Whether it’s sports, music or live performance, the fan experience amplifies and enhances the main attraction. From the car park to the concession stand to the primary entertainment venue, attendees not only want an immersive experience - they expect one.
A recent poll conducted by the Sports Business Journal reveals that 87% of attendees post to social media while at an event. Signs and graphics have the power to transform an event or gathering into a better experience and create a deeper bond with a team, artist or performance. Successful branding ensures that attendees leave with lasting, shareable memories, amplifying the event's reach. Signage is a strategic tool for maximising brand exposure, leveraging social sharing, to engage a broader audience for any entertainment venue.
Do graphic banners and signs really make a difference?
One-off sporting events or time-bound events, like the Olympics, create an opportunity for people to engage with sports in a meaningful way. Remember, an out-of-this-world event can create long-term memories for new and returning fans who remember their experience at the venue for a life time.
Photo caption: In-person events, complete with custom visuals, establish human connection and lead to lasting memories.
The future of fan experiences exists at the crossroads of digital and physical by creating truly amazing and immersive moments. Venues like the Sphere in Las Vegas are setting higher visitor expectations for live experiences, and 2024 is predicted to see a further blend of sports in conjunction with pop culture. Signs and graphics, everything from window decals to cutouts, are at the heart of this phenomenon, offering the potential for personalised messages, directing fans to less crowded areas, and curating the overall experience with digital interactivity.
Photo caption: Signs that point the way, inform, direct and brand the environment.
Here are 10 Ways to Enhance the Fan Experience with Signs and Graphics
Interactive Parking Solutions: Begin the fan experience with ease by implementing interactive event signs in car parking areas. Use vibrant, clear signage to direct traffic, identify parking zones, and provide real-time information on parking availability. Consider adding fun, team-spirited graphics to set the mood from the moment fans arrive.
Seamless Entry Points: Create a welcoming atmosphere right at the entrance with bold, thematic entryway signage. Utilise wayfinding signs such as banners, digital signage displays, and standees that not only guide fans inside but also build anticipation for the event.
Photo caption: Create a gateway for a celebration with visuals that excite and engage..
- Seat Navigation: Help fans find their seats effortlessly with well-designed, easy-to-read aisle markers and section indicators. Incorporate digital seat locators that can be accessed via mobile devices for a high-tech, personalised touch.
Photo collage:The littlest details can be a big plus for attendees.
- Engaging Concession Areas: Transform concession stands into attractions themselves with themed event signs that reflect the event or team. Offer menus with bright, appealing graphics and use digital signs to reduce the pain of wait times by entertaining or informing queued fans.
Photo Caption: From field to food, signs and graphics help venues showcase their brand and merchandise.
- Amenity Signage: Ensure toilets and bathrooms are easy to find with prominent, universally understood signage. Inside, use clean, clear graphics to indicate availability and maintain a high standard of cleanliness with engaging, instructive signs for hygiene practices.
- Interactive Fan Zones: Create dedicated areas where fans can interact with exhibits, participate in games, or meet mascots. Use dynamic wayfinding signs to guide fans to these zones and enhance their overall experience with photo ops, cut outs, branded backdrops and wall murals.
Photo caption: Larger than life graphics and wall murals help transform the fan experience.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Instructions: In today's connected world, fans appreciate being online. Use custom signage solutions throughout the venue to provide easy-to-follow instructions for connecting to Wi-Fi networks, ensuring fans can share their experiences without a hitch.
- Real-Time Information Displays: Keep fans informed and engaged with real-time updates on scores, player stats, and event information. Utilise digital signage that can be updated instantly to keep content fresh and relevant.
- Wayfinding Sign Systems: Implement a comprehensive wayfinding plan that includes not just directions to seats but also to amenities like ATMs, first aid, merchandise stores, and special event areas. Use consistent, easy-to-understand icons and colour-coding in safety signs to make navigation intuitive.
Photo Caption: A comprehensive wayfinding plan can be both functional and aesthetically-pleasing.
How Graphics and Signs Help
Signs and graphics transform events into lasting memories, creating immersive environments that captivate fans. Master sign planning, project management and installation are essential ingredients for success. FASTSIGNS handles large-scale projects with expertise and ease, ensuring every visual element is strategically placed to excite and engage your fans. Trust FASTSIGNS to make your event unforgettable, with visuals that resonate and endure long after the final curtain call.