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 CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference, in coordination with recent rebranding initiatives on MAC campuses the past several years, unveiled its new marks today (July 1) that celebrate the tradition of the league and embodies a fresh brand identity. The MAC kicks off its 62nd athletic season with five (5) nationally-televised contests the first two weekends of the 2008 college football season.
The newly-created conference marks highlight the league’s 60-plus year history by recognizing the year that the MAC was founded – 1946. This represents the league’s first major rebranding effort since 1987, and also incorporates logos for each of the conference’s 23 championships. A new color scheme of Navy Blue, Kelly Green and Silver refreshes the logo but does not cross the boundary of institutional colors.
A four-member subcommittee, chaired by University of Akron Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades, led the process in developing the new logo with The Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company. The subcommittee sought feedback from all of the MAC’s governance groups (Directors of Athletics, Senior Administrators and Faculty Athletics Representatives) as well as the conference’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“The Mid-American Conference and its member institutions are extremely excited with the release of the new conference marks. The MAC is rich with wonderful tradition dating back to 1946,” said, Rhoades. “The compilation of new marks embodies this history of excellence garnered in competition, in the classroom and in service to communities throughout the league, as well as the superbly talented student-athletes representing each of our quality member institutions.”
"We are excited about the debut of an updated brand for the Mid-American Conference, one that recognizes our tremendous tradition while remaining current in today's major college athletics environment,” said MAC Commissioner Rick Chryst. “One of the primary benefits of the program will be the opportunity to provide a broad and consistent conference message, across a variety of platforms, on all of our campuses."
In addition to Rhoades, the external relations subcommittee consisted of Directors of Athletics: Bill Bradshaw, Temple University; Greg Christopher, Bowling Green State University; and David Heeke, Central Michigan University. MAC Deputy Commissioner Bob Gennarelli served as staff liaison for the rebranding project.
The Licensing Resource Group, Inc. (LRG), headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, was also involved in the MAC’s rebranding project. LRG, which oversees the retail use of all MAC marks, coordinated the league’s RFP process and provided valuable perspective and expertise throughout the entire process.
The Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company is a full service design studio specializing in the development of brand identity. Located in the Philadelphia suburb of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, they have created identities both directly and indirectly for: The National Basketball Association, The National Hockey League, The National Football League, Major League Baseball, Nike Team Sports, The Arena Football League, WNBA, Coca-Cola, FILA U.S.A., and Universal Studios, as well as dozens of individual sports teams and universities. Most recently Bosack’s group coordinated the brand identity for the SEC’s 75th anniversary celebration.
release courtesy Mid-American Conference
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