Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Unveil New Athletic Branding

After six months of research and more than 500 interviews with students, faculty and community members, the Gardner-Webb athletic department unveiled new branding on Thursday.

#BornToRun pic.twitter.com/rYeugcfY2A
— Gardner-Webb (@gardnerwebb) April 28, 2022

“Distinctive, fresh, bold and confident … those were among the qualities that we prioritized when we set out to take our Runnin’ Bulldog to the next level,” university present Williams Downs said in a statement. “I love the new look! It’s big, it’s authentic, it’s fierce and it’s got swagger. I can’t wait to see our sports venues transformed, our uniforms enlivened and our new Dawg recognized everywhere we compete.”

The updated brand was created by Charlotte-based VPCo., formerly known as Varsity Partners, and includes a full-body primary logo, bulldog head, “GW” monogram, territory mark and soccer shield, as well as a new “Runnin’ Slab” typeface and “spirit stripes” that will adorn Gardner-Webb’s uniforms.

The new branding replaces historical graphics that date back to the 1960s and have become less distinctive over the years, which is why they’ll only be used for retro and throwback purposes moving forward.

“We really enjoyed working with everyone to design an updated identity that aligns with the growth, vision and spirit of Gardner-Webb,” VPCo. partner and chief creative officer Nick Irwin said. “We feel that the end result is an excellent representation of a Runnin’ Bulldog’s steadfast determination and the student-athlete’s drive for success on and off the field.”

A private liberal arts university located in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb had 22 varsity sports teams that compete in the Big South Conference at the Division I – or Football Championship Subdivision – level. Below, you can see what the new logos and typeface will look like at Ernest W. Spangler Stadium and Eddie Holbrook Court at Paul Porter Arena.