Illinois Fighting Illini Logo PNG
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Sports Department has represented its teams in a colorful and informative design since 1947, thanks to the Illinois Fighting Illini emblem. The modern, sleek logo of the Illinois Fighting Illini demonstrates a commitment to keeping up with the times, focusing on the name and state.
Illinois Fighting Illini: Brand overview
Meaning and History
The logos of the Illinois Fighting Illini trace the history of their homeland. It’s a path of evolution, starting with the portrait of a Native American and culminating with a large “I” in the official colors of the educational institution. Since 1947, there have been four emblems. In its time, each was common to all teams, without division by sport.
What is Illinois Fighting Illini?
The Illinois Fighting Illini is the University of Illinois’ athletic department at Urbana-Champaign, representing the university in intercollegiate competitions. It includes over 20 teams competing in the NCAA and participating in the Big Ten. They are located in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
1947 – 1956
In the mid-20th century, the “Illinois Fighting Illini” used a detailed profile of a Native American as their logo. The head was adorned with a traditional crown of North American natives. The elongated and curved inscription “ILLINOIS” served as feathers.
1989 – 2003
The next coat of arms differed in design from the previous one but was similar in content. Artists changed the composition this time by turning the Native American face forward. The inscription was removed and replaced with abstract feathers with a wavy orange outline. The headdress formed a circle, which was additionally surrounded by two rings – white and blue.
2004 – 2013
In 2004, designers brought back the inscription ILLINOIS but removed the Native Americans. The white word, written in angular italics and underscored with a long rectangular line, was positioned opposite a large orange letter “I” with a two-tone white-blue edge.
2014 – today
The latest logo update led to the disappearance of the “ILLINOIS” inscription; the “I” became red-orange, and its outline became single-colored and dark blue. The company Nike developed a minimalist version.
Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Logo
The women’s basketball team took first place in the Big Ten Championship in 1997 and participated in eight NCAA tournaments from 1982 to 2003. The men’s basketball team is equally successful: it appeared in 1906, and nine years later, it won its first Big Ten Championship title. It boasts numerous victories and dozens of matches, including five NCAA Final Four tournaments.
Font and Colors
According to the Illinois Fighting Illini concept, the letter “I” reflects duality, as Illinois connects west and east, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign develops two directions simultaneously, as evidenced by its motto, “Learning and Labor.” It also symbolizes the fighting spirit of the legendary Red Grange, nicknamed the Galloping Ghost, who played football as a halfback and became a national idol in his first season.