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July 25, 2007
Each week, Bowling Green State University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher answers questions that have been submitted to BGSUFalcons.com. Here is the latest installment...
For those who don't read this Q&A weekly, I encourage you to check the archived questions and answers before submitting a question. Over the last couple of months, I have received several inquiries that touch on the same topic. The most popular have been inquiries related to Anderson Arena and the BGSU Ice Arena. See the June 6th archives for the most up-to-date answer we have related to our basketball and hockey facilities.
Q: Is there any chance of the football and basketball coaches' shows appearing on television again? We used to see the programs on Fox Sports Ohio. While cost was a factor, what about the show being shown locally in the Toledo market or on WBGU-TV?
Michael in Bowling Green
Adding some sort of regular TV show to highlight our sports is being explored - as are other video options. Between streaming video on our web site to partnering with the on-campus station, I think we have opportunities to add video content down the road. The two major factors are (1) getting the content right - which means who does the work and is it something fans want to view, and (2) the financials - can we sell the inventory to make the overall project viable.
Q: Why did we change our traditional logo? You talk about getting back to several traditions, but yet we stick with this new logo?
Mark in Dulles, Va.
As background, here's some history on the logo issue and then a more direct answer ...
The idea to update the old Falcon logo was initiated more than three years ago. A campus-wide committee that included students, fans, staff and others went into the process with the idea to update the Falcon logo. The University hired Rickabaugh graphics, a logo/graphics design firm from Columbus, to work on the project.
Through interviews and focus groups, a set of new Falcon marks were developed. Rather than make a swift change, the decision was made to gradually phase the new logos into use.
When I arrived last August, what I noticed was inconsistency. Three different Falcon heads were being used by our teams, along with a myriad of fonts, styles and assorted marks. The uniformity of our logo and overall look is critical. Brand awareness starts with a consistent look, which was my primary objective in developing a set of standards for our 18 teams.
Going forward, the primary mark for our teams will be the interlocking BG, with the new Falcon peeking out. Teams can also use the "falcon font" word Bowling Green in certain ways and the standalone interlocking BG as secondary marks.
We will change uniforms, facilities and signage as resources allow and uniforms are updated. The most important issue that the change addresses is a consistent look for all of our teams.
That said, the above paragraphs don't address the central question that a few alums have posed to me - why change at all? There is obviously emotional attachment to the old Falcon for some. As a matter of fact, I've heard from a couple of alums that are still upset that the teams stopped using the really old Falcon - a cartoon drawing of a full bird with wings.
Those passions will always come into play and I realize the logo is a sensitive issue. That said, I believe the updated mark better identifies who we are - with the interlocking BG and Falcon head, along with presenting a more updated look.
Q: Will the new FieldTurf be completed on time? Can you explain the process we have been watching over the last few weeks?
Thomas in Fostoria
The FieldTurf project is on target to be completed by August 1st. The undertaking has essentially been two separate projects - with two different contractors.
The first phase of the project was a new drainage system. This started with the removal of the sod, soil and existing irrigation and drainage systems. The next step was to install a new drainage system, plus a geotextile fabric cover and crushed stone sub-base.
The FieldTurf crew mobilized on July 11th. Its portion of the project typically takes two- to three-weeks, depending on weather. Once completed, the yard lines, numbers and various marks will be permanently part of the field. We can paint temporary lines if needed - like high school hash marks.
The project will also include the installation of new goal posts and fencing at the south end zone of the field.
