The organizing committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has officially unveiled the event's logo at Salt Lake City Airport. To emphasize the sporting event's significance for the entire state, the Winter Games will carry the name Utah 2034, highlighting the statewide impact and involvement in hosting the international competition.
The 27th Olympic Winter Games are scheduled to take place from February 10-26, 2034, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the games to Salt Lake City on July 24, 2024. This marks the second time the city will serve as host, following the successful 2002 Winter Olympics. Many of the existing competition venues from the 2002 games will be reused for the 2034 event, providing both cost savings and proven facilities.
"From our capital Salt Lake City to every corner of our state, the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Utah will be dedicated to all residents of Utah," said Fraser Bullock, President and Chairman of the organizing committee. "We are all Utahns! Faster, higher, stronger – together." This statement reflects the inclusive approach the organizers are taking to ensure statewide participation and pride in the upcoming games.
The official logo was presented to the public for the first time at Salt Lake City Airport in a ceremonial unveiling. The curved forms and angles shown in the typographic logo reflect Utah's unique character and the distinctive landscape formations of the American West. The design incorporates geometric elements that pay homage to both the state's natural beauty and the athletic competition that will take place.
Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson emphasized the logo's symbolic importance, stating, "Utah 2034 invites every Utahn to feel part of the Games, while showcasing to the world our landscapes, our values, and our passion for service. This brand shows the world that we are united as Utahns and Americans behind the Games." The branding strategy aims to create a sense of unity and shared ownership of the Olympic experience across the state.
Vice Chair Steve Starks provided additional insight into the design philosophy: "The Utah 2034 wordmark tells the story of the state of Utah and the athletes who will compete in 2034. The unique characters of Utah 2034 are embodied in it with shapes and angles reminiscent of the landforms of the American West, as well as those of athletes in action." This dual representation connects the natural environment with human athletic achievement.
The logo design for Utah 2034 was developed by the organizing committee under the leadership of sports branding specialist Molly Mazzolini from Salt Lake City, working in collaboration with a team of external designers. This collaborative approach brought together local expertise with broader design experience to create a mark that represents both Utah's identity and Olympic values.
The fundamental concept behind the design – traces drawn by athletes in snow, on ice, and across the landscape – bears similarities to the approach taken for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, the visual execution for Utah 2034 takes a completely different approach, resulting in two very distinct designs that serve their respective host regions' identities.
The angular typographic figures in the UTAH 2034 logo are particularly well-suited for use as recurring design elements across various applications. The blocky typography bears some resemblance to the London 2012 Olympic logo, which initially faced criticism but later created lasting memories due to its bold and vibrant design approach. This suggests that distinctive Olympic branding often requires time to be fully appreciated by the public.
Initial merchandise featuring the official name and logo is now available for purchase online at utah2034shop.com, allowing fans and supporters to begin showing their enthusiasm for the upcoming games. The final color scheme for the branding appears to still be in development, though organizers have several years remaining before the games begin to finalize all visual elements of the Olympic identity system.
