Sports Signage, Event Branding are great ways to advertise a sports events. With summer around the corner all the outdoor sports events in England will be starting. Sports venues provide an ideal opportunity for income generation through outdoor advertising. With our wide range of digital print machines we can manufacture sports hoardings and sports perimeter advertising signage to any size and specification.
Exploring the Power and Versatility of Sports Signage for Advertising and Branding
Sports signage is an essential tool in both advertising and branding, particularly in sports-related environments. Whether for professional sports teams, school competitions, or community events, sports signage plays a key role in enhancing the visibility of sponsors, promoting fixtures, guiding visitors, and creating an overall engaging atmosphere. From banners and sponsor boards to parking signs and directional markers, these pieces of signage serve not only as advertising tools but also as integral elements in the event experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of sports signage, their uses, the materials involved in their production, and why they are so vital for both professional and amateur sporting events.
The Versatility of Sports Signage
When we think of sports signage, we often picture large billboards, goal post branding, or digital screens flashing sponsor logos. While these are certainly prevalent, the reality is that sports signage is much more diverse. It encompasses a wide range of advertising tools that go beyond the traditional banners and signs you’d see around a stadium. Sports signage can be custom-made to fit the exact needs of the event or venue.
From the large digital boards in football stadiums to the small signs along the sideline of tennis courts, sports signage is versatile in its design, size, and placement. They can be strategically positioned to maximize visibility for TV broadcasts, which is crucial for sponsors who want to take advantage of the media exposure provided by sporting events. Signage is not only limited to professional arenas; it is also an essential part of school athletic events, fundraising activities, and community sports programs.
Common Types of Sports Signage
- Billboards and Hoardings Billboards and hoardings are a staple in sports venues and can be found in various locations, including the periphery of fields, arenas, and even along highways. These large, highly visible structures are perfect for advertising sponsors and event promotions. Billboards can be constructed from durable materials like aluminum, vinyl, and corflute, ensuring they withstand the elements, especially in outdoor settings.
- Sideline and Corner Post Signage Another popular form of sports signage is the corner post and sideline advertisements. These are typically foam or inflatable structures placed around the playing field. Corner posts are strategically positioned at the four corners of the field to ensure maximum visibility. They can be designed to retract if knocked down during the game, keeping them intact and in shape. These corner posts can be used for high-impact branding or sponsor messages that will be visible both to players and viewers watching on TV.Triangular foam bolsters are also common on the sidelines. These lightweight, yet durable, structures can feature simple designs that highlight the sponsor’s name or logo.
- Banners and Sponsor Boards Banners remain one of the most traditional and widely used forms of sports signage. These can be printed on PVC, mesh vinyl, or cloth, offering a range of options for indoor and outdoor applications. Sports banners are highly customizable and can be designed to suit the theme of an event, team, or competition. They are often used to advertise sponsors, upcoming fixtures, or promotions within the event space.Sponsor boards, often placed near entrances or along the sidelines, are another prominent form of sports signage. These boards can be printed on high-quality materials like aluminum composite, Dibond, or acrylic, ensuring that the sponsor’s message is clear, durable, and long-lasting.
- Digital Signage Digital signs are a modern addition to sports venues and are particularly useful for high-visibility advertising. These signs can display dynamic content, such as sponsor logos, event updates, and even live scores during the game. Digital signage can be fixed onto durable materials such as timber or corflute, providing both stability and a professional appearance. Digital signs are especially useful for maximizing TV exposure, as they can be positioned where they are most likely to be captured by cameras.
- Pavement Graphics and Promotional Items Pavement graphics are a great way to direct crowds, provide information, and engage with event-goers in a creative way. These graphics can be printed on durable materials that adhere to the ground and are often used in stadium walkways or event entrances. In addition to signage, sports events often use promotional items like branded flags, caps, and t-shirts to further reinforce the sponsor’s presence and engage with attendees in a fun, memorable way.
Materials Used in Sports Signage
Sports signage needs to be durable, weather-resistant, and capable of withstanding the rigors of both indoor and outdoor environments. To ensure that the signage lasts, a variety of materials are used in their production.
- PVC and Mesh Vinyl: These materials are widely used for banners, sponsor boards, and large-format signage. PVC and mesh vinyl are weatherproof, ensuring the signage won’t fade or tear during the event. Mesh vinyl is particularly useful in outdoor settings where wind might otherwise damage the sign.
- Corex : Corex is a lightweight, durable material commonly used for signs that need to be portable or displayed in high-traffic areas. It’s an ideal material for temporary or event-specific signage, such as sponsor boards or directional signs.
- Aluminium Composite (Dibond): This material offers excellent durability and is often used for permanent signage. Dibond is resistant to harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is a versatile material often used for more refined and professional-looking signage. It’s transparent, allowing for excellent print quality and providing a sleek appearance that works well for sponsor boards and informational signs.
- Foam: Foam is frequently used for goal post pads, corner posts, and sideline bolsters. It provides a soft impact surface that meets safety standards while still offering a large canvas for branding.
- Cloth and Canvas: These materials are often used for traditional banners, as they are flexible and easy to transport. They can be printed with vibrant colors and graphics, making them ideal for event promotions.
Why High-Quality Printing is Essential
For sports signage to make an impact, high-quality printing is essential. High-end inkjet printers and premium ink are used in the production process to ensure that the colors are vivid, sharp, and durable. The use of superior printing technology helps to prolong the lifespan of the signage, reducing the likelihood of fading or wear and tear, even with constant exposure to the elements.
Not only does high-quality printing ensure the longevity of the signage, but it also helps to create a professional and polished appearance. For sponsors, this is particularly important, as their brand will be displayed to large audiences both in person and on television.
Sports Signage for All Levels of Play
While professional sports leagues such as football, basketball, and soccer enjoy extensive sponsorship and advertising opportunities, sports signage is also valuable for grassroots and community-level events. For example, schools, local sports clubs, and fundraising events can all benefit from the use of signage to enhance the atmosphere and generate interest.
For school sports teams, signage can serve as a morale booster for players, offering them a sense of pride and importance. Additionally, it helps create a more professional feel to the games, which can encourage better performance and greater spectator engagement. Coaches and event organizers have recognized that having sponsor logos, event posters, and banners on display can increase the event’s prestige and bring in additional support.
Sports signage plays a vital role in promoting events, branding sponsors, and enhancing the overall experience for both players and spectators. Whether you are hosting a professional tournament or organizing a local school competition, having the right signage in place can have a significant impact on the event’s success. From banners and billboards to digital displays and promotional items, the possibilities are endless.
At Project Print Management we specialise in the design and production of high-quality, customizable sports signage that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you need a one-off banner for a local competition or a complete suite of signage for a major event, our team is here to help. For more information about our services or to see our latest projects, please visit our blog or get in touch with us today.
For more information on our latest print projects please visit our blog or contact us.