By Rachael Flora, Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Armstrong State University athletic department unveiled its new branding Monday afternoon. The new primary logo features a redesigned Pirate head and reflects the name change to Armstrong State University.

The new branding was completed this summer by Dust Bowl Artistry of Fort Worth, Texas, and incorporates sport-specific logos, wordmarks and an athletic font.

“We’re excited about the new branding of Pirate athletics,” Armstrong athletic director Lisa Sweany said. “We wanted to keep the tradition of the Pirate head, yet modernize the Athletic logo to make it appealing to current and future student-athletes as well as our alumni and fans.”

Some students have already started to embrace the change.

“I think the previous logo was great, but the new logo is also very appealing. I think with the name change already taking place earlier this summer, this was the perfect time to change the logo,” said Berry Aldridge, a junior English major and catcher for the Pirates baseball team.  “I think Armstrong and Pirate athletics are entering a new era of excellence and high expectations and hopefully this logo will become synonymous with that.”

When Armstrong State College became Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1996, a new logo accompanied the name change. The new look gives the athletic department the opportunity to grow Armstrong State athletics locally, regionally and nationally.

The new branding will begin to appear at Armstrong athletic facilities this summer, and in August, a redesigned website, armstrongpirates.com, will also be unveiled with the new branding.

What do you think of the new logo?