By Bob Cohn

Published: Monday, February 11, 2013, 5:51 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Pirates fans might not have any input in trades or free-agent signings, but they will have a say in choosing a new logo for the 2014 season.

Four focus groups — season ticket holders, corporate partners, suite holders and random fans — are meeting at PNC Park this week to help pick a new buccaneer symbol. The present model features a snarling pirate in a black and red bandana. It has been around since 1997.

“It's time to update it a little bit,” executive vice president and chief marketing director Lou DePaoli said.

DePaoli said the fans are being shown prior logos and asked to offer their ideas. A sketch artist will apply them on paper, on the spot.

“We don't have any preconceived notions,” he said. “We figured we'd go at it a little bit differently.”

Contrary to some reports, DePaoli emphasized that the traditional and popular gold “P,” which is worn on the hat and featured prominently in advertising and marketing, will not be touched.

“When people see the gold ‘P,' they know it stands for Pirates,” he said. “It's something you don't mess with.”

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