Big South Conference Logo PNG
The Big South Conference logo symbolizes unity and pride in representing the large southern region. The emblem combines energy with tradition, helping the union grow while preserving its individuality. Integrity, cohesion, and unity contribute to the conference’s increasing significance within the NCAA.
Big South Conference: Brand overview
The history of the Big South Conference began in 1983 when universities in the southeastern United States decided to create a new athletic league at the NCAA Division I level. The initial members included Armstrong State, Baptist College (now Charleston Southern), Campbell University, Coastal Carolina University, Augusta University, and Winthrop College. Starting in 1984, the conference began holding regular baseball, tennis, and basketball championships.
In 1986, the league’s membership changed, with Armstrong State and Augusta University departing, while Radford University joined. Davidson College joined in 1989, followed by Liberty University in 1991, which provided the league with strong athletic teams.
A major milestone was achieved in 1994 when the conference gained an automatic berth in the NCAA March Madness tournament. Expansion began in the late 1990s, and High Point University joined in 1999. After a long absence, Campbell University returned in the 2011–2012 season, and Longwood University joined.
In 2018, Hampton University and USC Upstate joined the association, broadening the conference’s geographical reach. Today, the Big South is a solid NCAA conference that successfully develops athletics and promotes women’s teams equally alongside men’s teams.
Meaning and History
What is the Big South Conference?
This group of NCAA Division I universities is in the country’s southeast. It supports competitive sports and develops regional rivalries. The league brings together established programs and sports centers, making strides in basketball, baseball, soccer, and FCS soccer, where teams strive for national recognition. It provides a platform for universities to participate in high-level competitions and attracts loyal fans.
1983 – 1998
The first emblem of the conference features a southern landscape. At the center is a large orange sun setting behind cotton fields, accompanied by a solitary savanna tree. The image reflects the southern states of America and their historical heritage.
The conference name is displayed prominently on the sun’s disk in large blue letters, making it easily readable. The name concept highlights the union’s goal of becoming a platform to support the athletic achievements of students from smaller educational institutions.
The logo incorporates a timeline representing the conference’s development. On the left, the union’s name and founding year are displayed, while on the right, the NCAA name is included in thin blue letters, signifying participation in the highest level of athletic competition. The inclusion of the initial seven teams made this participation possible.
The smooth transition from bold, prominent elements to subtle outlines emphasizes the participants’ journey toward their dreams and their drive to achieve their goals.
1998 – 2006
After the conference’s membership expanded, the logo was updated to reflect new ambitions and the organization’s dynamic growth. Big South is rendered in elongated blue letters, emphasizing growth, forward movement, and the drive for leadership in the top division across all supported disciplines.
The emblem is complemented by a bright orange arc representing the sun. This element conveys unity, team cohesion, collective effort, and mutual support.
2006 – 2012
The inscription on the logo is designed in italics, creating a sense of forward motion. The design emphasizes the dynamism and drive of the conference toward new heights. During this period, the sponsorship of football teams began, which became a landmark event requiring reflection in the updated emblem.
The arc in the design was modified, increasing in size and now encircling the inscription. The element ceased to be associated with the image of the Sun and became an abstract symbol of movement and unity. It visualizes a powerful surge of energy directed forward, reflecting the participants’ aspirations for achievement and growth.
2012 – 2017
The overall style of the visual mark was preserved, but the colors became more saturated and expressive. The deepening of shades highlights significant achievements, including the University of South Carolina Upstate team’s football successes and baseball victories over Power Five opponents.
2017 – today
After adding two new members and Presbyterian College announced its upcoming departure, the conference updated its emblem, combining modern elements with historical details to balance tradition and progress.
The mark’s foundation is the prominent word “South,” where the letter “O” is replaced with a vibrant orange Sun, symbolizing energy and a drive toward new achievements. Inside the solar disk is the word “Big,” emphasizing the conference’s scale and significance.
The logo is concise yet expressive, making it appear dynamic and appealing. The bold shapes convey a sense of strength and professionalism characteristic of the teams representing the organization.