Walk through the campus in Northeast Ohio on a crisp Friday in October and you’ll see it everywhere. It's a specific visual language. The University of Akron colors aren't just random choices pulled from a hat by a bored committee back in the day. They represent a gritty, industrial legacy. Akron blue and gold.
It’s iconic.
If you’re standing outside InfoCision Stadium or grabbing a coffee near the Student Union, those shades define the atmosphere. But here is the thing: most people just call them "blue and gold" and move on. They don't realize that the specific navy used by the Zips carries a weight that ties back to the city's history as the rubber capital of the world. It’s about identity.
The Specific DNA of University of Akron Colors
Let's get technical for a second because precision matters when you’re talking about branding. You can't just go to a craft store, grab any old navy blue yarn, and call it "Akron Blue." The University is very particular about this.
For anyone trying to replicate the look for a website, a jersey, or even painting a basement "Zips style," you need the hex codes. The primary blue is officially Akron Blue, which sits at Hex: #002855. It’s deep. It’s dark. It almost looks black in low light, but when the sun hits it, that navy richness really pops. Then you have the Akron Gold. That’s Hex: #A2AAAD for the metallic silver/gold accents or, more commonly, the bright athletic gold at Hex: #84754E.
Wait. Did you catch that?
The "gold" used in the primary logo is often a metallic, muted tone, but the "Gold" people wear in the stands is often a much more vibrant, yellow-leaning athletic gold. This creates a weirdly beautiful contrast on game days. The university uses Pantone 282 C for that deep blue and Pantone 872 C for the metallic gold. If you’re a designer, those numbers are your bible.
Honestly, it’s a vibe. It feels more "established" than the brighter, neon-adjacent colors you see at some newer universities. It feels like Akron. Tough. Reliable. No-nonsense.
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Why Blue and Gold? A History of the Zips Identity
Why these colors?
The University of Akron wasn't always the Zips. Back in the Buchtel College days, things were different. But when the school transitioned and grew, they needed a visual anchor. The selection of blue and gold wasn't just about looking pretty on a football helmet; it was a nod to excellence and the sky.
The "Blue" represents the sky and the vast potential of the students. It sounds a bit cheesy when you say it out loud, but in the context of the early 20th century, these symbolic gestures were huge. Gold, naturally, stands for the value of education and the "gold standard" of the work being done in the labs—especially in polymer science, where Akron basically leads the planet.
There’s a common misconception that the colors were stolen from other "Blue and Gold" schools like West Virginia or Navy. That’s just wrong. Akron’s shades are distinct. The navy is darker, and the gold has a specific "old gold" feel rather than a bright yellow.
The Evolution of the Logo
If you look at the Zips logo history, the way the University of Akron colors are applied has shifted. We went from the "A" with the kangaroo (Zippy!) to more streamlined, aggressive designs.
- The vintage "Z" logo used a lot more of the bright gold.
- The modern "Zips" wordmark leans heavily into the navy with gold as a sharp highlight.
- The "Zippy" mascot herself—one of the few female mascots in the country, by the way—is a blend of these tones.
Zippy is a brown kangaroo, which technically adds a third "unofficial" color to the mix. But the blue and gold remain the core. Have you ever noticed how Zippy’s pouch is often lined with that gold? It’s a subtle touch.
Impact on the Akron Community
The colors bleed into the city itself. It’s not just a campus thing. When the Zips are doing well—whether it’s the soccer team (which is legendary) or the basketball squad—the city of Akron turns blue and gold.
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It’s a point of pride.
Think about the "Fear the Roo" campaign. That wasn't just a marketing slogan. It was a visual takeover. You had businesses on Main Street putting up blue and gold banners. You had local high school kids wearing the gear because it felt like "the home team" even if they weren't enrolled yet. This is where the University of Akron colors transcend being just "brand guidelines" and become a cultural marker for the region.
The psychological impact of these colors is real, too. Deep navy is associated with trust and stability. Gold is associated with success. In a city that has seen the highs and lows of the manufacturing industry, these colors represent a steady, upward trajectory. They don't feel "flashy" in a fake way. They feel earned.
How to Use the Colors for Your Own Projects
If you're a student, an alum, or a local business owner, you might want to use these colors. But don't just "eye-ball" it. If you get the blue wrong, it looks like a cheap knock-off.
If you are printing something, use the CMYK values:
- Akron Blue: C:100, M:80, Y:0, K:70
- Akron Gold: C:20, M:30, Y:70, K:15
Using these specific mixes ensures that your flyer, t-shirt, or banner actually matches what’s flying on the flagpoles at EJ Thomas Hall.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Zips Brand
One of the biggest mistakes people make is confusing the University of Akron’s blue with the blue used by Kent State. Don't do that. Just... don't.
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Kent State uses a "Flash Blue" and "Golden Flash Gold." Their blue is noticeably brighter and more "royal" than Akron’s deep navy. Their gold is also much more of a "bumblebee yellow." Mentioning this is important because the "Wagon Wheel" rivalry is built on these distinctions. Wearing the wrong shade of blue to the rivalry game is basically a cardinal sin in Summit County.
Another misconception? That the colors have changed recently. While the logo has been refreshed to look more modern and "fast," the actual University of Akron colors—the navy and the gold—have remained remarkably consistent for decades. The school knows its identity. They aren't trying to chase trends with neon greens or matte greys. They stick to what works.
The Gear Factor
If you're buying merch, look for the "Official Licensed Product" sticker. Why? Because third-party printers often mess up the gold. You’ll end up with a shirt that looks tan or, worse, orange. The true Akron gold has a slight metallic sheen or a deep, ochre undertone that is hard to get right without the official ink specs.
Actionable Steps for Zips Fans and Designers
If you’re looking to truly lean into the Akron aesthetic, here’s how to do it right.
- For Designers: Always set your color space to Pantone if you're doing professional print work for the university. Using the Hex code for a print job will almost always result in a blue that looks too purple.
- For Alums: When decorating your office, look for "Old Gold" frames. They complement the Akron Blue much better than bright, shiny "fake" gold frames. It gives it a more collegiate, "Expert" look.
- For Students: If you're making club posters, use the navy as your background and the gold for your call-to-action text. The contrast ratio is excellent for readability, which is why the university uses it for their own wayfinding signs.
The University of Akron colors are more than just a hex code on a screen. They are the visual heartbeat of a school that has survived and thrived in the heart of the Rust Belt. Whether you're a die-hard Zips fan or just a local who appreciates the history, knowing the difference between "just blue" and "Akron Blue" is what sets the insiders apart.
Next time you're at a game, take a look at the field. Look at the way the gold on the helmets reflects the stadium lights against that deep, dark blue jersey. It’s a classic look for a reason. It doesn't need to shout to be heard. It just works.
To keep your branding consistent, always reference the official University of Akron brand identity guide. It’s updated periodically to ensure that across all digital and physical platforms, the blue and gold remain unified. This consistency is what builds a brand that lasts for another hundred years.