For the first time in 30 years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have updated their logo.
The CFL team unveiled the new logo and its minor updates Wednesday.
The four main changes to the logo from the old one are the white inside line has been eliminated, the three horizontal lines are now straight instead of staggered, the tail has on “S” has been shortened so it’s balanced with the top and the silver colour has been replaced with white.
“The timing was right for us to refresh and update our logo as we begin a new jersey partnership with adidas, and prepare to move into new Mosaic Stadium (in 2017),” Gregg Sauter, the Riders’ vice-president of business development and marketing, said Wednesday in a prepared statement. “While the changes are subtle, the logo more accurately reflects our official colour scheme with a clean and modern feel while still maintaining the iconic image.”
The Riders kept the team’s past in mind while updating their logo.
The Riders’ new 2016 logo.
The Riders’ old logo.
“The Rider logo is one of the most recognized marks in Canadian sports,” Sauter said. “Our goal was to evolve the logo in such a way that it becomes more vibrant with a distinct focus on the green and white. We feel the modifications will have a positive impact across the growing number of digital and physical mediums we are reaching.”
The new logo is be integrated wherever possible beginning immediately, with a full takeover in 2017.
Rider merchandise with the new logo, including the launch of the new adidas jerseys, will be available soon at all Rider Store locations.
In other Riders news, national running back Matt Walter was signed Wednesday. Walter spent the previous four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, dressing for 59 regular-season games while recording 237 carries for 1,264 yards and four touchdowns. He was released by the Stampeders on Feb. 26.
Walter, 26, appeared in eight postseason contests, winning his first Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2014.
“Matt has proven to be a versatile running back through his first four seasons in the CFL,” Chris Jones, the Riders general manager and head coach, said in a media release. “He is a powerful young guy and proven winner that will help our national depth and give us options in the backfield and value on special teams.”
Walter was selected by the Stampeders in the fifth round (34th overall) of the 2011 CFL draft out of the University of Calgary.
Former Riders international quarterback Keith Price signed with the B.C. Lions on Wednesday. Price, who was a free agent, spent portions of the past two seasons with the Roughriders.
In 2015, Price completed 32 of 50 pass attempts for 407 yards and three touchdowns and one interception while with dressing for 16 regular-season games.
