Ranking every Final Four logo from 1979 to 2020
Assessing every Final Four logo since 1979.
Eli Boettger | @boettger_eli | 02/17/2020
Why rank every Final Four logo since 1979? Well, why not?
With the Final Four now less than two months away, teams are jockeying for position in hopes of setting up a magical run that will conclude April 6 in Atlanta.
In the meantime, let’s rank each year’s Final Four logo since Magic Johnson and Larry Bird met for a national title in 1979.
42. 1982 — New Orleans
There is some old-school appeal with the ball and net, but … yikes.
41. 1988 — Kansas City
Probably not the best color scheme for a Final Four logo.
40. 2003 — New Orleans
I lOvE tHe FiNaL FoUr EvEn If ThE lOgO’s FoNt Is TeRrIbLe.
39. 1991 — Indianapolis
38. 1994 — Charlotte
37. 1986 — Dallas
Using a ‘D’ as the logo’s outline is a nice touch in an otherwise strange logo.
36. 1980 — Indianapolis
The font almost feels somewhat modern? Maybe?
35. 1997 — Indianapolis
Not a great logo track record thus far for Indy Final Fours.
34. 1998 — San Antonio
33. 2001 — Minneapolis
32. 1993 — New Orleans
Long live the verticality of old Final Four logos.
31. 2015 — Indianapolis
30. 2016 — Houston
29. 2020 — Atlanta
Not exactly kicking off the new decade with much creativity.
28. 1989 — Seattle
27. 2006 — Indianapolis
“Hurry up, this is due in 15 minutes.”
26. 2014 — Arlington
25. 1979 — Salt Lake City
Would definitely consider picking up some 1979 Final Four merch at the local thrift store.
24. 2011 — Houston
23. 1983 — Albuquerque
22. 1990 — Denver
21. 2007 — Atlanta
20. 2010 — Indianapolis
19. 2018 — San Antonio
18. 2013 — Atlanta
17. 1981 — Philadelphia
The simplicity of this one works in its favor. Not bad for ’81.
16. 1992 — Minneapolis
Much better execution here than in 2001 (see No. 33).
15. 2004 — San Antonio
14. 2000 — Indianapolis
Does this logo look like it could be outside of a party supplies store? You bet it does!
13. 2017 — Phoenix
12. 1984 — Seattle
RIP Sonics.
11. 2002 — Atlanta
10. 2019 — Minneapolis
Trees on top and water on the bottom. This a pretty complete logo.
9. 1996 — East Rutherford
8. 2005 — St. Louis
7. 1995 — Seattle
6. 2012 — New Orleans
Font game here is strong. That shade of green might annoy some folks but it works here.
5. 2009 — Detroit
Plenty of Motor City feel with this one.
4. 2008 — San Antonio
Anyone capable of utilizing a cowboy hat in a Final Four logo in such an attractive way deserves a raise.
3. 1985 — Lexington
Kentucky Derby with a side of March Madness. Fun crossover.
2. 1987 — New Orleans
There is so much going on here and I love it.
1. 1999 — Tampa Bay
If this doesn’t make you want to go outside and shoot hoops on a sunny afternoon, nothing will. This logo is simply flawless.