why is it called honolulu blue

Why Is It Called Honolulu Blue? The Story Behind the Detroit Lions’ Iconic Color

Honolulu Blue, the distinctive color worn by the Detroit Lions, has a fascinating origin story tied to the team’s ownership and a tropical vacation. It’s not just a random shade of blue; it represents a significant part of the team’s identity and history. The color was chosen by the Lions’ ownership in the 1930s after a trip to Hawaii.

The Inspiration: A Hawaiian Getaway

The story begins with G.A. Richards, who purchased the Portsmouth Spartans and moved them to Detroit in 1934, renaming them the Detroit Lions. Legend has it that Richards, along with his wife, went on a vacation to Hawaii. Inspired by the vibrant colors of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape, Richards decided to adopt a similar shade of blue for his new team. It was intended to evoke the beauty and tranquility of the Hawaiian Islands.

Why Honolulu?

The specific city name, Honolulu, was chosen to further emphasize the Hawaiian connection. While the color doesn’t perfectly replicate the specific shade of the waters around Honolulu, it captured the essence of the tropical paradise that Richards wanted to associate with the team. It was also a way to distinguish the Lions from other teams with blue color schemes.

The Color’s Evolution

Over the years, the Honolulu Blue shade has undergone slight variations. The team has experimented with different hues and tones of blue. Despite these changes, the core identity of Honolulu Blue as the Lions’ primary color has remained constant. The team’s website also offers a historical perspective, which helps in tracking the evolution of the Honolulu blue. Check out more about the Detroit Lions colors on Wikipedia.

Honolulu Blue and Silver: A Lasting Combination

Alongside Honolulu Blue, silver became the secondary color for the Lions. This combination has become synonymous with the team, representing strength, resilience, and a connection to their history. The Honolulu Blue and Silver color scheme is one of the most recognizable in the NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Detroit Lions choose blue as their color?

The Detroit Lions chose blue, specifically Honolulu Blue, inspired by the owner’s trip to Hawaii and the desire to associate the team with the beauty and tranquility of the islands.

Has Honolulu Blue always been the Lions’ color?

Yes, Honolulu Blue has been the Lions’ primary color since 1934, although the exact shade has been slightly altered over the years.

Did the Lions ever consider changing Honolulu Blue?

While there have been minor variations in the shade, the Lions have always maintained Honolulu Blue as a core part of their identity, showcasing that the team has never fully considered changing it.

Is Honolulu Blue a specific Pantone color?

The specific Pantone color for Honolulu Blue may vary depending on the source. The Detroit Lions’ official website may provide detailed information about the current exact color specifications.

Does any other NFL team use Honolulu Blue?

No, Honolulu Blue is a uniquely associated with the Detroit Lions, making it a distinctive aspect of the team’s brand and identity.

Summary

Honolulu Blue is more than just a color; it’s a part of the Detroit Lions’ history and identity. Inspired by a trip to Hawaii by the team’s owner, the color was chosen to evoke the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Despite minor variations over the years, Honolulu Blue remains the iconic color of the Detroit Lions, representing the team’s heritage and connection to its past.