Wilmington – The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that the Delaware Blue Coats, the new brand identity for its, NBA G League affiliate, Delaware 87ers . Inspired by the 1st Delaware Regiment soldiers who were known for their signature blue combat uniforms and legendary courage during the American Revolution, the Delaware Blue Coats are set to take the floor in the 2018-19 NBA G League season.
Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2018, 76ers Fieldhouse will host approximately 2,500 fans at each of the Blue Coats’ 24 home games.
Sporting 76ers’ blue with red and white accents, the Blue Coats’ primary logo depicts famed Delawarean and Founding Father Caesar Rodney on his legendary horseback ride of 1776. Rodney, Delaware’s representative in the first Continental Congress, rode 80 miles to Philadelphia in a thunderstorm through the night in order to cast a tie-breaking vote for American Independence.
The Delaware Regiment is widely considered to have been among the finest and most skillful in the Continental Army. Its soldiers became known for their uniquely pristine and distinguished dress – having been outfitted with their iconic blue coats with red trim in a trade deal brokered by Rodney himself.
Rodney, portrayed in the team’s primary logo palming a basketball and seated on a saddle emblazoned with the iconic 76, briefly commanded the Delaware Regiment when its esteemed Colonel John Haslet was lost at the Battle of Princeton. Further solidifying their place in American lore, 100 brave Delaware Regiment soldiers clad in blue coats famously crossed the Delaware River alongside General George Washington in December 1776.
Secondary and partial team logos will be unveiled at milestone events leading up to the opening of 76ers Fieldhouse and the start of the 2018-19 NBA G League season.
Philadelphia 76ers President of Business Operations Chris Heck
“This new identity serves as a strong extension of the Philadelphia 76ers brand and represents Delaware’s important role in our nation’s history. We are proud to unveil the Blue Coats to our passionate fans across the region and look forward to moving to the new 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington for the 2018-19 season. This is an exciting and transformational day for our future in the NBA G League.”
Delaware Blue Coats General Manager Elton Brand
“We are energized by our new look and the opportunity for the Blue Coats to build something special in Wilmington. Our players will be proud to wear ‘Blue Coats’ across their chests for all it will come to represent: first-in-class player development, team culture, fan engagement and local activism.”
Delaware Blue Coats President Larry Meli
“As the all new 76ers Fieldhouse is set to become a beacon for local youth, the Delaware Blue Coats will be the brand propelling the efforts to influence positive change in the city of Wilmington and beyond. We have seen so much good come through the power of basketball across our five seasons in Delaware, and the brand refresh and new arena will certainly provide tremendous momentum going forward.”
NBA G League President Malcolm Turner
“Congratulations to the Philadelphia 76ers on the exciting new look for its NBA G League affiliate! I’m thrilled to welcome the Blue Coats to the league and look forward to seeing the team compete at the brand new 76ers Fieldhouse next season with their historic new identity.”
Mayor of Wilmington Mike Purzycki
“We are very excited about all of the positive changes happening in Wilmington, many of which have come as a result of our partnership with the Sixers organization. The construction of a new, state-of-the-art 76ers Fieldhouse on the Riverfront and the move of the Delaware Blue Coats to Wilmington are signs that our City is on the move. We look forward to adding to our first-rate entertainment offerings here in Wilmington, as well as supporting another facility that will focus attention on serving the needs of our younger people.”
Source: 76ers
