A-frame signs are an ideal signage option to place along the sidelines of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. Incorporating signage close to the action is an effective way to give sponsorship and branding messaging maximum visibility. However, signage that is close to the fast-paced action traditionally posed an injury risk to the athletes competing. Softline™ Padded A-frames help mitigate that risk by creating a padded barrier that protects fans and athletes alike.
Using Softline™ Padded A-frames not only allows facilities to position their signage close to the action, but also creates a convenient system to update graphics or feature new sponsors. These padded A-frames use hook and loop fasteners to secure vinyl banners featuring the desired graphics. This system not only makes it possible to change out graphics, but also makes it a simple process when it comes time to change them. In this blog we will look at the various ways Softline™ Padded A-frames can be used and the inherent benefits for each use.
Added Safety for Athletes
Softline™ Padded A-frames are excellent for indoor use. Unlike outdoor athletic fields, gymnasiums and indoor arenas have limited sideline space to feature signage. Padded A-frames allow facilities to feature sponsorship messaging while simultaneously adding a protective barrier for athletes and fans alike. Because this signage is installed close to the action in an intimate setting, sponsors can be certain that their brand will benefit from prominent visibility.
The Dalhousie University Volleyball program used padded A-frames to feature sponsors and strengthen branding while creating a padded barrier between the athletes and the protruding gymnasium bleachers. In instances like this where the fans are in close proximity to athletes, padded A-frames protect the athletes and fans when a player’s momentum carries them out of bounds.
Penn State used some of their Softline™ Padded A-frames in a unique way. Rather than positioning all of their padded A-frames along the sideline, some were positioned over the metal fencing that separates the audience from the field. This allows the sponsorship messages to still be clearly visible to spectators, while simultaneously adding padding to the metal fencing to help keep athletes safe.
Prominently Feature Sponsors
One of the inherent benefits of signage that helps protect athletes is that is can be positioned closer to the action. The ability to place signage closer to the competing athletes means the audience will be more likely to see and retain the featured messaging.
The University of Illinois used Softline™ Padded A-frames to feature sponsors along the sidelines of the end zone. When the Fighting Iliini are driving for a touchdown, all eyes will be on the end zone, making it an ideal place to feature sideline signage. Using padded A-frames here allows messaging to be positioned in an area that is sure to be seen by the crowd without posing a risk to the players on the field.
At the Boston Marathon, Softline™ Padded A-frames were positioned along the finish line to feature prominent sponsors. Because these A-frames can be moved with ease they can be positioned as needed for the best results without posing a risk to runners.
Padded A-frames to Create an Intimate Setting
Because many outdoor athletic fields and courts are placed in wide open spaces, they can sometimes be less appealing to the eye. Creating delineated borders with Softline™ A-frames builds a professional appearance and helps create an intimate setting. At many outdoor athletic fields, the sidelines and scoreboards may be the only areas organizations can utilize to feature sponsorship messaging. Using Softline™ Padded A-frames creates a more intimate setting that allows organizations to keep sponsorship messages close to the action without creating a safety hazard to athletes.
The AVP Pro Volleyball Beach Tour used padded A-frames to line the perimeter of their volleyball court. While these padded A-frames provide all the same protections and messaging benefits mentioned in prior examples, they also help create an intimate feeling in an otherwise open space, as seen in the image above.
Coe Brown High School used their Softline™ Padded A-frames to strengthen branding and create a home field advantage during a field hockey match. High School fields don’t often present the same signage opportunities that are present at the professional or collegiate levels. Including team logos and the school name creates a more intimate feel that supports the home team. As seen above, our padded A-frames come in two sizes, 4-foot and 8-foot widths. When the game is over, these A-frames can be easily moved and laid flat for simple storage.
Softline™ Padded A-frames help protect fans and athletes while making it possible to feature sponsorship signage close to the action. Because the graphics can be replaced on this style of signage, athletic programs can swap out messaging as needed without having to purchase an entirely new A-frame. Whether you are looking for a way to feature sponsors prominently, add safety measures for athletes, or simply want added flexibility in signage options, the Softline™ Padded A-frame gets the job done. Reach out to AMI Graphics today to speak to one of our Signage Experts to get started!
