Orlando, Fla.– In anticipation of Major League Soccer (MLS) entry, Orlando City SC began its rebranding process today by unveiling its new logo. The logo was released via the club’s social media outlets and maintains a representation of Orlando City’s identity, while also incorporating prominent Floridian aspects, featuring the sun, the color purple, and a single lion.
The color purple has become a highly recognizable feature for Orlando City over the years. Employed as the club’s primary color, purple distinguishes Orando City from any other club in the North American soccer landscape.
Remaining as the central focal point of the logo, is the Lion, indicating strength and pride. The King of the Jungle reflects Orlando City’s successful tenure in USL PRO and reluctance to shy away from an opponent.
The logo is also symbolic of a new beginning for Orlando City. The 21 sun flares bordering the Lion signifies the club being named MLS’ 21st franchise in November of 2014.
The sun is emblematic of a new goal for Orlando City. With Florida being widely known as the Sunshine State, the integration of the sun in the new
logo describes OCSC’s aspiration to become the team that not only represents the City of Orlando but also the State of Florida.
Required by MLS to change its logo and brand, City began its search for a designer of the logo within the ensuing days of its MLS announcement in November. Wanting to stay true to its roots, the club limited its search to Orlando businesses only, narrowing the selection process down to four key agencies.
After careful analysis and deliberation, OCSC eventually selected a local graphic designer, who also happened to be an Orlando City Season Ticket Holder. The designer, who has over 20 years of experience in the creative industry and has also been a resident of Orlando since the mid-90s, became an Orlando City fan in the club’s inaugural season and began creating concept ideas in 2012 after realizing that there was a high possibility that the club would ascend into Major League Soccer.
Following the launch of the new crest on social media, Orlando City will also kick-off #PaintTheCityPurple, a week-long art campaign.
Beginning today, seven artists will create paintings on the walls of local businesses: WBQ Design and Engineering, the Jungle, Dexter’s Thornton Park, Harry Buffalo’s, Seminole Soccer Complex, Maximum Entertainment Group, and the electrical box at the corner of Bumby Avenue and Colonial.
Each painting produced by the group of well-respected local artists will portray the new logo, while also highlighting unique aspects of the City Beautiful.
On Thursday, May 15, OCSC will conclude the week-long event with an art exhibit at Snap Orlando, presenting a photo of each of the eight locations as well as other works of art produced by each artist.
The exhibit is set to run from 5-9 p.m., beginning with a VIP reception from 5-7 p.m. At the conclusion of the VIP session, the exhibit will then open to the general public, allowing fans an opportunity to observe the exclusive photos and meet the artists.
For more information, please visit OrlandoCitySC.com.
