Presidents Corner – September
With the wrapping up of the New Zealand-based FIFA games in Auckland on the 15th August, which probably had the most exciting final 10 minutes of football ever played here towards the end of that game, there is only one topic to talk about this month.
Signage plays an important role in enhancing the spectator experience at sporting events. From providing vital information to creating an immersive, exciting atmosphere, to promoting the sponsors who are bankrolling the tournament. Both LED and static signage have evolved to become an integral part of the look and feel of the various stadiums around New Zealand these last 4 weeks.
With the Fifa Women’s World Cup being held in New Zealand and Australia currently and with the tournament getting to what will be a very exciting climax.
The stadiums have really been transformed into a huge multi-colored example of signage and branding done really well, and I know that a lot of different sign shops all around New Zealand had a huge job in getting the stadiums to the point to meet FIFA’s strict no non-sponsors branding protocols, often in very tight timeframes, covering up existing branding on roofs, up high over seats, around the perimeter of the grounds, and the outside of the stadiums looking over their respective towns and cities, it really showcases how exciting our industry is, and how, when required we can all work in together to get a large branding job completed.
Being a huge supporter of watching sports, I was particularly impressed with the work completed in Dunedin, to have the football game played under FIFA rules, then only a few days later, the impressive undercover stadium transferred back to the original layout with the All Blacks playing Australia. Well done not only to the winning teams on the nights but also to the teams of Signwriters who made that quick transition happen.
Talking about watching sporting events, my next couple of Presidents Corner columns will have a hint of a French accent about them, with a bit of Pain au Chocolat near the keyboard, and red wine in the vicinity, as I offer my small part to supporting our All Blacks to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy up high and proud on the turf of the Stade de France on the 29th October.
Until next month, Adieu