Quick Summary
Duke University and the University of Kentucky use slightly different shades of blue as their primary school colors. Duke’s official color is Pantone 279, which is a darker royal blue, while Kentucky’s official blue is Pantone 288, a brighter true blue. So while both are shades of blue, Duke blue and Kentucky blue are technically different colors with distinct RGB values and hexadecimal color codes. However, to the naked eye, they may appear very similar. The shades have become iconic for each university’s athletic programs and broader school identity.
The History of Duke Blue
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, has used some shade of blue as its primary color since the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the exact hue was officially established as “Prussian blue” and it remained this color for several decades. However, in 1986, Duke’s Office of University Relations began a re-branding effort to standardize the university’s visual identity. As part of this, they worked with the Pantone Color Institute to create a new customized “Duke blue” which better represented the school.
The result was Pantone 279, a rich royal blue hue. Pantone 279 has served as Duke’s official blue ever since. The color appears prominently on uniforms for Duke’s sports teams, as well as on flags, banners, brochures, and websites. Duke claims the exact shade is proprietary to the university. Related colors like Pantone 2755, 2758, and 280 are used for secondary applications.
| Duke Blue | Hex Code | RGB Values |
|---|---|---|
| Pantone 279 | #001A57 | R:0 G:26 B:87 |
The History of Kentucky Blue
The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, has used varying tones of blue and blue-grey as their colors since the late 19th century. For many years, there was no official “Kentucky blue” and the school’s visual identity consisted of different shades.
In the 1980s, UK began standardizing their branding and worked with vendors to choose an official blue. They selected Pantone 288, a brighter true blue, to use for uniforms, marketing materials, and more. Over time, this shade became synonymous with Kentucky athletics and spirit.
In recent years, Kentucky has added some secondary blue colors like Pantone 2747 and 281 for certain applications. However, Pantone 288 remains their primary blue and one of the most defining features of UK’s visual identity. It is often referred to simply as “Kentucky blue.”
| Kentucky Blue | Hex Code | RGB Values |
|---|---|---|
| Pantone 288 | #005DAA | R:0 G:93 B:170 |
Direct Comparison of Duke Blue and Kentucky Blue
When placed side-by-side, Duke blue and Kentucky blue are noticeably different shades, though both are medium to dark blues.
Duke blue (Pantone 279) is a darker, more muted royal blue. It has a higher percentage of purple undertone compared to Kentucky blue. Kentucky blue (Pantone 288) is brighter and more purely blue. It has a slightly lighter and more vibrant blue tone.
However, the two shades are close enough on the color spectrum that they may appear similar from a distance or to an untrained eye. The table below illustrates the distinct RGB values and hex codes that define each university’s specific blue.
| School | Pantone | Hex Code | RGB Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 279 | #001A57 | R:0 G:26 B:87 |
| Kentucky | 288 | #005DAA | R:0 G:93 B:170 |
As seen above, Duke’s RGB values have more blue than red and green, giving it that deeper royal purple-blue tone. Kentucky’s RGB values lean more heavily towards blue, creating its brighter, pure blue color.
Use in Athletics and Branding
Both Duke blue and Kentucky blue are strongly associated with the athletic programs at each university. Fans proudly wear their shade of blue and players don their team colors during competitions.
The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team wears Pantone 279 on their iconic home and away jerseys. Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball is also known for Pantone 288 jerseys during home games in Rupp Arena. Beyond basketball, these shades extend to other sports like football, baseball, soccer, and more at each school.
These signature blues are not limited just to athletics, however. They are integrated broadly into both Duke and Kentucky’s overall branding and visual identities. Pantone 279 and Pantone 288 are used on school websites, apparel, flags, decor, promotional materials, and more. The colors are immediately recognizable to students, alumni, and other fans as “Duke blue” and “Kentucky blue.”
Similarities Between the Blues
Despite having distinct shades officially, there are some similarities between Duke blue and Kentucky blue:
– They are both medium to dark blue tones associated with college athletics. Lighter or brighter blues are more often seen in professional sports.
– They represent core visual identities for two major college programs and fan bases. The blues are ingrained in tradition.
– On TV or from the stands, they may appear virtually indistinguishable. Side-by-side, the differences emerge more clearly.
– They pair well with complementary colors like white, gray, black, and sometimes yellow. These combinations are seen in uniforms, logos, and other designs.
– Students, alumni, fans, and athletes at both Duke and Kentucky feel immense pride in their signature blue hues. School spirit revolves heavily around the colors.
So while Duke blue and Kentucky blue are technically different, they serve similar purposes for each university and their sports teams. The hues are central to the branding and culture around Duke and UK athletics.
Other Blue Hues in Sports
Beyond just Duke and Kentucky, various shades of blue are popular across many different sports teams and organizations. Here are some other notable blue tones used in athletics:
| Team | League | Blue Hue |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | NCAA | Pantone 294 |
| North Carolina | NCAA | Pantone 277 |
| Michigan | NCAA | Pantone 286 |
| Seattle Seahawks | NFL | Pantone 2758 |
| Indianapolis Colts | NFL | Pantone 287 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | MLB | Pantone 294 |
Blues are prevalent across college and pro sports because they are classic, timeless colors. Different shades work for various organizations to create unique identities. While not identical, many team blues are in the same general range on the color wheel.
Conclusion
In summary, Duke University and the University of Kentucky use slightly different official shades of blue in their branding and athletics. Duke blue is Pantone 279, a darker royal blue. Kentucky blue is Pantone 288, a slightly brighter true blue. The hues have unique RGB values and hex codes. Side-by-side, the colors appear distinct. However, to the naked eye, they may sometimes look similar due to both being medium-dark blues associated with college sports. The shades are deeply ingrained in the tradition and spirit of each school. While the blues are technically different, they serve comparable purposes in representing Duke and Kentucky.
