THE BACKGROUND
The University of New Hampshire prides itself on their ice hockey programs. Home hockey games are consistently a favorite event for the student body as well as residents and businesses of the surrounding communities. The home of the UNH Wildcats ice hockey is the Whittemore Center Arena. Built in 1995, “The Whitt” is unique in that the majority of the walls and structures inside are exposed concrete. The University has recently made some updates to the building with various signage projects focusing on the history and player accomplishments of the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams.
To continue with building updates, Wildcat Sports Properties (WSP), the Learfield Sports property for University of New Hampshire Athletics, began searching for a way to highlight a cornerstone partnership. They determined that the entry/exit gate at the Southwest corner of The Whitt could be the perfect way to accomplish this. WSP approached longtime UNH Athletics supporter, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, who agreed that this would be a great setting to showcase their commitment to the community and help them to stand out amongst other University partners.
WSP reached out to their trusted partner, AMI Graphics, to develop a solution for using the concrete gate area as a prime piece of sponsor inventory.
THE WORK
Representatives from AMI conducted a site visit to take measurements and photos of the area. They concluded that an adhesive mural would be the best way to use the proposed space in order to create the biggest impact. AMI applied a test strip of material to the concrete surface to ensure that the suggested adhesive material would be compatible with the specific surface as well as the temperatures in the building. During the site survey, it was suggested by AMI representatives that due to the large size of the area in question, the top area could be painted to match the background color of the mural to save on cost.
WSP and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital wanted the mural to be for the fans and depict the fan experience. WSP selected their favorite pictures focusing on the fan experience: the introduction of the UNH flag, the throwing of the fish after a goal, a goal celebration, the popular mascot, Gnarlz, crowd surfing, and most importantly, the student section which is considered the life blood of the building.
After selecting pictures, the design of the mural was entrusted to AMI’s talented and experienced designers.
Once the mural design was approved by WSP and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, AMI Graphics produced and installed the project.
THE RESULTS
This AMI designed, printed, and installed mural has been transformational for The Whitt and the University’s relationship with Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. It can be seen from all areas of the arena and has proven to be a dynamic approach to highlight this cornerstone partnership while enhancing the facility at the same time. The final product has exceeded expectations of both Wildcat Sports Properties and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital while also providing AMI Graphics the opportunity to be a part of a unique project.CLIENT REACTION
“This project turned out to be a huge success thanks to the team at AMI Graphics. We provided them with images and a vision; their professional designers and installers took care of the rest. The end product is truly a transformational change to that corner of the building that both WSP, UNH Athletics, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital couldn’t be happier with. We look forward to creating and implementing bigger partnership activation pieces like this with AMI in the future.”
MATT PRESTON
Manager, Business Development – Wildcat Sports Properties
