In spite of the fact that the Hampton Pirates logo has gone through several updates over the last forty years, it has preserved the original pirate theme.
Meaning and history
The Hampton Pirates, an athletic team representing Hampton University, were founded following the establishment of the university itself in 1868. Hampton University, a historically black university located in Hampton, Virginia, has a rich history in collegiate sports, particularly in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Hampton Pirates have achieved significant success in various sports, with their most notable achievements including multiple conference championships in basketball, football, and track and field.
During their time in the MEAC, the Pirates were known for their fierce competitiveness and sportsmanship. They have won numerous conference championships, especially in men’s and women’s basketball. The men’s basketball team, in particular, has made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament, creating memorable moments in college basketball history. Additionally, their football team has consistently been a force in the conference, winning several championships and producing NFL-caliber talent.
Currently, the Hampton Pirates continue to excel in collegiate athletics. In 2018, they made a significant move by joining the Big South Conference, marking a new era in their athletic history. This transition signifies their ongoing commitment to excellence in sports and their aim to compete at even higher levels. The university’s athletic department remains dedicated to nurturing student-athletes, not only in their sports endeavors but also in academic achievements, embodying the ethos of Hampton University.
What is Hampton Pirates?
Hampton Pirates refers to the athletic teams of Hampton University, a historically black institution. They participate in NCAA Division I sports, competing in the Big South Conference.
1979 – 1996
The emblem introduced in 1979 looked more like a sketch than a real logo. It seemed to have been drawn by hand, and even the circle frame was uneven.
1997 – 2001
The 1997 logo with a smiling pirate looked more professional, yet there was something cartoonish about it.
2002 – 2006
In 2002, the team adopted an emblem featuring the pirate’s torso over the program’s name. The large hat and sword were quite prominent.
2007 – Today
The current version was introduced only a year later. It looked almost the same as its predecessor except for the palette.
Hampton Pirates basketball
In addition to the regular Hampton Pirates logo, the basketball program also uses the emblem featuring the interlocking letters “H” and “U.” The men’s team has played in six NCAA Division I Tournaments, in the 2018 National Invitation Tournament, in the College Basketball Invitational (two times), and in one CIT.
Hampton Pirates football
The Pirates have competed in HBCU National championships seven times.
Hampton Pirates Colors
BLUE
PANTONE: 2384 C
HEX COLOR: #0060A9;
RGB: (0, 96, 169)
CMYK: (94, 66, 3, 0)
WHITE
PANTONE: P 1-1 C
HEX COLOR: #FFFFFF;
RGB: (255, 255, 255)
CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)