Flames Primary Logo
The Liberty Flames have been a staple of collegiate athletics since the 1970s, and their iconic primary logo has become synonymous with excellence in sports. From its inception to its current form, the logo has gone through many iterations over the years that reflect both changes in design trends as well as advancements in technology.
The original Liberty Flames primary logo was created by designer Bill Masse back in 1972 when he was commissioned to create a new look for then-named Lynchburg College's athletic teams. His design featured an interlocking "LC" set inside of an oval shape and surrounded by flames—a nod to the school's name change from Lynchburg College to Liberty University two years prior. The colors chosen were red and blue, which remain part of today’s official color palette for all university sports teams (with white added later).
In 1991, Masse updated his original concept with more modern touches such as sharper lines around each letterform within the “LC” monogram along with brighter colors used throughout—allowing it to stand out against competitors' logos at larger scales on television broadcasts or other media outlets during away games or tournaments. As time went on however, technology continued advancing allowing designers greater flexibility when creating logos; this prompted another redesign effort spearheaded by graphic artist Terry Smith who worked closely alongside university officials between 2003–2005 resulting in what we now know today: A bolder take on Masse’s classic concept featuring thicker lines around each letterform while still maintaining those signature bright colors associated with Flame Athletics programs across all levels (NCAA Division I Men & Women Basketball/Football/Soccer, etc.).
Since then there have been no further major updates made aside from minor tweaks here and there but overall it remains true to its roots--the same vibrant flame imagery that first appeared almost 50 years ago is still present today making this one truly timeless piece of artwork! With so much history behind it, you can be sure your support will never go unnoticed whenever you don any apparel bearing these beloved flames!
2013 - Present
Blue, white and grey flames forming an eagle’s head above initials “LU” in red with white highlights and blue trim.
2003 - 2013
Red flames form an eagle’s head with a wordmark “LIBERTY FLAMES” in blue.
2000 - 2003
Staggered letters “LU” in blue with white and red trim and blue flames behind the letters.
1985 - 2000
White and blue eagle’s head with larger initials “LU.” Wordmark “LIBERTY” in blue and “UNIVERSITY” in red.
1984 - 1985
A vague outline of an eagle’s head in a flaming circle all in white and red.
1980 - 1984
An eagle in the shape of the letter “F” with a custom scripted wordmark “lames” on a white with red border circle.
1979 - 1980
The Eagle was designated as the new Flame mascot in 1980. An Eagle was selected because of the patriotic symbolism and connection with the school name, Liberty. It was designed with the Flame nickname in mind. Thus, the flaming torch clutched in the Eagle’s left talon was included in the original mascot renderings.