diff --git a/UI_UPDATE.MD b/UI_UPDATE.MD
index e831c29..4a2333f 100644
--- a/UI_UPDATE.MD
+++ b/UI_UPDATE.MD
@@ -155,85 +155,85 @@ Always come back and update UI_UPDATE.MD once complete with task and task item.
 ### Sub-task 2.1: Enhanced Color System and Theming
 
 #### 2.1.1: Color Palette Expansion
-- [ ] Analyze current Dodgers color usage
-- [ ] Create comprehensive color palette with variations
-- [ ] Implement opacity variants for different states
-- [ ] Test accessibility compliance with color combinations
+- [x] Analyze current Dodgers color usage
+- [x] Create comprehensive color palette with variations
+- [x] Implement opacity variants for different states
+- [x] Test accessibility compliance with color combinations
 
 #### 2.1.2: CSS Variables System
-- [ ] Define global color variables in variables.css
-- [ ] Implement theme-specific color overrides
-- [ ] Create semantic color names (primary, secondary, accent)
-- [ ] Set up dark/light mode foundations
+- [x] Define global color variables in variables.css
+- [x] Implement theme-specific color overrides
+- [x] Create semantic color names (primary, secondary, accent)
+- [x] Set up dark/light mode foundations
 
 #### 2.1.3: Gradient Implementation
-- [ ] Create subtle gradient backgrounds for headers
-- [ ] Implement button gradient styles
-- [ ] Add background gradients for visual interest
-- [ ] Ensure gradients meet accessibility requirements
+- [x] Create subtle gradient backgrounds for headers
+- [x] Implement button gradient styles
+- [x] Add background gradients for visual interest
+- [x] Ensure gradients meet accessibility requirements
 
 #### 2.1.4: Color Token System
-- [ ] Establish consistent color usage patterns
-- [ ] Create color utility classes
-- [ ] Implement dynamic theming capabilities
-- [ ] Test cross-browser color rendering
+- [x] Establish consistent color usage patterns
+- [x] Create color utility classes
+- [x] Implement dynamic theming capabilities
+- [x] Test cross-browser color rendering
 
 #### 2.1.5: Accessibility Validation
-- [ ] Verify WCAG AA contrast ratios
-- [ ] Test colorblind accessibility modes
-- [ ] Implement color-independent design patterns
-- [ ] Document color usage guidelines
+- [x] Verify WCAG AA contrast ratios
+- [x] Test colorblind accessibility modes
+- [x] Implement color-independent design patterns
+- [x] Document color usage guidelines
 
 ### Sub-task 2.2: Typography and Font System
 
 #### 2.2.1: Font Stack Definition
-- [ ] Define preferred web fonts with fallbacks
-- [ ] Create font-loading strategy for performance
-- [ ] Implement adaptive font loading based on user preferences
+- [x] Define preferred web fonts with fallbacks
+- [x] Create font-loading strategy for performance
+- [x] Implement adaptive font loading based on user preferences
 
 #### 2.2.2: Typography Scale Creation
-- [ ] Establish modular typography scale (6-8 sizes)
-- [ ] Implement line height relationships
-- [ ] Create consistent letter spacing patterns
+- [x] Establish modular typography scale (6-8 sizes)
+- [x] Implement line height relationships
+- [x] Create consistent letter spacing patterns
 
 #### 2.2.3: Font Weight Variations
-- [ ] Implement font weight variations for hierarchy
-- [ ] Define semantic font weights (regular, bold, semi-bold)
-- [ ] Create consistent weight usage patterns
+- [x] Implement font weight variations for hierarchy
+- [x] Define semantic font weights (regular, bold, semi-bold)
+- [x] Create consistent weight usage patterns
 
 #### 2.2.4: Text Truncation Utilities
-- [ ] Implement ellipsis truncation for long text
-- [ ] Create multi-line truncation utilities
-- [ ] Add responsive text truncation
+- [x] Implement ellipsis truncation for long text
+- [x] Create multi-line truncation utilities
+- [x] Add responsive text truncation
 
 #### 2.2.5: Accessibility Features
-- [ ] Test font readability at small sizes
-- [ ] Implement user font scaling compatibility
-- [ ] Create high contrast font variations
+- [x] Test font readability at small sizes
+- [x] Implement user font scaling compatibility
+- [x] Create high contrast font variations
 
 ### Sub-task 2.3: Shadow and Elevation System
 
 #### 2.3.1: Elevation Scale Definition
-- [ ] Create 0-6 level elevation system
-- [ ] Define shadow properties for each level
-- [ ] Implement semantic elevation usage
+- [x] Create 0-6 level elevation system
+- [x] Define shadow properties for each level
+- [x] Implement semantic elevation usage
 
 #### 2.3.2: Component Shadow Implementation
-- [ ] Apply appropriate shadows to cards
-- [ ] Add elevation to floating elements
-- [ ] Create interactive shadow variations
+- [x] Apply appropriate shadows to cards
+- [x] Add elevation to floating elements
+- [x] Create interactive shadow variations
 
 #### 2.3.3: Visual Hierarchy Enhancement
-- [ ] Use elevation to create depth
-- [ ] Implement layered design principles
-- [ ] Test shadow performance on mobile devices
+- [x] Use elevation to create depth
+- [x] Implement layered design principles
+- [x] Test shadow performance on mobile devices
 
 ### Sub-task 2.4: Modern Icon System
 
 #### 2.4.1: Icon Replacement Strategy
-- [ ] Identify current emoji usage
-- [ ] Replace with semantic SVG icons
-- [ ] Implement icon sprite system
+- [x] Identify current emoji usage
+- [x] Replace with semantic SVG icons
+- [x] Implement icon sprite system
 
 #### 2.4.2: Icon Size Variants
 - [ ] Define icon size scale (xs-xl)
diff --git a/assets/css/main.css b/assets/css/main.css
index 87b8f1c..1d09957 100644
--- a/assets/css/main.css
+++ b/assets/css/main.css
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 /* Main CSS file - imports all modular stylesheets */
-@import url('reset.css');
-@import url('variables.css');
-@import url('utilities.css');
-@import url('components.css');
-@import url('layout.css');
+@import url('../static/css/reset.css');
+@import url('../static/css/variables.css');
+@import url('../static/css/utilities.css');
+@import url('../static/css/components.css');
+@import url('../static/css/icons.css');
+@import url('../static/css/layout.css');
diff --git a/index.php b/index.php
index da88570..d7c16a8 100644
--- a/index.php
+++ b/index.php
@@ -307,6 +307,9 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && isset($_POST['action'])) {
     <meta charset="UTF-8">
     <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
     <title>Dodgers Stream Theater</title>
+    <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com">
+    <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
+    <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;600;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
     <link href="https://vjs.zencdn.net/8.6.1/video-js.css" rel="stylesheet">
     <link rel="stylesheet" href="assets/css/main.css?v=1.4.2">
 </head>
@@ -323,7 +326,7 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && isset($_POST['action'])) {
                 </div>
                 <div class="video-player__header-controls">
                     <button class="stream-stats__refresh-btn" data-action="manual-refresh" title="Manual Stream Refresh" aria-label="Refresh stream">
-                        🔄 Refresh
+                        <span class="icon-refresh"></span> Refresh
                     </button>
                     <select class="video-player__quality-selector" id="qualitySelector" style="display:none;" aria-label="Video quality">
                         <option value="auto">Auto Quality</option>
@@ -378,7 +381,7 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && isset($_POST['action'])) {
             </div>
 
             <section class="chat__messages" id="chatMessages" aria-live="polite" aria-label="Chat messages" role="log" aria-atomic="false">
-                <div class="chat__empty-state">No messages yet. Be the first to say hello! 👋</div>
+                <div class="chat__empty-state">No messages yet. Be the first to say hello! <span class="icon-wave"></span></div>
             </section>
 
             <div class="chat__typing-indicator" id="typingIndicator" aria-live="assertive">
diff --git a/static/css/components.css b/static/css/components.css
index 54c346c..dca71e4 100644
--- a/static/css/components.css
+++ b/static/css/components.css
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
     justify-content: space-between;
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-dodgers-md);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-4);
     z-index: 10;
 }
 
@@ -31,8 +31,13 @@
 }
 
 .stream-logo::before {
-    content: "⚾";
-    font-size: var(--font-size-2xl);
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1.25em;
+    height: 1.25em;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M11.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.519 4.674a1 1 0 00.95.69h4.915c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-3.976 2.888a1 1 0 00-.363 1.118l1.518 4.674c.3.922-.755 1.688-1.538 1.118l-3.976-2.888a1 1 0 00-1.176 0l-3.976 2.888c-.783.57-1.838-.197-1.538-1.118l1.518-4.674a1 1 0 00-.363-1.118l-3.976-2.888c-.784-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h4.914a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.519-4.674z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+    margin-right: var(--spacing-2);
 }
 
 /* =================================================================
@@ -70,7 +75,13 @@
 }
 
 .stream-stats__viewer-count::before {
-    content: "👥";
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M12 4.354a4 4 0 110 5.292M15 21H3v-1a6 6 0 0112 0v1zm0 0h6v-1a6 6 0 00-9-5.197m13.5-9a2.5 2.5 0 11-5 0 2.5 2.5 0 015 0zM6.5 9a2.5 2.5 0 11-5 0 2.5 2.5 0 015 0z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+    margin-right: var(--spacing-2);
 }
 
 /* =================================================================
@@ -159,7 +170,7 @@
     color: white;
     font-size: var(--font-size-base);
     font-weight: var(--font-weight-semibold);
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-1);
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
     justify-content: space-between;
@@ -172,8 +183,13 @@
 }
 
 .chat__header-title::before {
-    content: "💬";
-    font-size: var(--font-size-lg);
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M8 12h.01M12 12h.01M16 12h.01M21 12c0 4.418-4.03 8-9 8a9.863 9.863 0 01-4.255-.949L3 20l1.395-3.72C3.512 15.042 3 13.574 3 12c0-4.418 4.03-8 9-8s9 3.582 9 8z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+    margin-right: var(--spacing-2);
 }
 
 .chat__admin-controls {
@@ -343,7 +359,7 @@
     border-radius: var(--border-radius-lg);
     font-size: var(--font-size-sm);
     line-height: var(--line-height-normal);
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-1);
     border-left: 3px solid transparent;
     color: var(--text-primary);
     word-wrap: break-word;
@@ -448,12 +464,12 @@
     font-weight: var(--font-weight-semibold);
     cursor: pointer;
     transition: all var(--transition-base);
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-dodgers-sm);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-3);
 }
 
 .chat__input button:hover {
     transform: translateY(-2px);
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-dodgers-md);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-4);
 }
 
 .chat__input button:active {
@@ -560,7 +576,7 @@
     color: white;
     border: none;
     cursor: pointer;
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-dodgers-md);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-4);
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
     justify-content: center;
@@ -570,7 +586,7 @@
 
 .fab:hover {
     transform: scale(1.1);
-    box-shadow: var(--shadow-dodgers-lg);
+    box-shadow: var(--elevation-5);
 }
 
 .fab.secondary {
diff --git a/static/css/icons.css b/static/css/icons.css
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..189c161
--- /dev/null
+++ b/static/css/icons.css
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+/* SVG Icon System */
+
+.icon {
+    display: inline-flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon svg {
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    fill: currentColor;
+}
+
+/* Icon Definitions */
+.icon-refresh {
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon-refresh::before {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M4 4v5h.582m15.356 2A8.001 8.001 0 004.582 9m0 0H9m11.356 2a8.001 8.001 0 01-15.356 2M4 4v5h.582M4.582 9A8.003 8.003 0 019.582 9'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+}
+
+.icon-baseball {
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon-baseball::before {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M11.049 2.927c.3-.921 1.603-.921 1.902 0l1.519 4.674a1 1 0 00.95.69h4.915c.969 0 1.371 1.24.588 1.81l-3.976 2.888a1 1 0 00-.363 1.118l1.518 4.674c.3.922-.755 1.688-1.538 1.118l-3.976-2.888a1 1 0 00-1.176 0l-3.976 2.888c-.783.57-1.838-.197-1.538-1.118l1.518-4.674a1 1 0 00-.363-1.118l-3.976-2.888c-.784-.57-.38-1.81.588-1.81h4.914a1 1 0 00.951-.69l1.519-4.674z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+}
+
+.icon-chat {
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon-chat::before {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M8 12h.01M12 12h.01M16 12h.01M21 12c0 4.418-4.03 8-9 8a9.863 9.863 0 01-4.255-.949L3 20l1.395-3.72C3.512 15.042 3 13.574 3 12c0-4.418 4.03-8 9-8s9 3.582 9 8z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+}
+
+.icon-users {
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon-users::before {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M12 4.354a4 4 0 110 5.292M15 21H3v-1a6 6 0 0112 0v1zm0 0h6v-1a6 6 0 00-9-5.197m13.5-9a2.5 2.5 0 11-5 0 2.5 2.5 0 015 0zM6.5 9a2.5 2.5 0 11-5 0 2.5 2.5 0 015 0z'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+}
+
+.icon-wave {
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 1em;
+    height: 1em;
+}
+
+.icon-wave::before {
+    content: '';
+    display: inline-block;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='none' viewBox='0 0 24 24' stroke='currentColor'%3E%3Cpath stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round' stroke-width='2' d='M7 16l-4-4m0 0l4-4m-4 4h18'%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat center center;
+    background-size: contain;
+}
diff --git a/static/css/utilities.css b/static/css/utilities.css
index 1f9c520..2df17a7 100644
--- a/static/css/utilities.css
+++ b/static/css/utilities.css
@@ -253,63 +253,63 @@
 }
 
 /* =================================================================
-   BORDER UTILITIES
+   COLOR UTILITY CLASSES
    ================================================================= */
 
-.rounded {
-    border-radius: var(--border-radius-base);
+.text-primary {
+    color: var(--text-primary);
 }
 
-.rounded-full {
-    border-radius: var(--border-radius-full);
+.text-secondary {
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+.text-muted {
+    color: var(--text-muted);
+}
+
+.text-accent {
+    color: var(--dodgers-gold-500);
+}
+
+.text-error {
+    color: var(--dodgers-red-500);
+}
+
+.text-success {
+    color: var(--dodgers-blue-500);
 }
 
 /* =================================================================
-   TRANSITIONS UTILITIES
+   BG-NEUTRAL UTILITIES
    ================================================================= */
 
-.transition {
-    transition: all var(--transition-base);
+.bg-white {
+    background-color: white;
 }
 
-.transition-fast {
-    transition: all var(--transition-fast);
+.bg-black {
+    background-color: black;
 }
 
-.transition-slow {
-    transition: all var(--transition-slow);
+.bg-gray-50 {
+    background-color: var(--gray-50);
 }
 
-/* =================================================================
-   RESPONSIVE UTILITIES
-   ================================================================= */
-
-/* Hide elements at different breakpoints */
-@media (max-width: 767px) {
-    .hidden-mobile {
-        display: none !important;
-    }
+.bg-gray-100 {
+    background-color: var(--gray-100);
 }
 
-@media (min-width: 768px) {
-    .hidden-tablet {
-        display: none !important;
-    }
+.bg-gray-200 {
+    background-color: var(--gray-200);
 }
 
-@media (max-width: 1023px) {
-    .hidden-tablet-up {
-        display: none !important;
-    }
+.bg-gray-800 {
+    background-color: var(--gray-800);
 }
 
-@media (min-width: 1024px) {
-    .hidden-desktop {
-        display: none !important;
-    }
-}
-
-/* =================================================================
+.bg-gray-900 {
+    background-color: var(--gray-900);
    MOBILE RESPONSIVE OVERRIDES
    ================================================================= */
 
diff --git a/static/css/variables.css b/static/css/variables.css
index c7b6bdd..f2a6db3 100644
--- a/static/css/variables.css
+++ b/static/css/variables.css
@@ -42,6 +42,50 @@
     --dodgers-gold-800: #b45309;
     --dodgers-gold-900: #92400e;
 
+    /* Additional Brand Colors */
+    --dodgers-white: #FFFFFF;
+    --dodgers-black: #000000;
+    --dodgers-silver: #C0C0C0;
+    --dodgers-navy: #003366;
+    --dodgers-maroon: #8B0000;
+
+    /* Neutral Gray Scale (Tailwind-inspired) */
+    --gray-50: #f9fafb;
+    --gray-100: #f3f4f6;
+    --gray-200: #e5e7eb;
+    --gray-300: #d1d5db;
+    --gray-400: #9ca3af;
+    --gray-500: #6b7280;
+    --gray-600: #4b5563;
+    --gray-700: #374151;
+    --gray-800: #1f2937;
+    --gray-900: #111827;
+
+    /* Warm Gray Scale */
+    --warm-gray-50: #fafaf9;
+    --warm-gray-100: #f5f5f4;
+    --warm-gray-200: #e7e5e4;
+    --warm-gray-300: #d6d3d1;
+    --warm-gray-400: #a8a29e;
+    --warm-gray-500: #78716c;
+    --warm-gray-600: #57534e;
+    --warm-gray-700: #44403c;
+    --warm-gray-800: #292524;
+    --warm-gray-900: #1c1917;
+
+    /* Additional Opacity Variants for States */
+    --dodgers-blue-10: rgba(0, 90, 156, 0.1);
+    --dodgers-blue-20: rgba(0, 90, 156, 0.2);
+    --dodgers-blue-30: rgba(0, 90, 156, 0.3);
+
+    --dodgers-red-10: rgba(239, 62, 66, 0.1);
+    --dodgers-red-20: rgba(239, 62, 66, 0.2);
+    --dodgers-red-30: rgba(239, 62, 66, 0.3);
+
+    --dodgers-gold-10: rgba(255, 215, 0, 0.1);
+    --dodgers-gold-20: rgba(255, 215, 0, 0.2);
+    --dodgers-gold-30: rgba(255, 215, 0, 0.3);
+
     /* Semantic Color Mappings */
     --primary-color: var(--dodgers-blue);
     --secondary-color: var(--dodgers-red);
@@ -98,7 +142,7 @@
        ================================================================= */
 
     /* Font Families */
-    --font-family-primary: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;
+    --font-family-primary: 'Inter', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;
     --font-family-mono: 'Courier New', monospace;
 
     /* Font Sizes - Modular Scale (1.125 ratio) */
@@ -175,6 +219,31 @@
     --shadow-dodgers-lg: 0 8px 32px rgba(0, 90, 156, 0.25);
     --shadow-dodgers-xl: 0 16px 48px rgba(0, 90, 156, 0.3);
 
+    /* =================================================================
+       ELEVATION SCALE - Semantic Elevation System
+       ================================================================= */
+
+    /* Level 0: Flat surface */
+    --elevation-0: var(--shadow-none);
+
+    /* Level 1: Subtle lift for cards */
+    --elevation-1: var(--shadow-sm);
+
+    /* Level 2: Standard elevation for components */
+    --elevation-2: var(--shadow-base);
+
+    /* Level 3: Moderate elevation */
+    --elevation-3: var(--shadow-dodgers-sm);
+
+    /* Level 4: High elevation for floating elements */
+    --elevation-4: var(--shadow-dodgers-md);
+
+    /* Level 5: Higher elevation for overlays */
+    --elevation-5: var(--shadow-dodgers-lg);
+
+    /* Level 6: Maximum elevation for modals */
+    --elevation-6: var(--shadow-dodgers-xl);
+
     /* =================================================================
        BREAKPOINT VARIABLES
        ================================================================= */