FLINT, Michigan — Flint’s new semi-pro soccer team’s new name honors the franchise’s successful past and also its new home. After more than 1,000 entries were received in the franchise’s “name the team” contest, the former Mid-Michigan Bucks will now be known as the Flint City Bucks.
The name, logo, uniforms, and color scheme were unveiled during a media event at the Ferris Wheel downtown Flint on January 30, 2019.
“People were very thoughtful in their suggestions,” said Costa Papista, Flint City Bucks Team president. “We had several great options to choose from.”
Part of the selection process included residents of the Whaley Children’s Center. After team officials narrowed down submissions to their top choices, Whaley staff and residents were able to provide input and help select a winner.
“The kids got together and voted as a group,” said Mindy Prusa, director of the Whaley Children’s Center. “They were very excited to be a part of it, and can’t wait to go to games at Atwood Stadium.”
Papista also announced that residents of Whaley Children’s Center will receive free admission to all games.
The Flint City Bucks name was submitted by Flint resident Kayce McClure. The new name keeps the “Bucks” nickname associated with the franchise, which was founded in Michigan in 1995 and has won three national titles in its history. It adds Flint City, which honors the team’s new home as well as paying homage to the European soccer tradition of adding “City” after the name of the town in a team name. The new color scheme also pays homage to Flint and its history:
- Blue signifies the history of blue collar workers as the drivers of Flint’s economy, as well as the Flint River, a 142-mile waterway that was recently named one of the first State of Michigan Water Trails;
- Red honors the historic red bricks on Saginaw Street through downtown Flint; and
- Gold is in honor of Kettering University, owners of the team’s home field at Atwood Stadium.
In addition to these colors, the new logo also features an arrowhead, long used in graphics and logos for Flint organizations and honoring the Chippewa Native Americans who first resided in the area. Papista noted that Gary Fisher from the Flint Historical Society provided input into the historical elements the team incorporated into its redesigned look.
The contest closed December 15. Since, team officials have worked with a range of designers and artists to create the revamped look, logo, and website. The Flint City Bucks season begins on May 11, and the full season schedule is available on their website at
www.FlintCityBucks.com.
The team hopes to add to Flint’s proud athletic history while also bringing a new entertainment option to the city and its residents.
“We think all of the Flintstones are going to be very proud of the heritage we have incorporated into the new logo and colors,” said Dan Duggan, Flint City Bucks chairman.
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