The phrase “go blue” is a common rallying cry and slogan used in American sports, especially college athletics. It is most closely associated with the University of Michigan and its athletic teams, known as the Wolverines. When Michigan fans and supporters “go blue,” they are showing their school spirit by wearing the colors blue and maize, cheering on their teams, and promoting the University of Michigan. However, other schools and teams have also adopted “go blue” as a slogan and encouragement as well.
Origins at the University of Michigan
The roots of “go blue” at Michigan go back to the 1800s when the school chose blue as one of its official colors. Maize and blue have been Michigan’s colors since 1867 and they feature predominantly on the school’s uniforms. Over time, Michigan students, alums, and fans adopted “go blue” as a spirited cry to cheer on their teams during athletic competitions. The exact origins of the phrase are unclear, but it became a unifying motto and still endures as a rallying cry today. Fans now shout “Go Blue!” at football games, basketball matchups, and other Michigan contests.
Use at Other Colleges and Universities
While indelibly tied to U of M, other schools have also adopted “go blue” as a slogan and rallying cry, often using a shade of blue as one of their primary colors. Most notably, Duke University uses “Go Blue Devils!” as a cheer for its sports teams. Duke’s official school colors are blue and white. Other schools that have rallied around “go blue” as a spirit cry include:
- University of Kentucky – blue is one of the school colors
- University of California, Berkeley – go Big Blue is a cheer for the California Golden Bears
- Columbia University – go Blue Devils is a cheer for the Columbia Lions
- Vassar College – Go Brewers! uses blue as a school color
These are just a few examples of colleges that have adopted their own versions of “go blue” to show school spirit and pride. The slogan allows schools to unite around a core identifying color.
Use in Professional Sports
In professional sports, “go blue” is most closely associated with the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise. The Colts have used blue as one of their main team colors since arriving in Indianapolis in 1984. Fans embrace “go blue” as a way to cheer on the Colts during NFL games and promotions. However, other pro teams like the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and New York Giants also use different shades of blue as primary colors and occasionally promote “go blue” campaigns.
Specific examples include:
- Detroit Lions – embrace Honolulu blue in uniforms
- Denver Broncos – Go Orange and Blue is a slogan
- Buffalo Bills – Bills Mafia fanbase holds “Go Bills Blue Fridays”
- New York Giants – Big Blue is a longtime nickname
No professional team is as closely tied to “go blue” as the Indianapolis Colts though. Fans consistently wear Colts blue jerseys and apparel and use the phrase as a way to cheer on the team.
Use in High School Sports
At the high school level, many schools have adopted blue as an official color and use “go blue” to promote school spirit at athletic events. As blue is one of the most popular uniform and color scheme choices in secondary school sports, “go blue” provides an easy way for fans and students to show their support. Some specific examples include:
- Pioneer High School (Ann Arbor, MI) – shares U of M’s maize and blue colors
- Bloomington High School (Bloomington, IN) – uses blue and white
- Blue Valley High School (Overland Park, KS) – named for the blue valley it sits in
- Millard West High School (Omaha, NE) – athletics nickname is Millard West Blue Thunder
These are just a few instances of the many high schools that adopt “go blue” slogans or cheers thanks to blue’s popularity and ubiquity in school colors. Even high schools without blue as an official color will sometimes promote “going blue” for certain events or causes.
Charitable Causes
“Go Blue” is sometimes used to promote charitable causes that relate to the color blue in some way. Two of the most prominent examples are Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March and Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. For both of these observances, people are encouraged to wear blue to show support and solidarity.
- Colon Cancer Awareness Month – blue represents the symbolic color for colon cancer
- Child Abuse Prevention Month – supporters pin blue ribbons on children
Other health and social causes also occasionally adopt “go blue” campaigns tied to their color or symbol, such as autism awareness and anti-bullying efforts. This allows the phrase to transcend sports and school affiliations and become a way for anyone to show their support.
University of Michigan Trademark
The University of Michigan owns several trademarks on “Go Blue” slogans and phrases that relate to usage on merchandise, clothing, and athletic uniforms. This includes trademarks like:
- Go Blue
- Let’s Go Blue
- Go Blue! Go Maize!
- Ann Arbor … Go Blue
The trademarks applying to clothing help Michigan maintain control over merchandise using the phrases. Other schools and entities can use “go blue” for their own purposes, but Michigan controls usage on officially licensed apparel.
Conclusion
While deeply associated with University of Michigan athletics, “go blue” has developed into a rallying cry and slogan used by many other schools, teams, and organizations. Anytime a group wants to embrace the color blue as a unifying symbol, then promoting “go blue!” allows them to show their spirit and pride. Whether used at college games, high schools, or for causes like cancer awareness, the phrase signifies unity and support. “Go blue” will likely continue as a popular cheer and motto for years to come.