ECU Athletics
📋 1 Guidelines
Official Websites
Brand Guidelines
2019
Brand Summary
Mission
- The ECU Athletics Brand aims to exemplify the character, passion, spirit, and determination of East Carolina University, representing the university to local, regional, and national audiences with a high-quality image and consistent standards [^1].
Core Values
- character
- passion
- spirit
- determination
- discipline
- consistency
Target Audience
- Current and former student athletes, students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, relatives, friends, and broader local, regional, and national audiences [^2].
Personality Traits
- proud
- spirited
- determined
- bold
- consistent
Visual Identity Overview
- The visual identity is defined by tightly consistent dimensions, style, symbols, design, character, and colors. Official colors are purple and gold, with accent colors black and white. The primary mark is a stylized pirate skull and crossbones, and Matrix Extra Bold is the designated font. All branding elements are used with strict adherence to guidelines for clarity, integrity, and consistency across all applications [^3].
Categories
Brand Imagery
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- Purple and gold are the official colors of ECU and one of the strongest elements of East Carolina’s identity and personality.
- ECU’s identity is greatly strengthened by using these official colors with absolute consistency.
- Refer to the color formulas on page 11 for all printed and Web-related applications. The Pantone Matching System® can be used for color specification. Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- PURPLE PMS 268 C | PMS 268 U (coated | uncoated paper) C=82 M=98 Y=0 K=12 R=88 G=44 B=131 # 582c83
- GOLD PMS 109 U (uncoated paper) C=0 M=11 Y=96 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=0 # FFC700 PMS 123 C (coated paper) C=0 M=22 Y=83 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=44 # ffc72c
- BLACK C=75 M=68 Y=67 K=90 R=0 G=0 B=0 # 000000
- WHITE C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 # FFFFFF
- At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
- This primary Pirate mark should lead in visible key locations for all uses including, but not limited to, web/internet pages, social media, athletics publications, marketing and promotional items, recruiting items, stationery, official team uniforms and athletics department issued apparel, facility graphics and all externally distributed/seen avenues of the athletics department.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
Color Palette
- Purple and gold are the official colors of ECU and one of the strongest elements of East Carolina’s identity and personality. It presents a strong visual impression that constantly reinforces our brand.
- ECU’s identity is greatly strengthened by using these official colors with absolute consistency.
- Refer to the color formulas on page 11 for all printed and Web-related applications. The Pantone Matching System® can be used for color specification. Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U. Note that color will appear different when viewed on a screen versus printed and each screen is slightly different. Take these into consideration and match the ECU official colors.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- PURPLE PMS 268 C | PMS 268 U (coated | uncoated paper) C=82 M=98 Y=0 K=12 R=88 G=44 B=131 # 582c83
- GOLD PMS 109 U (uncoated paper) C=0 M=11 Y=96 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=0 # FFC700 PMS 123 C (coated paper) C=0 M=22 Y=83 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=44 # ffc72c
- BLACK C=75 M=68 Y=67 K=90 R=0 G=0 B=0 # 000000
- WHITE C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 # FFFFFF
- NOTE: At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
Typography
- Matrix Extra Bold is the designated athletics font and should be used consistently in accordance with the Athletics Branding -Trademark Licensing Guidelines.
- The Pirate Matrix number font has been designated for use in all ECU intercollegiate athletics team uniforms.
- Matrix Extra Bold
- Solid Purple
- (one color)
- Purple with gold outline
- (two color)
- Pirate Numbers
- Color variations
- The Gotham font should be used to support Matrix Extra Bold. As an example, Gotham font should be used whenever possible in all text - (body) - content with athletics publications, marketing materials and correspondence.
- Gotham Light
- Gotham Light Italic
- Gotham Book
- Gotham Book Italic
- Gotham Medium
- Gotham Medium Italic
- Gotham Bold
- Gotham Bold Italic
- Use correct typography
Logo Usage
- The ECU logotypes, word marks, the Pirate Club mark; and the athletics spirit marks are the only marks approved for use to represent the university and the athletics program by the athletics community. No other marks or logos may be used without prior written approval through the licensing office. The licensing office staff, working with designated athletics administrative staff, will review any special requests from athletics areas/sports related to the use of marks/graphics or other representation of athletics and the university.
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
- Deviation from the official identity as shown in this Guide, or specified in the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines is not permitted.
- All athletics units are required to adhere to these branding and identity standards.
Tone And Messaging
- Our Athletics Brand exemplifies the character, passion, spirit, and determination of this great University. All of us – current and former student athletes, students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, relatives and friends proudly embody our ECU Brand.
- Each part of our great University contributes powerfully to ECU’s standing and reputation, and the ECU Athletics Brand carries a great responsibility to consistently present a high-quality image representing East Carolina University to local, regional and national audiences.
- Brand standards ensure all athletics advertising and promotional materials share a symbolic commonality representing our entire University. These standards apply to displays, uniforms, team apparel, equipment, facilities – every representation of our Brand.
- These branding standards are comprised of tightly consistent dimensions, style, symbols, design, character and colors. This disciplined consistency is imperative for high-level branding. Deviation from the official identity as shown in this Guide, or specified in the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines is not permitted.
- All athletics units are required to adhere to these branding and identity standards.
- Our brand is ECU, and the umbrella of this brand embraces each of our “products”: colleges, divisions (including the athletics department and every one of its teams). All athletics marketing will take place within the approved brand parameters.
- The ECU brand is distinguished by three important elements: 1) Purple and gold - ECU is one of only three FBS institutions using these colors. 2) Only “Pirates” in FBS. 3) Only “ECU” in FBS.
- The ECU logotypes, word marks, the Pirate Club mark; and the athletics spirit marks are the only marks approved for use to represent the university and the athletics program by the athletics community. No other marks or logos may be used without prior written approval through the licensing office. The licensing office staff, working with designated athletics administrative staff, will review any special requests from athletics areas/sports related to the use of marks/graphics or other representation of athletics and the university.
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- The Athletics Style Guide is available for athletics staff to ensure brand consistency and discipline. This guide is located on line at www.ecu.edu/licensing, www.ecupirates.com or the printed version can be accessed through the ECU Trademark Licensing and Athletics Marketing offices.
- Color is the most fundamental, yet most powerful tool that can bring our brand to life, creating or associating a mood or feeling. Color is paramount in establishing the identity and strength of ECU. Purple and gold are the official colors of ECU and one of the strongest elements of East Carolina’s identity and personality. It presents a strong visual impression that constantly reinforces our brand.
- ECU’s identity is greatly strengthened by using these official colors with absolute consistency.
- Refer to the color formulas on page 11 for all printed and Web-related applications. The Pantone Matching System® can be used for color specification. Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U. Note that color will appear different when viewed on a screen versus printed and each screen is slightly different. Take these into consideration and match the ECU official colors.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- NOTE: At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
Brand Values
- Our Athletics Brand exemplifies the character, passion, spirit, and determination of this great University. All of us – current and former student athletes, students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, relatives and friends proudly embody our ECU Brand.
Visual Style
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- Purple and gold are the official colors of ECU and one of the strongest elements of East Carolina’s identity and personality.
- ECU’s identity is greatly strengthened by using these official colors with absolute consistency.
- Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- PURPLE PMS 268 C | PMS 268 U (coated | uncoated paper) C=82 M=98 Y=0 K=12 R=88 G=44 B=131 # 582c83
- GOLD PMS 109 U (uncoated paper) C=0 M=11 Y=96 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=0 # FFC700 PMS 123 C (coated paper) C=0 M=22 Y=83 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=44 # ffc72c
- BLACK C=75 M=68 Y=67 K=90 R=0 G=0 B=0 # 000000
- WHITE C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 # FFFFFF
- At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
- Matrix Extra Bold is the designated athletics font and should be used consistently in accordance with the Athletics Branding -Trademark Licensing Guidelines.
- The Pirate Matrix number font has been designated for use in all ECU intercollegiate athletics team uniforms.
- The Gotham font should be used to support Matrix Extra Bold. As an example, Gotham font should be used whenever possible in all text - (body) - content with athletics publications, marketing materials and correspondence.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
Iconography
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
Layout And Composition
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
Brand Architecture
- Our brand is ECU, and the umbrella of this brand embraces each of our “products”: colleges, divisions (including the athletics department and every one of its teams). All athletics marketing will take place within the approved brand parameters.
- The ECU brand is distinguished by three important elements: 1) Purple and gold - ECU is one of only three FBS institutions using these colors. 2) Only “Pirates” in FBS. 3) Only “ECU” in FBS.
- The ECU logotypes, word marks, the Pirate Club mark; and the athletics spirit marks are the only marks approved for use to represent the university and the athletics program by the athletics community. No other marks or logos may be used without prior written approval through the licensing office. The licensing office staff, working with designated athletics administrative staff, will review any special requests from athletics areas/sports related to the use of marks/graphics or other representation of athletics and the university.
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
Packaging Design
- Our branded pirate marks must be used as approved and displayed in this guide. Any other pirate representation (skulls, crossbones, skeleton, clip art pirates etc.) must not be used to represent or associate with the university and/or the athletics department.
- Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U.
- Colors such as black, white or any others are considered accent colors and are not official colors of East Carolina University.
- PURPLE PMS 268 C | PMS 268 U (coated | uncoated paper) C=82 M=98 Y=0 K=12 R=88 G=44 B=131 # 582c83
- GOLD PMS 109 U (uncoated paper) C=0 M=11 Y=96 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=0 # FFC700 PMS 123 C (coated paper) C=0 M=22 Y=83 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=44 # ffc72c
- BLACK C=75 M=68 Y=67 K=90 R=0 G=0 B=0 # 000000
- WHITE C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 # FFFFFF
- NOTE: At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
Digital Guidelines
- Refer to the color formulas on page 11 for all printed and Web-related applications. The Pantone Matching System® can be used for color specification. Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U. Note that color will appear different when viewed on a screen versus printed and each screen is slightly different. Take these into consideration and match the ECU official colors.
- ECUPirates.com is the official website for ECU Athletics. ECUPirateClub.com is the official website for the ECU Pirate Club. These are the only official sites representing ECU Athletics. All sports and/or administrative areas should work through the designated athletics staff for administrative approval to coordinate all content for the athletics department website and official department social/new media entities (twitter, etc.) to ensure a consistent representation. This includes recruiting-related web pages, social media sites and mobile applications. Refer to the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines for detail information.
Print Guidelines
- Refer to the color formulas on page 11 for all printed and Web-related applications. The Pantone Matching System® can be used for color specification. Purple matches Pantone 268 for both coated and uncoated papers. Gold matches Pantone 109 (U) for uncoated papers and Pantone 123 (C) for coated papers. All apparel, equipment (non-paper) etc. uses should match 109U. Note that color will appear different when viewed on a screen versus printed and each screen is slightly different. Take these into consideration and match the ECU official colors.
- PURPLE PMS 268 C | PMS 268 U (coated | uncoated paper) C=82 M=98 Y=0 K=12 R=88 G=44 B=131 # 582c83
- GOLD PMS 109 U (uncoated paper) C=0 M=11 Y=96 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=0 # FFC700 PMS 123 C (coated paper) C=0 M=22 Y=83 K=0 R=255 G=199 B=44 # ffc72c
- BLACK C=75 M=68 Y=67 K=90 R=0 G=0 B=0 # 000000
- WHITE C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 # FFFFFF
- NOTE: At times, an expanded color palette or colors outside of the core palette is necessary. Examples would be the occasional use of a unique uniform, like those that support special initiatives such as breast cancer or honoring U.S. military service members. Although acceptable for special situations, utilizing colors outside of the primary color palette is not intended for long-term use. Retail branding has seasonal palette flexibility and when used correctly, will complement the primary color palette utilized by ECU Athletics.
- The protected area around the logo ensures that no other graphic element interfere with its clarity and integrity. The depth of the protected area is the height of the “x.”
- Internal guidelines are established to create a unified appearance and to maintain consistency in all publications, whether print or electronic, published and distributed by East Carolina University.
- All athletic-related publications, stationary etc, including all promotional and marketing athletic publications (printed and electronic), whether paid for with state or non-state funds, must adhere to the graphic standards described in the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines.
- All athletics department units must follow the standard formats established for athletics letterhead, envelopes, business cards, office forms, email signatures etc. When ordering new stationery items, please order using the standard formats. Refer to the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines for writing style specifications and additional detail information.
Naming Conventions
- The following words are officially registered in association with the university and its athletic teams: “ECU” East Carolina University® East Carolina University Pirates™ East Carolina Pirates™ East Carolina® ECU® ECU Pirates™ Pirates™ Pirate™ EC™ Purple and Gold™ PeeDee The Pirate™ Arrrgh™ First Down…Pirates™ Where it is a First Down…Pirates™ Paint It Purple™ Murphy Center™ Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum™ Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium™ Clark-LeClair Stadium™ Wright Circle™ Pirate Nation™ We are the Pirates of ECU™ UndauntedTM Loyal and BoldTM Pirate ClubTM Student Pirate ClubTM SPCTM
- “ECU” is the preferred reference followed by “East Carolina“ for use by announcers, on scoreboard displays, statistic abbreviations, etc.
- For television in-game and studio graphics, the primary Pirate mark is preferred followed by the primary ECU word mark. E. Carolina, East Caro and other abbreviation’s are not acceptable.
- For newscast (television) and newspaper graphic displays the primary Pirate mark is preferred followed by the primary ECU word mark.
- All teams (men and women) should be referred to as “Pirates”. Women’s teams should not be referred to as “Lady Pirates.”
- ECUPirates.com is the official website for ECU Athletics. ECUPirateClub.com is the official website for the ECU Pirate Club. These are the only official sites representing ECU Athletics. All sports and/or administrative areas should work through the designated athletics staff for administrative approval to coordinate all content for the athletics department website and official department social/new media entities (twitter, etc.) to ensure a consistent representation. This includes recruiting-related web pages, social media sites and mobile applications. Refer to the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines for detail information.
Stationery Guidelines
- All athletics department units must follow the standard formats established for athletics letterhead, envelopes, business cards, office forms, email signatures etc. When ordering new stationery items, please order using the standard formats. Refer to the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines for writing style specifications and additional detail information.
- All athletic-related publications, stationary etc, including all promotional and marketing athletic publications (printed and electronic), whether paid for with state or non-state funds, must adhere to the graphic standards described in the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines.
- In order to protect the university’s license agreements, marketing agreements and graphic identity standards, promotional items must be designed and reviewed to ensure compliance with these agreements and standards. In addition, these items can only be purchased from vendors who are licensed by the university to produce ECU-trademarked items. A list of these vendors/licensees is available at www.ecu.edu/licensing and/or through the Department of Materials Management.
- Refer to the Athletics Branding - Trademark Licensing Guidelines and/or http://www.ecu.edu/cs-admin/mktg/Review-Process.cfm for detail information.
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