While many athletic directors and coaches wish for a new gym or athletic complex, the reality is most school districts can’t afford it. With the economy the way it is, and levies being difficult to pass, today’s athletic budget needs to be stretched further than ever before. There are cost-effective solutions that can rejuvenate your existing space by adding vibrant color and visual interest to blank walls while also keeping your budget in tact.
Directional and Visitor Seating Signs
These small and functional facility signs go a long way to not only brighten up a facility, but also offer visitors the necessary way finding signage that helps them navigate the hallways you know so well. The first step is to take a walk around your facility and find high traffic areas. These are typically lobbies, restrooms, concession and ticket booth locations and major intersections. Adding even these small splashes of color can make a big difference in the perception of an older facility. A large wall graphic can be great, but also consider the oftentimes overlooked, but necessary, directional and seating signs.
Large Format Wall Graphics
Colorful, large format wall graphics are a great way to to make a huge impact and and also brand your school. Don’t feel like these wall graphics have to completely fill every inch of a space either. A more cost-effective solution is to identify areas and have your provider design a layout with a more standard size that will fill the space nicely, but not require as much material and custom design. This will also save you money by allowing your maintenance department to perform the installation rather than paying your graphics company for installation. Wall graphics like these, that are seen in key areas, give your students a sense of pride in your school.
Championship / Add-a-year Banners
Another prominent way to add color to a gym or athletic venue is by hanging championship banners and add-a-year banners. Gym banners recognize past athletic accomplishments and inspire your current teams to carry on that tradition of excellence. The first type of gym banner is an add a year banner. This style allows the athletic director or coach to easily update the banner by adding cut-vinyl years to it after each victory. Championship banners are also very commonly found in gymnasiums. Adding championship banners recognize great accomplishments like state titles or individual state record holders. These banners are not only an excellent way to showcase your program’s achievements, but also add color to an otherwise bland space.
School Record Boards
A row of school record boards is a visually striking way to add color and a
professional look to a hallway, lobby or even outdoors at athletic venues.
There are few things more impressive that program can acquire for the money than a set of new record boards. The main types are the slide in record board, laid vinyl record board, natatorium record board and strength record board. This type of record display inspires and challenges your athletes to work harder and exposes your fans to the rich history of athletes that have come through your program.
Conference Banners / League Banners
Now that you have your teams and individuals covered, it is a great time to show pride in your league or conference. Conference banners show fans and students who your key games and rivalry teams are.
This can also show the level of competition that you have faced over the years and validate league championships.
Despite the fact that new facilities may not be in the cards, that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple ways you can upgrade up your current spaces. For more ideas or to explore how your school can be upgraded, contact Team Fitz Graphics, LLC or visit us on the Web at www.teamfitzgraphics.com.