The Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League) unveiled a new set of logos and team colors for the 2011 season, as the team extends an emphasis on local rail history, embodied by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
“When we started to think about a new look, we wanted to stay true to the area’s rail heritage and the name we share with our historic landmark,” said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “At the same time, we wanted fresh designs that fans of all ages could identify with and find attractive.”
The new look pays tribute to the Pennsylvania Railroad, the largest in America during the first half of the 20th century. The new primary logo features the club’s new engineer character over the famous Pennsylvania keystone icon. It’s believed the Curve is the first and only professional sports franchise in the commonwealth to use the keystone as part of its primary logo. The PRR’s workhorse, the K4 steam locomotive, provided the inspiration for the team’s new riveted ‘Curve’ lettering.
Another new emblem features a baseball steaming around a curved track forming the letter “C,” which celebrates Altoona’s world-famous Horseshoe Curve – a National Historic Landmark. A third logo is derived from the new engineer character’s hat – an old-time “A” on a keystone background.
Further honoring the area’s railroad ties is the new color scheme for the team: Railroad Red, Boiler Bronze, Charcoal Gray, and Soot Black.
The Curve’s on-field look will be unveiled in December with new home and road uniforms and new caps.
The new look comes from Plan B. Branding. The development process began in July when Plan B’s Jason Klein and Casey White met with fans, staff, and community members to learn about the stories, history, and personality of the Curve and Altoona. Plan B then developed the logos and uniforms and suggested enhancements to the fan experience at the ballpark.
With the unveiling of a new identity, the Curve is asking fans for their help in naming the new Curve engineer. Fans can begin submitting their names for the new Curve engineer tonight by sending their ideas to engineer@altoonacurve.com or by mail to 1000 Park Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Suggested names will accepted via e-mail or regular mail for three weeks with the last day to submit entries being Monday, December 13. The five finalists from the contest will be announced and placed online on Wednesday, December 15. Fans will then be able to go to the newly-redesigned AltoonaCurve.com and vote on their favorite name. A winner will be selected in late January.
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