Boulder – In an attempt to “create a unity and synergy across the board,” University of Colorado leaders introduced a new Buffalo logo Tuesday, featuring a slightly italicized “CU.”
The presentation of the first logo change in 24 years was introduced at a news conference complete with a video and athletes modeling new uniforms.
Though very similar to the old logo of a charging buffalo with an interlocking “CU” inside, the new buffalo is outlined in gold and leaning slightly forward, as is the “CU.”
The Nike-sponsored project began 18 months ago to get all CU sports teams under the same umbrella in terms of logo and uniform lettering.
“We’re trying to unify the Buffs,” athletic director Mike Bohn said. “There’s no question now is the time to do that.”
For more than a year, CU’s athletic department has faced allegations of mismanagement, including accusations that alcohol and sex were used to recruit football players. CU’s athletic director, chancellor and president have resigned in the past year.
But Tuesday, university officials emphasized the positives – past and present.
Using the phrase “Respect the past, represent the future,” the school did not want a radical change from the old logo, a replica of the popular live buffalo mascot, Ralphie. Said Nike representative Chris McClure, “The ‘CU’ is modernized but not taken too far from the tradition of the university.”
The presentation, before a Dal Ward Center conference packed with staff members, featured Colorado athletes modeling new uniforms for football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball.
The most radical changes are to the basketball and volleyball uniforms. Basketball will feature black uniforms with gold stripes down the side and “COLORADO” in uniform block letters.
Gold uniforms will read “BUFFALOES,” to represent the Golden Buffaloes, a nickname still occasionally used.
“I think the message is consistency across the board,” football coach Gary Barnett said. “What you teach in athletics is always to be consistent. … I think this ties into that.”
CU, however, will alter the names when it begins selling merchandise in Spanish reading “Los Bufalos de Colorado,” “Los Bufalos” and “Vamos Bufalos.”
Around campus Tuesday, several students said they were indifferent to the change. But Mike Hardy, who just graduated last week, said it’s good to see CU keeping up with the times.
“I definitely think they needed to progress,” he said. “They just need to do something to get some good press.”
Anne Dagdelen, who owns the College Corner apparel store, said she was excited about the new merchandise her store will receive over the next year.
“It’s always fun to have something fresh,” she said. “I already have a coffee mug with the new logo.”
A spokeswoman for the state Department of Revenue said it is unclear if it will change a specialized license plate with the CU logo. More than 7,000 vehicles are registered with the plate.
Staff writer George Merritt contributed to this report.
