The MLS edition of the Vancouver Whitecaps has officially begun to take shape with the launch of the team’s MLS logo on Tuesday. The club is readying for its debut season as the 17th team in the North American top flight in 2011.

The new logo, which will be used beginning in November, features the full name of the club “Vancouver Whitecaps FC” along with a depiction of the mountains and waterfront that characterize the city that served as host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. One of the featured colors is the “Whitecaps Blue,” used as a tribute to the color used in the club’s logo from the 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl championship season.

"Today was a historic moment for our club, our fans, and our city," Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber said in a statement. "I believe our fans and our players will take immense pride in wearing the logo we’ve unveiled here today—and that it will set the tone for the many great years to come."

Merchandise featuring the new logo has already been made available for purchase.

Vancouver also announced that they will accept one last round of MLS season ticket deposits beginning this weekend. On Saturday at 10 a.m. PT, the club will accept $50 deposits for 2011 MLS seasons tickets, which start at $319 for 17 matches.

The Whitecaps have already received 10,000 season ticket deposits. The season ticket list for the 2011 inaugural season will be capped at 16,500.