News - 12/16/2004

Midwest League (baseball) - Peoria Chiefs

Peoria Chiefs Unveil New Logo

Peoria Chiefs - Primary Logo

PEORIA, IL— The Peoria Chiefs held press conference at O’Brien Field Thursday to unveil their new logo set and talk about the launching of an improved, new look website. The new logo set features a Dalmatian dog theme and a Fire Chief hat.

Valentine Design, a Minneapolis based design firm used extensively throughout the sports industry and recognized for successful logo implementations, created six concepts for the new logo. The new logo set includes a primary logo, a secondary wordmark logo and a smaller logo which will be used on primarily on Chiefs hats.

“From the six options given to us, we discussed and decided on a direction and design that would give us a fun creative identity and the ability to create a fun, fan friendly mascot,” said Chiefs General Manager Rocky Vonachen. “After several slight changes and modifications we feel we have accomplished our goal. As we enter the 21st century, an identity that certainly commands respect throughout homes and business is that of firemen. The fire chief theme helps bridge our past proud heritage with a logo that promises future fun for our fans and players.”

The new logo was necessary after the switch in affiliation to the Chicago Cubs took place in September. The logo decision and selection process was done in conjunction with Valentine Design who was very responsive in developing the new logo in a short turnaround time due to the affiliation switch.

“A few months ago we announced a new four year agreement with the Chicago Cubs which we are very excited about. We have experienced great excitement throughout the community and Central Illinois regarding this announcement. It’s an excitement that parallels the opening of the new ballpark a few years ago,” said Vonachen.

“At this moment we continue to work on our final mascot design but it will be a Dalmatian dog theme. We are hopeful to supplement our mascot with an actual Dalmatian dog and we are seeking an owner that would be interested in their pet participating in fun and selective events for our games,” said Vonachen.

In addition to the unveiling of the new logos, the Chiefs also announced the launch of their new website. The website will keep the same Internet address at www.peoriachiefs.com. Infinity Pro Sports is hosting the new site and helped with the design of the site.

The vastly improved, more-interactive website allows fans to view a comprehensive calendar, buy tickets, bid on Chiefs items through auction, sign up for the newsletter, follow along with live audio and game notes, learn more about the Chiefs players and staff, and search through Chiefs history and archives. The website also includes poll questions, a photo gallery, Chiefs trivia, screensavers and game highlights.