Big Sky Conference Logo PNG
The Big Sky Conference logo draws on the beauty of the region’s natural landscapes, conveying the athletes’ patriotic feelings, their desire to represent their homeland, and achieve victories for it. The emblem incorporates an element of conquest and ascent, associated with the theme of rigorous training.
Big Sky Conference: Brand overview
The history of the Big Sky Conference began on July 1, 1963, when it was founded by six universities: the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Gonzaga University, the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Weber State University. This association aimed to develop collegiate sports in the Rocky Mountain region. In 1970, Northern Arizona University joined the league, strengthening the conference’s athletic programs in the southwestern United States.
In 1979, the University of Nevada replaced Gonzaga University, helping the league focus on developing football. In 1987, Eastern Washington University joined, enhancing the conference’s position in Washington. Portland State University and Sacramento State University became members in 1996, extending the conference’s influence to the West Coast.
The University of Northern Colorado joined in 2006, followed by Southern Utah University and the University of North Dakota in 2012. In 2014, the University of Idaho rejoined the Big Sky Conference (except in football). Since 2018, the conference has actively collaborated with national television networks.
Today, the Big Sky Conference is a major FCS-level league within the NCAA structure. It regularly hosts basketball and football competitions, with its teams participating in tournaments such as NCAA March Madness.
Meaning and History
What is the Big Sky Conference?
It is an association of educational institutions in the western United States, covering the territory from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. The conference is known for FCS football programs and basketball competitions. Sports programs include cross-country running, athletics, and volleyball. Schools compete in places with various natural conditions, including mountainous and desert regions.
1970 – 1996
One of the oldest conferences was officially established in 1963. Its first emblem had a shape resembling a seal or a view through a spyglass. The central composition featured an image associated with the Oregon Trail, the famous route used by settlers to reach the Montana Territory for development.
The conference name was placed on a white rim surrounding the central image. This design alludes to the first book in A. B. Guthrie Jr.’s trilogy, which is dedicated to the history of the settlement and development of the American West. Thus, the logo has historical depth and context.
A sports columnist from the Spokesman-Review proposed the design idea, suggesting a suitable name for the organization. This name was tied to the fact that the conference initially united representatives from four Western states.
1996 – 2012
The logo design concept changed after the 1996 transformations, prompted by adding two new teams. The new design retained its connection to nature and the sky but adopted a modern format. The emblem features a blue inscription on a white background framed by a thin green line.
A significant element is the dot above the letter “i,” transformed into a star reaching toward the sky. This symbol, hovering above the last letter, inspires the conference to strive for new heights and achievements.
At the bottom, on a green background, the word “conference” is displayed in a thin white font. The green base connects to the earth, while the blue font with white accents above evokes the sky, filled with light and clouds.
The logo creates an impression of open space and opportunities available to the union’s participants.
2012 – today
As part of the rebranding, an emblem resembling a business card set into mountain peaks, as if placed in a stand, was introduced. This approach emphasizes the scale of the conference, whose membership had grown to nine full members, doubling its original size.
The logo is designed with a half-turn, creating a sense of movement toward the viewer. The conference name is placed on a dark blue background, symbolizing the sky. The color scheme of the name provides contrast: the word Big is rendered in light blue, while Sky is white. These shades evoke open skies and clouds, reinforcing the connection to heights.
At the bottom, snowy mountain peaks are depicted, with their edges extending beyond the visible area. This effect creates a sense of infinity and grandeur. The symbol visually rests on the rocks, emphasizing the conference’s solid foundation and stability.
The image hints at the Cordillera mountain range, one of the largest in the Americas. The design aligns with the themes characteristic of all conference emblems.