That team upstate can have Chicago, because we represent the entire state.

That’s right, the University of Illinois Athletic Department has unveiled a new theme and logo, and we’ve got the whole state covered: “ILLINOIS. OUR STATE. OUR TEAM.”

 “As the flagship public institution in the state, this theme describes the statewide following and support of Fighting Illini athletics from our millions of fans and alumni in the state of Illinois,” Director of Athletics Mike Thomas said. “This theme becomes a way for all of our fans to rally behind one central concept – that the University of Illinois is our state’s school. As the Fighting Illini, our student-athletes, coaches and staff are proud to represent the people of Illinois and we are proud to wear the state’s name on the front of our jerseys.”

The theme will be used in a variety of ways including advertising, street banners, team posters, schedule cards, stadium signage and video board graphics. The early stages of the campaign began during the 2011-12 basketball season with the addition of the Block I outlined by the state of Illinois at center court of the Assembly Hall. The new field at Memorial Stadium has the same Block I with the outline of Illinois at midfield. New football uniforms are on the way for 2014.

Thomas started his tenure at Illinois by cleaning house and adding new coaches to take over football, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Now he’s creating a new identity for the program. Just like new football HC Tim Beckman, Thomas is aggressive -  and I love it.

Less than a month to go before the new era of the Illini begins!