Introduction: Why Every Surface Is a Branding Opportunity

When it comes to school or athletic facility branding, most people think about the big stuff: the scoreboard, the gymnasium wall, or maybe the front entrance. But what about the spaces in between? The everyday surfaces — walls, floors, doors, and fences — often go overlooked, even though they offer prime real estate for communicating identity, pride, and professionalism.

Smart facility managers and athletic directors are finding creative ways to turn underused surfaces into bold statements. In this guide, we'll show you 10 underutilized surfaces that, when branded well, can instantly upgrade your space without new construction.

Key Takeaways

• Wall wraps, floor decals, window graphics, and vinyl door wraps transform underutilized areas into branded assets.
• Fence screens and windscreens enhance both aesthetics and functionality for outdoor fields.
• Verified projects at Babson, Badger High School, Newark Academy, University of Michigan, and CSU Stanislaus confirm BigSigns’ real-world experience.
• Even small updates like lobby signs or pole banners can dramatically shift a visitor’s first impression.
• Visual branding isn't just about looks — it's about reinforcing pride, tradition, and performance culture.

1. Gym Walls: The Power of Wall Wraps

Gym walls are large, highly visible, and often blank. That makes them perfect for full-size wall wraps featuring school mascots, motivational quotes, or championship banners.

Why it works:

• Transforms plain walls into dynamic displays
• Reinforces team identity and school pride
• Easy to update seasonally

Example: Newark Academy used concrete wall wraps from BigSigns to revitalize plain masonry walls with durable, textured graphics that reflect the school’s spirit.

Best For:

• Main gym walls
• Training areas
• Locker room corridors

Pro Tip: Coordinate wall wraps with floor decals or vinyl door wraps for a full-corridor experience.

2. Locker Room Doors: Vinyl Door Wraps with Impact

Doors are more than just entryways — they are visual transitions between spaces. A vinyl door wrap can transform a plain metal door into an extension of your school's brand.

Applications:

• Coaches' offices
• Team locker rooms
• Weight room entries

Why you should use them:

• Bold first impressions for athletes
• Easy to clean and resistant to wear
• Seamlessly ties into other interior signage

Example: Badger High School installed vinyl door skins on five locker room and facility doors, instantly modernizing their older athletic wing.

3. Windows & Glass Walls: Privacy + Promotion with Window Graphics

Window graphics are one of the most underused yet impactful branding tools. They’re ideal for front entrances, weight rooms, and glass walls — adding privacy while promoting your program.

Top Benefits:

• Maintain natural light
• Provide directional signage or messaging
• Add privacy to high-traffic areas

Ideal Locations:

• Gymnasium entrances
• Coach offices
• Athletic department lobbies

Example: Badger High School used custom window clings at its sports center to create an inviting and branded exterior.

4. Hallway Floors & Thresholds: Floor Decals that Guide and Inspire

Floor decals offer a unique opportunity to engage people right where they walk. Whether you want to direct traffic or inspire your team, floor graphics are an easy win.

 

 

Why choose floor decals?

• Anti-slip and highly durable
• Customizable to match school branding
• Works indoors and outdoors

Example: Pine Ridge High School used custom floor decals to create an engaging branded experience within their athletic facility.

 

5. Light Poles & Walkways: Pole Banners That Greet and Guide

Pole banners are excellent for outdoor branding, especially in high-traffic areas like stadium entrances or parking lots.

Advantages:

• Reinforce branding across campus
• Showcase athletes or upcoming events
• Create a unified visual experience

Example: Wilmington College and the University of Tennessee installed pole banners across their athletic complexes, showcasing team colors and mascots while enhancing the fan experience from parking lots to stadium entrances.

Common Uses:

• Walkway light poles
• Parking lots
• Driveway entrances

6. Chain-Link Fences: Add Personality with Fence Screens & Windscreens

While chain-link fencing is functional, it’s not visually appealing. That’s where athletic windscreens and fence screens come in. These add both privacy and powerful visual impact.

Top Benefits:

• Blocks wind and distractions
• Offers large format branding space
• Provides sponsor exposure

Examples:

• Boone High School installed a branded stadium windscreen reading “Brave Country.”
• Flagler College outfitted their soccer field with full-color fence graphics.
• Babson College used windscreens across baseball, softball, and tennis facilities to create visual cohesion.
• University of Michigan added custom fence graphics and scoreboard branding to their tennis courts.

Great for:

• Tennis courts
• Baseball/softball fields
• Practice facilities

7. Stadium Sections: Covers That Maximize Impact

Empty bleacher sections can appear uninviting — or worse, unfinished. Stadium section covers offer a way to turn these unused spaces into eye-catching branding opportunities.

Why it works:

• Creates visual unity across stands
• Offers space for slogans, mascots, or sponsors
• Enhances professional game-day presentation

Examples:

• Holy Cross University implemented stadium section covers to create a cohesive, branded game-day environment.
  
  
• The University of California, Santa Barbara used section covers to transform empty bleachers into visually striking displays for fans and broadcasts.

8. Media Zones: Make Every Shot Count with Media Backdrops

Whether it's a post-game interview or a press conference, media backdrops give your school or team a polished, sponsor-friendly image in front of the camera.

Key Benefits:

• Consistent branding in every photo or video
• Sponsor exposure in broadcast content
• Portable and easy to set up for any event

Examples:

• The University of Florida uses custom media backdrops for press conferences and interviews, ensuring their brand is visible in every shot.
  
  
• Piedmont University adopted portable media backdrops for events and team announcements, providing professional, camera-ready branding.

9. Entrance Lobbies: Set the Tone with Lobby Signs

Your athletic facility’s lobby is often the first indoor impression visitors get — and a well-designed lobby sign makes sure that impression is memorable.

Top Features:

• 3D logos, laser-cut letters, or illuminated signage
• Perfect for athletic offices or main entrances
• Built to match existing wall wraps and interior themes

Example: Badger High School added a welcoming branded display at their sports center entrance as part of their facility facelift.

10. Weight Room Walls: Energy Meets Identity

Your weight room isn’t just for training — it’s a space that shapes mindset and culture. Weight room graphics are designed to inspire athletes while reinforcing team values.

Why use them:

• Adds visual energy to performance zones
• Highlights records, mottos, or championship banners
• Built to withstand humidity and high-touch traffic

Examples:

• CSU Stanislaus rebranded their men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms with bold wall graphics.
• Babson College planned new wall graphics in their weight room to match the branding seen on their athletic fields.
  

Final Thoughts: Turn Every Surface Into a Statement

Great branding doesn’t wait for a renovation budget, it starts with recognizing the potential of the surfaces you already have. Whether it’s a gym wall, locker room door, or chain-link fence, each part of your facility offers an opportunity to reinforce your team’s identity and elevate the athlete experience.

With decades of experience and real-world results from schools like Newark Academy, Babson College, Badger High School, and University of Michigan, BigSigns helps you make smart, high-impact upgrades that go far beyond aesthetics.

Let your facility speak before anyone does.
Bring your brand to life — one surface at a time.

Start your project today with a free mockup.

FAQs

Q1. How long do wall wraps or vinyl door wraps typically last?

Wall wraps and door wraps can last several years depending on surface conditions and foot traffic. BigSigns uses durable, scuff-resistant materials that are ideal for high-use environments.

Q2. Are windscreen graphics weatherproof?

Yes. BigSigns' athletic windscreens and fence graphics are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including wind, sun, and moisture.

Q3. Can we customize the pole banners or floor decals with sponsor logos?

Absolutely. Pole banners, floor decals, and even windscreens can be customized with sponsor logos, school mascots, event info, and more.

Q4. Do you provide mockups before production?

Yes. BigSigns offers free mockups during the design phase so you can visualize how graphics will look on your specific surfaces before anything goes to print.