Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Utah 2034 Olympic Wordmark Draws Fire as Organizers Emphasize Symbolism and Accessibility

Organizers describe a temporary, high-contrast identity used for engagement until a full-color brand launches in 2029.

Overview

  • The 12-foot, state-shaped airport installation featuring the Utah 2034 mark was built by YESCO and funded by the organizing committee with a Price Family Foundation donation, with the discounted cost kept confidential.
  • Designer Molly Mazzolini says the shapes encode local references, including Delicate Arch for the A, petroglyph-inspired curves in the 0, a mountain-road angle in the 4, Reflection Canyon in the 3, and city-grid spacing.
  • The black-and-white palette followed consultations with Paralympic representatives to ensure high contrast for people with visual impairments.
  • Online reaction has fixated on legibility, with donor and board member Steve Price conceding the mark is hard to read and a BYU design professor arguing its memorability matters more for a temporary identity.
  • Officials say the wordmark is a transitional design necessitated by LA28’s control of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic branding rights until 2029, and merchandise featuring the mark is already available at Utah Olympic venues.