Little Rock Trojans Logo PNG
The Little Rock Trojans logo speaks of the bravery and courage that characterized the warriors of Troy. The players of the sports teams are inspired by this historical example and strive to play in the spirit of the valiant army. The teams represent the athletic elite, as reflected by the mascot and the color scheme of the emblem’s design.
Little Rock Trojans: Brand overview
The history of the Little Rock Trojans athletic team dates back to 1927, when Little Rock Junior College was founded, later becoming the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Initially, competitions were held locally, and basketball players were called the Jaycees. In 1947, the college became a full university, adding baseball and tennis to its offerings.
In 1969, the team adopted the name Trojans, and in 1975, it joined the NAIA, marking the beginning of national-level competition. In 1978, the new Stephens Center facility opened.
An important event was joining the Sun Belt Conference and NCAA Division I in 1999. The women’s basketball team won the conference for the first time in 2011, and the men’s team defeated Purdue in the NCAA tournament in 2015. In 2022, the university moved to the Ohio Valley Conference.
By 2023, the Trojans continued to compete at this new level, maintaining a balance between athletic and academic achievements.
Meaning and History
What is Little Rock Trojans?
They are a team from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, playing in the Ohio Valley Conference and NCAA Division I. They are strong in basketball, baseball, swimming, track and field, volleyball, and soccer. Jack Stephens Center gathers fans to support athletes. The Maximus mascot reflects perseverance and spirit, while burgundy and silver colors reflect unity and pride. Many players continue their careers at a professional level.
1977 – 1984
The first emblem of the clubs depicted the profile of a Trojan warrior in full battle attire. The image reflects resilience, strength of spirit, and bravery. It is inspired by the heroes of ancient Troy, known for their unwavering determination and courage. The warrior’s headgear is a helmet with a crest, traditionally used to signify military rank. The red color in the design emphasizes courage, energy, and leadership qualities that the club members take pride in.
1984 – 1994
The emblem features the abbreviation UALR, which originated from the merger of Little Rock University and the University of Arkansas, representing the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The lettering emphasizes dynamism, rising upward to symbolize progress. A broad underlying curve larger than the letters enhances the visual impact and emphasizes scale. This design element was created to honor the success of the women’s tennis team, which advanced to the national championship.
1994 – 2002
The logo stands out with its unconventional and original design. Its creation was timed to coincide with the entry into the Sun Belt Conference, which required an update to the visual identity. The primary element is a maroon diamond featuring the profile of a Trojan warrior. The figure appears to look out from the shape, creating an effect of presence, as if through a window. A gray-to-black gradient adds depth, giving the impression of a shadow. The team name is placed along the top and bottom edges of the diamond in a thin maroon font, completing the overall appearance of the emblem.
2002 – 2005
In 2002, in honor of the university’s 75th anniversary, the shade of red used in the emblem was updated. The maroon color was changed to a deeper, dark maroon with a purple tint. The main elements of the composition remained unchanged, preserving the connection to the original symbolism and history.
2005 – 2015
In 2005, the teams changed their match venue to the new Jack Stephens Center sports complex. An update to the logo accompanied this event. It returned to the original image of a warrior depicted in profile, but the execution became more schematic. The new design gives the impression that the image is cast in paint, with colors blending smoothly into one another, adding lightness and expressiveness to the emblem. The dark tones in the palette emphasize the players’ experience and professionalism, reflecting years of accomplishments.
2015 – 2016
In 2015, the teams changed their name from Arkansas–Little Rock to Little Rock Trojans, which was reflected in the updated logo. It features only the name “Little Rock,” placed on a maroon background, along with the profile of a warrior. All elements are rendered in white, emphasizing renewal and a new chapter in the team’s history. The maroon background resembles the shape of a business card, with the left side mirroring the contours of the soldier’s profile, adding a unique touch to the design. The name is highlighted with a dynamic stripe, drawing attention to the name change and symbolizing forward movement.
2016 – today
In 2016, the word “Trojans” was added to the existing logo and placed below the line to complete the full name. All other design elements remained unchanged, including the primary colors and layout.