Paint the Paws

Every purple paw print on the streets of Florence tells the same story: Lion Pride lives here.

In 2004, a group of UNA students made their mark on Florence, Alabama. Their grassroots spirit project—painting purple and white lion paws throughout the city—has grown into one of the most beloved visual traditions on campus.

The initiative has come roaring back again and again—in 2009, 2015, 2020, and 2024. Each revival brings together university staff, student volunteers, alumni, and local city officials to refresh the tradition together.

Here’s how it works:

• UNA's university painter lays down the purple center
• Students trace the white outline
• Everyone sprinkles reflective sand so the paws catch the light long after the sun goes down

The 2024 phase kicked off in the GUC Parking Lot, with plans to march the paws forward onto Pine Street, Irvine Avenue, and Court Street as each road is repaved. With every brushstroke, a new class of Lions roars for all to hear.

The next Paint the Paws event has not been scheduled yet. Please check back for more information.