Questions have risen about whether the Great American Ball Park entry sign complements the stadium. The logo breaks with team colors and design. (HOK Sport photo) | ZOOM |

        There is some question whether Great American Ball Park has a great logo.

        Architects serving on the Urban Design Review Board (UDRB) — an advisory group to Cincinnati City Manager John Shirey, who will have to sign off on the final design — questioned whether the ballpark sign at the entryway complements its surroundings.

        Great American Insurance Co. paid $75 million for the naming rights to the stadium through 2032.

        Mr. Shirey said the rendition of the sign, which will also appear on the stadium scoreboard and in one other undisclosed location, is not final. The company wants the lettering and colors, but the size of the sign and the backdrop are negotiable.

        “The drawing shown to the board was hastily done with aspects and features not finalized,” Mr. Shirey said.

        Ballpark architects from HOK Sport said they would rework the rendition of the sign and present it to the UDRB, probably next month.

        UDRB member John Senhauser said the sign is just a “matter of discussion” for now.

        “Both us and the Reds are interested in the most effective use of a corporate identity that is most appropriate for the ballpark,” he said.

        The discussion came about in a meeting where all of the signs at the ballpark were discussed. Most are red and black, matching the team colors. The Great American sign, which will be located over stadium gates in the Crosley Terrace, has a different color scheme and different typeface.

        “There's a lot to be worked out in terms of dimension and background,” Mr. Shirey said. “We were told those aren't set in stone, and that could make a big difference.”

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