New York City FC have their new look.
After a fan vote lasting three-and-a-half days that saw more than 100,000 NYCFC fans make their voices heard, the MLS expansion club on Thursday announced it has adopted the subway token-inspired logo designed by New York-based artist Rafael Esquer, who created the other final entry.
“Today marks another important milestone in the ongoing development of the New York City FC, and we’re excited to unveil the crest that will represent our club, our city and our fans,” NYCFC chief business officer Tim Pernetti said in a statement. “We thank all those fans who cast more than 100,000 votes and helped play their part in making New York City FC history.”
Pernetti, sporting director Claudio Reyna and head coach Jason Kreis unveiled the winning design in front of New York City FC supporters, partners, leadership and members of the media at the adidas Store in New York City on Thursday evening.
Per to the club's release, the winning 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. A similar such pentagon appears on either side of the monogram so as to reinforce the club’s connection to the entire city. The circle is also a symbol of unity, wholeness and infinity.
The badge features 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.
“Given the significance of a club’s badge and what it means for a team’s identity," Reyna said in a statement, "it was important for us to have our fans included from the beginning – a commitment that we’ve made from the start. Thanks to the voice of our fans, we feel that we have a design that truly represents our club and our city.”
New York City FC will kick off MLS play in the 2015 season, when it officially joins the league alongside Orlando City SC.
