The Binghamton Bearcats are the NCAA Division I athletics teams of Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system. The athletics brand identity is distinct from the university’s main brand, focusing on the mascot Baxter the Bearcat and the Bearcats teams, with spirit marks and athletics marks comprising the identity.[1]
Design and History
On August 27, 1999, Binghamton University unveiled a new nickname and logo, replacing the previous “Colonials” identity. The change came after more than seven years of campus-wide study, during the university’s transition to NCAA Division I status.[2] The new logo was created by SME Design of New York City.[2]
The 1999 logo depicted a green and black animal with combined bear and cat qualities, positioned above the word marks “Bearcats” and “Binghamton University.” The image maintained the traditional Binghamton dark green.[3] The accompanying text described the Bearcat as “a mythical animal that combines the power and ferocity of a bear with the cunning and quickness of a cat.”[2]
The mascot costume, introduced in October 1999, was given the name Baxter in 2000 after a student vote.[4] The athletics department notes that paw prints are not an official logomark of Binghamton University or the Athletics Department.[1]
Meaning and Symbolism
The Bearcat is described as a mythical animal combining the power and ferocity of a bear with the cunning and quickness of a cat.[2] The 1999 logo was designed to depict this combined bear and cat creature in green and black, while retaining the university’s traditional dark green color.[3]
Typography and Design
Binghamton University’s official primary color is PMS 342 (deep green), with a HEX value of #005A43. Accent colors include PMS 381, PMS 360, PMS 424, black, and white.[5] The university’s branding guidelines state that spirit marks are the primary representations of the athletics brand and are used alongside the university’s “B” logomark, while athletics marks are bold logotype treatments.[1]
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