October 1, 2015 - The Chicago Bulls today announced plans to commemorate 50 years of Chicago Bulls basketball throughout the 2015-16 season. “Chicago Basketball is Golden” will serve as the season-long theme and the team will engage fans through a variety of activities honoring the 50th season of Chicago Bulls basketball at games, as well as through a new TV commercial campaign, community and grassroots events, during game broadcasts, and on Bulls.com and through Bulls social media channels.
“Since the team was founded in 1966, the Chicago Bulls have been fortunate to be a part of moments and memories that are not only part of NBA and sports history, but are also part of people’s personal histories. This season we will celebrate both those big milestones and individual connections. Fans will have the opportunity to relive their favorite highlights from Bulls teams over the years and share their own stories with others. This season-long campaign will capture the passion of our fans, the personalities of our teams, and the heartbeat of the city of Chicago, which has continually helped shape the Bulls’ identity and values. It has been the stage for our biggest celebrations for accomplishments on the court, but it has also been a place where we have achieved some of our finest moments by helping those in need. Everyone who has ever been part of the Bulls organization knows that just as the community supports the team, a team must also show unwavering support for its community. We are proud to be a part of the fabric of Chicago and look forward to celebrating our history with the city that we love and the fans that have helped make the team what it is today,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President & COO, Chicago Bulls.
A special logo commemorating the 50th season was designed in-house by the Bulls Creative Services group and will be incorporated into commemorative items, apparel, and promotional material throughout the season. It is a bold yet simple symbol with a focus on a large “50” in the center in the same number style used for the current Bulls uniforms. The iconic Bulls logo anchors the bottom of the 50th logo and is flanked by 1966 and 2016, which represent the 50 years the franchise has been in existence. The six stars at the top signify the six championships won by the team in the ‘90s, and the logo features gold accents to represent the gold that is traditionally associated with 50th anniversaries. The team will wear the logo as a jersey patch, and there are three different versions (white, red and black) of the logo patch that were also created to coordinate with the various jerseys worn throughout the season.
The centerpiece of the in-arena celebrations will be six “Decade Nights” that highlight a different decade of Chicago Bulls basketball at one home game during each month of the regular season. “Decade Nights” presented by BMO Harris Bank “Official Bank of the Chicago Bulls”, which recently renewed a five-year partnership with the team, will include six limited edition commemorative giveaways and themed halftime performances by performers representing that era. The giveaways will be given to fans entering the United Center on these nights while supplies last. Fans can collect all six commemorative items throughout the season. The team will wear Hardwood Classics jerseys on each “Decade Night”.
The Bulls will celebrate the team’s 50th birthday, as well as 80’s Night, at home on Wednesday, January 20 vs. the Golden State Warriors.
The team will celebrate 50 years of giving back to the community through “50 Community Contributions”. Throughout the season, the team will hold 50 events and initiatives that reflect the team’s tradition of philanthropy. The 50th season will also be incorporated into this year’s team charity gala, An Evening with the Chicago Bulls, on October 16.
Fans can be a part of the 50th season festivities by sharing their favorite Bulls memories on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using “#Bulls50”. These stories will be aggregated on a new “50 Years of Fans” page that highlights and thanks the best fans in the NBA for their continued loyalty. Fans can also take part in special photo opportunities on the United Center concourse during Bulls home games and attend themed watch parties around Chicagoland when the team is on the road.
BullsTV, in collaboration with The Mill, an international visual effects and creative content studio, will produce a historical series depicting the evolution of the team and legacy of Chicago Bulls basketball with unique perspectives from legendary franchise figures of every era. The Bulls will also release historical content during the 2015-16 season, allowing fans to look back to their favorite team memories and milestones.
A new History section of Bulls.com will also launch in conjunction with the start of the season and will be updated throughout the year. The site will chronicle each year of the team and feature legendary player profiles, team facts, photo galleries, and much more.
“Chicago Basketball is Golden” will be incorporated organization-wide, with key elements included in-game activations such as video features, contests and Bulls Entertainment costumes.
Bulls game programs will include historical content and commemorative covers on each “Decade Night”.
Limited edition merchandise commemorating the 50th season will be available at arena retail stands.
Updates and additional information will be available on Bulls.com throughout the season.
2015-2016 Decade Nights presented by BMO Harris Bank