and aligns our identity across all settings, makes a statement about who we are, and will increase the impact of the Akron Athletics brand.”


The new design reflects the tradition of Akron’s program and establishes a more complementary and reinforcing linkage to the University’s overall brand identity, which will provide advantages in advancing the University’s student recruitment efforts. The name Zips and the beloved mascot, Zippy, will continue to be prominently represented for UA and UA Athletics.

During the last eight months, focus group discussions were held with numerous constituencies representing the full breadth of the University community and observations and suggestions from these sessions were incorporated into the thinking and planning of the resulting design. The Department of Athletics engaged Joe Bosack & Co., an experienced sports design consultancy, to design the new primary logo, word marks, and uniform and facility applications. A video announcing the new logo is below: 

UA President Gary L. Miller shared his enthusiasm for the new design, saying, “I am very gratified by the overwhelmingly favorable response I heard when I previewed the design with numerous stakeholders. This new mark pays homage to the University’s heritage and its unbreakable connection with the City of Akron and presents a strong image that reflects our determination to rise and excel.”

According to Guthrie, “It was the right moment to optimize our brand footprint and remain fiscally responsible. The InfoCision Stadium Summa Field turf had reached the end of its useful life and the funds to replace it were provided by a donor. In addition, we needed to start changing our uniforms to reflect our Nike sponsorship, which will take some time. Starting that process now, in coordination with the field turf replacement, was particularly advantageous.”

Bringing the updated brand identity to life will begin immediately across all platforms, channels and facilities including uniforms, fields of play, signage, fan experience—such as e-commerce, apparel and products—and on digital and social media platforms. Also, news coverage of Akron athletics will include the new mark, which will further enhance the brand identity. The rollout will require a phased approach over the course of the various sports seasons. The new logo is being released now to retailers so that products and team practice gear can be available for the fall 2022 semester.

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