The Legacy of the North Dakota State Bison Logo

The North Dakota State Bison, representing North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, is a storied name in collegiate athletics. The teams, part of the NCAA Division I, are renowned for their athletic excellence, particularly in football, where they have dominated the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for years. With a rich history spanning over a century, the Bison’s logo evolution reflects the dynamic spirit and strength that characterize their teams.

Evolution of the North Dakota State Bison Logo

1965 – 1972
The original logo featured a detailed silhouette of a bison, primarily in dark green with white accents to provide dimension and form. The acronym "NDSU" was prominently displayed on the bison's side in bold white letters, symbolizing strength and pride.

1972 – 1999
This iteration adopted a more playful, cartoonish aesthetic. The bison was depicted standing on its hind legs in an aggressive stance, ready to charge. White dominated the design, with green accents for details like the mane and outlines. The acronym was now smaller and positioned along the lower body.

1999 – 2012
A more realistic and dynamic logo emerged during this period, showcasing a brown bison with a black mane in mid-leap. Steam emanating from its nostrils added a fierce and energetic touch. The “NDSU” acronym and the university’s name were included above, solidifying the logo’s identity.

2012 – Today
The current logo adopts a modern, abstract approach. Only the head and torso of the bison are depicted, emphasizing bold yellow and green hues. The design simplifies yet amplifies the team’s powerful image, aligning with contemporary design trends while retaining its traditional essence.

Design Elements

Font
The typeface accompanying the Bison logo reflects boldness and athletic energy, perfectly complementing the team’s robust image.

Color Palette
The iconic green and yellow colors are central to the team’s identity:

• Green (Pantone PMS 330 C): HEX #0A5640; RGB (0, 102, 51); CMYK (90, 34, 100, 27)
• Yellow (Pantone PMS 123 C): HEX #FFC72A; RGB (255, 204, 0); CMYK (0, 23, 91, 0)

These colors evoke energy, vitality, and the connection to the university's legacy.

The Symbolism Behind the Logo

The North Dakota State Bison logo is a visual representation of the university’s athletic prowess and the indomitable spirit of its teams. The bison—a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination—perfectly embodies the ethos of NDSU athletics. As the Bison continue to excel in collegiate sports, their emblem remains a proud symbol of their enduring legacy.