Icefest/New Uniform open thread

by John Fontana on Aug 25, 2007 12:32 PM EDT in Blogs

We're about a half hour before the grand unveiling of the new logo and uniform for the Lightning. I'm not in attendance at Times Palace but will do what I can to keep everyone informed as things progress.

Meanwhile, giving more credence to the alleged new digs, Chris and his NHL Tournament of Logos has a New Era ballcap with two of the allegedly new Lightning crests.

Update: For the observant, the Lightning have failed to do much updating or allusion to the new logo on their web site. Of course, the Lightning's web site has been consistent in horridness over the years, so it shouldn't be too surprising... Still, this is a major buzzworthy event and the lack of trying to churn that buzz a little more makes one wonder how committed the Lightning are to marketing this thing (the jersey/logo).

Update #2: Erik over at the Tribune has a large large LARGE version of the new logo posted on his blog. (Hat tip to Chad who posted this on Sun Sports). You'll need to scroll down an extral long way to get to the image.

UPDATE #3: And here we are with the dark jersey from TBL.com:

I'd like to add the Lightning finally updated their web site. The jersey above is posted as a splash screen when you venture to TBL.com

UPDATE #4: And now you can see both white and black sweaters. Images of the players in uniform will likely be posted later but I'm getting away from the PC. Here they are for your viewing pleasure:

Also note the poll here at Boltsmag has been updated for opinions on the new sweater:

[poll=14]

UPDATE #5: Let me let Chris at the Tournament of Logos ~~be known to have been at Times Palace and his~~ report on the new Uniforms.

Chris has also (in comments) given us a link to a YouTube video of the unveiling. I must say that seeing the jersey's actually be worn seems more appealing than when they are simply shown in 2D.

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The response out at the Ice Fest wasn’t too good. I heard some grumbling about Reebok and the consensus seemed to be that the old stuff is better. The jersey itself looked better in person than it does on the website, although I reserve the right to change my mind when I see it over pads. The logo is terrible. Hopefully they didn’t screw with the socks or pants.

by Bill on Aug 25, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

Hey John, just wanted to clarify that unfortunately I wasn’t able to be at the event this morning. The pictures and accounts I’ve gathered at my blog are mostly from the Bolts’ official web site. I wish I could’ve been there.

For anyone else who couldn’t be there, I was sent this video of the actual unveiling. Looks like they all had a pretty good time.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5GlIfGupA2Y

While I’m here, thought I’d add my opinion. I think the new uniforms look amazing! After 15 years in the league’s most boring sweaters, we finally have something sharp to wear on our backs! The extra splash of blue has me sold. I’m filling out the pre-order form as I write this.

Only drawback: I wish they would’ve dropped the “Tampa Bay” from the logo. But overall, vast improvement over what we have been wearing. Also, thought it was weird the road whites will have the jersey number on the front shoulder but not the home blacks.

Glad you’re back, John!

by Chris on Aug 25, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

Don’t like the logo, don’t like the jersey. I don’t think I’ve liked ANY of the redesigns so far. I think the logo just looks awkward with only Tampa Bay on top, but maybe it’s just cause I’m used to the Lightning part being in there.

by Mike Chen on Aug 25, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

In the past, Mike, I remarked that basically less is more with the crest. The strong points are the circle and the lightning bolt. They compliment each other and promote strength and other marketing bullshit. Having the Tampa Bay in there makes it look extremely odd. If they had centered the text more, it’d be less of a problem. If they removed the text and just focused on the Bolt, it would probably be best (though people would still complain about the Bolt looking silly).

by John on Aug 25, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

Nope. I like the old logo better. It’s an optical illusion, but the circle doesn’t seem like it’ll make an even circle if you follow it around behind the bolt and the words, if that makes any sense. I don’t like the font much, either. Or the bolt. Otherwise, everything’s great! :D

To put it another way, I won’t be running over to the Forum to replace our three-year old sweaters.

by Hinch on Aug 25, 2007 7:35 PM EDT reply actions