When Dartmouth College’s women’s basketball program needed a serious home-court upgrade, AMI Graphics stepped in to execute a game-winning transformation. From concept to installation, our team created a space that not only reflects the program’s rich history but also energizes players for the road ahead.
With a full-court press on design, branding, and execution, we delivered a space that is bold, professional, and unmistakably Dartmouth.
Setting the Game Plan
The goal was to overhaul the team room and locker room, ensuring both spaces were visually cohesive, inspirational, and timeless. Before AMI Graphics, the team room was completely bare, a blank slate ready for a bold new identity. Meanwhile, the locker room sported outdated, uninspired branding that needed to be benched.
With a new head coach at the helm, the program initially sought help from a previous signage vendor, but after two months of back-and-forth with no results, they came to us. The ask? A design-driven space that honored Dartmouth’s legacy while giving current players a home they could take pride in.
Challenges and Solutions
1st Quarter: Designing a Statement Piece
The MVP of this project was a stunning hardwood-inspired feature wall in the team room. Taking cues from another university’s locker room design, the coaching staff envisioned a bold, high-quality aesthetic that exuded authenticity. Other vendors struggled to make it happen, but AMI Graphics went the extra mile.
After testing materials and consulting Wilder Flooring, our trusted hardwood flooring partner, we developed a custom solution: real hardwood, cut into 4-inch staggered planks, applied seamlessly to the wall. This feature instantly became a visual focal point and set the tone for the space.
2nd Quarter: Honoring History
Dartmouth wanted its players to feel connected to the program’s history every time they walked into the team room. To bring this vision to life, we created a collage-style mural showcasing historic images from past decades including highlighting top players, championship moments, and the evolution of the program.
We also added a dynamic achievement wall featuring the names of 1,000-point scorers, record-setting rebounders, and championship years, a daily reminder of the program’s legacy and motivation for future players.
Halftime Adjustments
To create a unified experience across both rooms, our creative team worked closely with the coaching staff to ensure the branding was consistent and impactful. The solution?
- High-quality adhesive graphics featuring the Dartmouth green, custom typography, and sharp, modern visuals.
- Multi-layer acrylic signage added depth and professionalism to the walls.
- A bold dimensional “D” logo strategically placed at the entrance of the locker room to make a strong first impression.
3rd Quarter: The Technical Challenge
Installing dimensional acrylic elements on a mosaic tile wall presented a serious challenge. The AMI installation team needed to drill into the tile carefully to avoid damaging it, swapping out drill bits every few seconds to prevent overheating. Despite the added complexity, the result was flawless: a statement piece that greets every player as they enter the space.
4th Quarter: Bringing It All Together
The final element tying the space together was a media backdrop wall, featuring a polished multi-layer acrylic Dartmouth women’s basketball sign. The layered approach, combined with branding consistency across the team room and locker room, ensured that every detail worked together to create a visually striking, high-impact environment.
The Final Buzzer
Dartmouth women’s basketball now has a locker room and team room that reflects its elite status—one that will inspire current players, impress recruits, and celebrate the program’s storied past for years to come.
If you need a winning game plan for your athletic branding, AMI Graphics is ready to take your facility to the next level. Contact us today to get started!
