Arizona is bringing back its ‘cactus’ logo to the McKale Center floor, and asking fans exactly how to do so.
The school posted four images of what the court could look like, all of which include at least one version of the cactus-and-sunset logo that became locally famous during the Lute Olson era before disappearing in 2009 when Sean Miller took over the Wildcats.
the best logo in college sports is back 🌵& we’ve got options! vote for your favorite design here 📲 https://t.co/YleVddOmG6 pic.twitter.com/730u04jES1
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) May 19, 2025
UA posted the four images to social media and asked fans to vote in exchange for their phone numbers and email addresses. The school confirmed that the design receiving the most votes will be the court design for next season.
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McKale Center as seen from above during the UA-Duke game on Nov. 22, 2024.
Mike Christy
Arizona Athletics
The first two choices have a Block A at center court, with two smaller cactus logos adjacent to each free throw lane but the second one (upper right) adds the outline of the state of Arizona around the Block A. Both designs include a lighter wood tone within each 3-point line.
The third option (lower left) includes the shadow of a large Arizona cactus logo under the center court, with smaller full-color cactus logos also appearing next to each free throw lane. That option partly follows a trend of ‘watermark’ type of designs on floors in college basketball.
The fourth (lower right) includes a large, full-color version of the cactus logo with two Olson signatures next to the free throw lanes.
All four designs include four sponsor logos and Big 12 logos in each free-throw lane.
The UA cactus went away in 2009-10 in part because Miller preferred a bold ‘Block A’ at center court. According to the Star’s Greg Hansen, the cactus logo didn’t conform to university standards but appeared via a special waiver granted presumably because of Olson’s preference.
Lute and Bobbi Olson were arm in arm in March 2000 during the unveiling of Lute Olson Court at McKale Center.
Tricia McInroy / Tucson Citizen 2000
The Block A replaced the old navy “Lute and Bobbi Olson” logo at center court during the 2009 change, while a logo of Lute Olson’s signature appeared instead near the UA bench.
In recent seasons, Arizona’s cactus logo has reappeared on some athletic gear, including some tops worn by UA coaches but it hasn’t been put back on the court since it left in 2009-10.
Last season, the McKale Center floor featured a Block A at center court, plus two Olson signature panels, four sponsor logos and the two Big 12 logos.
Contact sports reporter Bruce Pascoe at bpascoe@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @brucepascoe
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