MADISON — Admittedly, Ralph Nelson said he didn’t like the nickname of the new baseball team.

“To be honest, I hated the name (Trash Pandas),” he said.

Now, Nelson, who is the CEO of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, is the biggest fan of the name.

On Saturday, the team launched its official logo in a celebration featuring a concert, fireworks and, of course, selling Trash Pandas merchandise.

“After record-breaking attendance at both our team name reveal and groundbreaking ceremonies, it was only fitting to do this unveiling big,” Nelson said. “We have been overwhelmed by this community’s response to our efforts to bring baseball back to North Alabama … so this night is our way to say thank you.”

The new identity pays tribute to the Rocket City’s rich engineering, aerospace and military heritage.

A raccoon in an engineered rocket made out of a trash can is the centerpiece of the identity. Other logos feature the raccoon head cap logo, RC (Rocket City) marks, and patriotic emblems celebrating America’s ingenuity to reach the final frontier.

Space Black, Rocket Red, Sky Blue and Trashcan Gray make up the club’s official colors, paying homage to the region’s space heritage.

The Trash Pandas look was brought to life at Brandiose of San Diego, where they make teams famous by celebrating their brand stories. Partners Jason Klein and Casey White also invented the first glow-in-the-dark on-field cap for the Casper Ghosts and first on-field rally cap for the Altoona Curve. They dreamed up top selling logos for the El Paso Chihuahuas, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and America’s oldest baseball club, the Cincinnati Reds, among many others.

“I thought the entire branding process was one of the most fascinating experiences I’ve been part of,” said Nelson. “Every step and public reaction (Brandiose) told us to anticipate at the very start of the process happened exactly as they said.

“The worldwide interest in our name is stunning; I suspect the reaction to our merchandise will be exactly the same. I have, and will continue to, recommend Brandiose to any of my peers looking for the ideal brand.”

Fans will be able to buy official merchandise at the Rocket City Trash Pandas Emporium in Bridge Street Town Center. The store opens Nov. 16. Fans can buy official gear now at http://trashpandas.milbstore.com/store.cfm?store_id=225.

San Diego-based Brandiose developed the logos, uniforms, mascot, and is dreaming up enhancements for the 2020 fan experience.

“The Rocket City Trash Pandas launch has received more engagement and more national attention than any launch in Minor League Baseball history,” said Brandiose’s Jason Klein. “Fans are going to love seeing the experience come to life over the next year.”

The Trash Pandas inaugural season will be played at their new 7,500-capacity, $46.6 million ballpark designed by Populous, the world’s leading venue architect.

Working together, Brandiose and Populous will implement several other Trash Pandas-themed ballpark elements centered around the Trash Pandas brand story. The Trash Pandas will unveil their new uniforms for the 2020 season in a fashion show next spring.