Tar Heels Primary Logo
The North Carolina Tar Heels have a long and storied history, with their primary logo being one of the most recognizable symbols in college sports. The original design for the iconic logo was created by Charles Shaffer in 1947 when he was hired to create a new look for the University's athletic teams. It featured an interlocking NC with three white stars on either side and was intended to represent unity among all of UNC’s athletic programs.
Since then, there have been several variations on this classic design over time, and some other logos have been used exclusively for specific sports or events. In 1995, Nike redesigned the logo once again to feature two navy blue stripes across it instead of just one; this version is still widely seen today across campus and at sporting events nationwide. In 2006 another redesign occurred, which included a larger font size and slightly different colors; however, these changes were not very drastic from what had come before it, so most people still recognize it as part of UNC’s legacy brand identity today!
The North Carolina Tar Heel primary Logo has become synonymous with excellence athletically and academically throughout its many years at UNC Chapel Hill – ensuring everyone knows who they are rooting for no matter where they may be located around the country or even the world! From its humble beginnings back in 1947 until now, there have been countless iterations. Still, each retains core elements such as interlocking letters “NC” surrounded by three white stars, making them instantly recognizable wherever you see them proudly representing our beloved university team spirit!
2015 - Present
Carolina blue interlocking letters “NC” with dark blue trim. The letters “NC” represent the state of North Carolina.
2005 - 2014
Carolina blue interlocking letters “NC” with dark blue trim. The letters “NC” represent the state of North Carolina.
1999 - 2004
The letters “NC” in carolina blue with white and dark blue trim and a ram’s head busting out of the letters.
1983 - 1998
A walking Ram in carolina blue sweatshirt with “NC” on the chest and a carolina blue and dark blue cap with “UNC” in white.
1968 - 1982
Ram’s head in carolina blue with a cap and a wordmark below “UNC” in carolina blue with white trim.
1954 - 1967
A ram’s head with gold ram’s horns and a carolina blue cap with “UNC” in white.
1900 - 1931
Carolina blue interlocking letters “NC.” The letters “NC” represent the state of North Carolina.
Secondary Logo
2015 - Present
Ram’s head with the letters “UNC” light blue and dark blue hat. The letters “UNC” represent the University of North Carolina.
2015 - Present
A walking Ram in carolina blue sweatshirt with “NC” on the chest and a carolina blue and dark blue cap with “UNC” in white.
1999 - 2014
Ram’s head with the letters “UNC” light blue and dark blue hat. The letters “UNC” represent the University of North Carolina.
1999 - 2014
A walking Ram in carolina blue sweatshirt with “NC” on the chest and a carolina blue and dark blue cap with “UNC” in white.
1983 - 1998
Ram’s head with the letters “UNC” dark blue hat. The letters “UNC” represent the University of North Carolina.
1968 - 1982
Carolina blue interlocking letters “NC” with black trim. The letters “NC” represent the state of North Carolina.