Why didn't the CFL reject the name of Ottawa new team -- the so-called "RedBlacks"?  This is a name that arguably neither expresses Ottawa's identity as the nation's capital nor enhances any CFL branding in Ottawa.

Ottawa fans should not expect a very forward-thinking or innovative football franchise, if the best that this organization can do is to come up with such a name that consists of two colours.

The Ottawa franchise group officially unveiled its new name and logo Saturday amid much fanfare, a year before the team will take to the field at a brand new stadium at Landsdowne Park.

The announcement was made among more than 2,000 football enthusiasts in addition to a number of Ottawa CFL alumni. And while the general reaction was positive, ownership knows there are those who will need convincing to embrace it.

"We knew that no matter what we picked we were going to have a challenge," said Jeff Hunt, president of the sports division of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG). "I think by the time we kick off in 2014 the name will not be the main topic of conversation. I think people will get used to it, I hope people grow to like it and I think a team brand is so much more than just a name or just a logo.

"Building a brand takes a long time."

After much deliberation the Ottawa ownership group felt the RedBlacks would give them the best opportunity to tie into Ottawa's rich football history.