New York City FC announced today that it wants its fans to choose the Club’s official team badge as the Club counts down to its inaugural season which kicks off in approximately one year – March 2015.
Starting today and ending on Thursday March 13th, fans will have the opportunity to vote on their preferred badge from two options, created by renowned designer Rafael Esquer and chosen by the Club. The badge that receives the most votes will become the bedrock of the Team’s identity and will be formally unveiled in New York City on March 20th.
Urban artifacts like subway tokens and architectural details found throughout the city serve as inspiration for both designs. The two badges feature the typeface Gotham, a wholly American font inspired by the City’s signage. Born out of an in-depth study of building lettering in New York City, the monogram reflects the rich graphic language that is so much a signature of the five boroughs. The colors navy blue, white and orange are drawn from the New York City flag. The two badge options above.
The shield is the result of extensive research into global soccer. Seeking to give the Club a unique and distinctive character within MLS, we examined badges from every professional soccer team in the world. In the end, we found the answer right here at home. This design features the historic shield of the official Seal of New York City – a mark that signifies the pioneering spirit of the early settlers, which in the modern era, has fueled America’s undoubted move onto the world soccer stage.
The circular badge is inspired by the old New York City Subway Token, created by the Transit Authority in 1953 and used for 50 years as the standard fare for a ride. The last version of the token had a cut out pentagon in the center representing the five boroughs, similar to what appears on either side of the monogram, to reinforce the Club’s connection to the entire city. The circle is also a symbol of unity, wholeness and infinity, and is often associated with potential and the number one. This is a modern and confident badge that clearly speaks to New York City’s status as a leading city.
Esquer is best known for his iconic “Made in NY” logo, representing New York City’s efforts to support local film and television production. His work also includes the newest logo for the Houston Rockets and national team uniforms for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
“This badge is to be the symbol of our Club, a symbol of our players and we hope in time, a symbol of this City. That is why we decided to give our fans the power to take part in such a fundamental way,” said Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director of New York City FC. “Thanks to the work of Rafael Esquer we feel that we have two designs that truly represent our Club and our City, and we’re excited to see which badge they choose.”
“Our supporters will always have a voice in our Club at New York City FC,” said Tim Pernetti, Chief Business Officer of New York City FC. “We are truly excited about this opportunity to partner with them on this decision and we are counting on all New Yorkers and fans beyond the city to get involved, cast a vote and make New York City FC history.”
To vote on the preferred final badge, fans can simply log on to www.nycfc.com/vote. Voting will remain open through Thursday, March 13th.
Fans also still have the option of submitting their own badge designs to become a pixel of the official New York City FC team badge mosaic to be revealed later this spring. The final Club badge mosaic will allow fans to zoom in to find their own design permanently displayed within the shield. A physical manifestation of the mosaic will also be on display in the Club’s permanent facilities. Fans can design and submit their badges through New York City FC’s badge generation tool, known as the “badge configurator” at www.nycfc.com/mynycfc.
