Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU Introduces New Logo to Start Division I Transition
8/16/2013 11:32:00 AM | General
Grand Canyon University athletics will look a little sleeker and more aggressive as it enters NCAA Division I competition.
The University has unveiled new logos that will be part of the Antelopes' transition to D-I this school year.
Click here to see a few of the new versions.
"We've had the same logo since the mid-70s," said Eric McHaney, vice president of marketing at GCU. "Going into Division I, it seemed like the optimal time to make a change."
McHaney said the goal was to come up with a more modern-looking logo while also capturing some of the distinguishing characteristics of the pronghorned antelope (stripes on the neck, a two-toned underbelly). It also needed to look sleek – the pronghorn is the fastest land animal over long distances, capable of running 42 mph over a one-mile stretch, or 55 mph for half a mile. (Cheetahs can hit 70-75 mph over short distances but typically run for only 60 seconds at a time).
"The redesigning of the logo has been discussed many times over the years. This design is one that has elements to which all GCU fans can relate," said Keith Baker, GCU's director of athletics. "The sleekness of the new look 'Lope is something that really captures the evolving nature of GCU while still giving homage to the great history and tradition of our university."
The new logos, which also include new GCU lettering, will be visible on uniforms, signage, websites, the basketball court, mobile apps and souvenir apparel, among other places.
GCU merchandise with the new logo is expected to be available at the Arena Team Shop and University Bookstore by the time students arrive for the start of fall classes. In addition, merchandise will also be available at public retail outlets for the first time. GCU now has a retail outlet at Terminal 4 of Sky Harbor Airport, and has reached an agreement with Walmart to carry GCU gear.
McHaney said a focus group of executive staff, marketing personnel, athletics and student leadership was involved in the selection process for the new logo. A group of 10 new logos was whittled down to four finalists, of which the sleeker antelope logo was the overwhelming favorite, McHaney said.
"We made some minor changes to it and had a group of students back in," McHaney said, "and 95 percent of them loved it."
Additionally, the official Grand Canyon University Athletics website is undergoing a redesign and will be unveiled in the Fall.
The University has unveiled new logos that will be part of the Antelopes' transition to D-I this school year.
Click here to see a few of the new versions.
"We've had the same logo since the mid-70s," said Eric McHaney, vice president of marketing at GCU. "Going into Division I, it seemed like the optimal time to make a change."
McHaney said the goal was to come up with a more modern-looking logo while also capturing some of the distinguishing characteristics of the pronghorned antelope (stripes on the neck, a two-toned underbelly). It also needed to look sleek – the pronghorn is the fastest land animal over long distances, capable of running 42 mph over a one-mile stretch, or 55 mph for half a mile. (Cheetahs can hit 70-75 mph over short distances but typically run for only 60 seconds at a time).
"The redesigning of the logo has been discussed many times over the years. This design is one that has elements to which all GCU fans can relate," said Keith Baker, GCU's director of athletics. "The sleekness of the new look 'Lope is something that really captures the evolving nature of GCU while still giving homage to the great history and tradition of our university."
The new logos, which also include new GCU lettering, will be visible on uniforms, signage, websites, the basketball court, mobile apps and souvenir apparel, among other places.
GCU merchandise with the new logo is expected to be available at the Arena Team Shop and University Bookstore by the time students arrive for the start of fall classes. In addition, merchandise will also be available at public retail outlets for the first time. GCU now has a retail outlet at Terminal 4 of Sky Harbor Airport, and has reached an agreement with Walmart to carry GCU gear.
McHaney said a focus group of executive staff, marketing personnel, athletics and student leadership was involved in the selection process for the new logo. A group of 10 new logos was whittled down to four finalists, of which the sleeker antelope logo was the overwhelming favorite, McHaney said.
"We made some minor changes to it and had a group of students back in," McHaney said, "and 95 percent of them loved it."
Additionally, the official Grand Canyon University Athletics website is undergoing a redesign and will be unveiled in the Fall.
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