National Basketball Association - Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers Unveil New Team Colors

CAVALIERS CHOOSE A “NEW EXPRESSION” OF WINE AND GOLD

New Team Colors Will Become Official Beginning with 2003-2004 Season

“The Cavaliers have a new direction, a new sense of excitement and optimism,” said Gund. “We felt that the time was right to support that new enthusiasm with a new look – new colors, a new logo and new uniforms. Today we are happy to disclose the first step in that process, our new colors.” The following details were also outlined:

The primary colors will be a “new expression of wine and gold,” a crimson-hued wine color and a metallic gold. While they represent updated versions of the Cavaliers’ original colors, the new colors are at once contemporary and timeless.

Dark blue also will be used as an accent color on the new logo and uniforms. The use of blue is in recognition of the Cavs teams of the 1990s.

The design process for a new logo and uniforms is well underway. Though NBA regulations dictate that they not be displayed until June 2003, the home uniforms will be white with the new primary colors used in the new word mark and trim. The road uniforms will be predominantly new wine. In both cases, gold and blue will be used as accent colors on the trim.

Color representation on the playing surface, arena signage, merchandise, stationery, etc. will be forthcoming.

Gund added, “Our goal was to find colors that would be unique to Cleveland and in the NBA. We wanted strong, bold combinations that go hand-in-hand with the new direction of the team. We also wanted to reconnect with fans and embrace our history, but focus on looking forward. These colors represent the Cavaliers of the next generation.”

At the same time, Gund also announced that the organization would re-emphasize the full “Cavaliers” nickname in the future. “The team was originally named Cavaliers to ‘represent a group of daring, fearless men, whose life's pact was to never surrender, no matter what the odds.’ We want to recapture that,” said Gund. The new home uniforms will feature “Cavaliers” as the primary word mark across the chest.

The move to change the official team colors began in earnest this past summer. In August, fans were given the opportunity to participate in a survey on cavs.com and choose from six color combinations. The response was overwhelming, as more than 12,000 total surveys were completed. The option that most closely represented the colors announced today was the top choice.

The team's official colors were wine and gold from the inaugural season in 1970-71 through 1982-83. They were then changed to burnt orange, white and royal blue for the 1983-84 season. Either orange or a shade of blue has been the team's primary color since then. Prior to the 1994-95 season, the emphasis was switched to royal blue, burnt orange and white. A logo change took place for the 1994-95 season, the Cavs' first season at Gund Arena. The current colors are blue, black and orange.

This article was taken from www.nba.com/cavs.  All rights reserved.