How the University of Notre Dame Transformed Its Softball Facility.

Introduction

When the University of Notre Dame opened its new softball facility, the program had already invested in creating a first-class environment for its student-athletes. However, the stadium's visual identity had not yet reached the same standard of excellence the university is known for.

Notre Dame Athletics wanted the facility to immediately reflect the tradition, pride, and competitive spirit of the Fighting Irish. The goal wasn't simply to decorate a new stadium—it was to create an athletic environment that reinforced the program's identity, energized players, and left a lasting impression on every opponent and visitor.

Working closely with BIGSIGNS, the university transformed the facility with custom athletic branding solutions that elevated the overall experience while remaining true to Notre Dame's iconic brand.

The Challenge

Notre Dame Athletics has built a reputation around five guiding principles: excellence, education, faith, tradition, and community. Those values extend well beyond competition—they influence every aspect of the student-athlete experience, including athletic facilities.

Although the new softball complex featured modern construction and outstanding amenities, it lacked the visual branding needed to fully represent the Fighting Irish identity.

Associate Softball Coach Lizzy Ristano led the search for a branding partner. While reviewing potential vendors, the program knew they wanted graphics that would create a bold visual impact but had not yet determined the best approach or products for the facility.

The challenge was finding a solution that would:

• Strengthen the program's visual identity
• Complement the new stadium's architecture
• Create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams
• Reflect Notre Dame's tradition of excellence
• Deliver premium quality and long-term value

The program needed more than signage—they needed athletic facility branding that matched the caliber of the new stadium.

The BIGSIGNS Solution

After discovering BIGSIGNS through examples of previous facility branding projects, Coach Ristano requested a design consultation and proposal.

Working collaboratively with the Notre Dame softball program, BIGSIGNS developed a branding package centered around two signature products:

• Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreen
• PowerDeck™ Athletic On-Deck Circles

The custom Dura-Mesh™ windscreen stretched across the outfield fence with bold "Notre Dame Fighting Irish" graphics, creating an unmistakable visual statement visible throughout the facility.

At the same time, custom PowerDeck™ Athletic On-Deck Circles featuring the university's Leprechaun logo reinforced the school's identity in one of the most visible areas on the field.

The proposed designs stood out among competing bids by combining premium aesthetics, quality manufacturing, and competitive pricing.

According to Coach Ristano, the overall design perfectly matched what the softball program envisioned for its new home.

"Fighting Irish really means something to us. It shows visiting opponents who we are. It's an intimidating factor. At Notre Dame, we try to do things at a really high level. We had this beautiful, brand-new stadium, and bringing it up a notch was very important. This sign reminds us of who we are."

Products Used

This athletic facility branding project incorporated multiple BIGSIGNS solutions, including:

• Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreen
• PowerDeck™ Athletic On-Deck Circles

Together, these products created a cohesive branded environment that enhanced both the appearance and functionality of the softball facility.

Project Highlights

• New NCAA softball facility
• Custom outfield athletic windscreen
• Branded PowerDeck™ Athletic On-Deck Circles
• University branding throughout the field
• Softball facility enhancement
• Improved game-day atmosphere
• Reinforced Fighting Irish identity
• Graphics integrated into player development activities

The Results

The completed branding project immediately elevated the appearance of Notre Dame's new softball facility while reinforcing the program's identity every time players, coaches, recruits, and fans entered the stadium.

The custom athletic windscreen became much more than a branding feature. It created a bold backdrop that communicated the Fighting Irish tradition while providing a memorable visual element across the outfield.

Coach Ristano also found creative ways to incorporate the graphics into player development.

Rather than serving only as stadium branding, the lettering on the windscreen became fixed visual targets during batting practice. Players use the letters to improve hitting accuracy by aiming for specific locations across the outfield.

The team even developed a "Fighting Irish BINGO" competition, challenging athletes to hit designated letters during practice. By transforming branding into a training tool, the graphics became part of the program's daily pursuit of excellence.

Coach Ristano also noted that BIGSIGNS stood out because of its impressive portfolio, excellent product quality, and overall value.

Lessons Learned

Brand New Facilities Still Need Strong Branding

Even the most impressive athletic complexes benefit from custom branding. Facility graphics help transform a new construction project into a recognizable home venue that reflects the team's identity.

Facility Graphics Can Serve Multiple Purposes

Athletic branding doesn't have to be purely decorative. As demonstrated at Notre Dame, well-designed graphics can support coaching strategies, player development, and practice activities in addition to enhancing the appearance of the venue.

Early Collaboration Produces Better Results

Working with a facility branding specialist early in the design process allows schools to evaluate product options, develop cohesive graphics, and ensure every branding element supports the overall vision.

High-Impact Graphics Create Lasting Impressions

Large-scale athletic windscreens and field graphics immediately communicate school pride, strengthen recruiting environments, and establish a memorable game-day atmosphere for athletes and visitors alike.

Why Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreen?

Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreen is designed to help schools, universities, and sports facilities transform ordinary fencing into impactful branding opportunities.

Benefits include:

• Creates a professional, finished appearance
• Showcases school logos, mascots, and team identity
• Enhances stadium branding and fan experience
• Provides long-lasting outdoor durability
• Custom manufactured for virtually any fence configuration
• Supports recruiting, sponsorships, and school pride
• Delivers long-term value for athletic facilities

Whether installed around softball, baseball, football, or multipurpose athletic venues, custom athletic windscreens help facilities stand out while reinforcing the identity of the organizations they represent.

Why BIGSIGNS?

Schools, universities, and athletic organizations nationwide trust BIGSIGNS because every project is built around the customer's unique branding goals.

From initial design concepts through manufacturing, BIGSIGNS combines award-winning design, premium materials, custom fabrication, and decades of athletic facility branding expertise to create solutions that elevate sports venues across the country.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all products, BIGSIGNS collaborates with every customer to develop graphics that reflect their identity, enhance their facilities, and deliver lasting value.

Ready to Transform Your Facility?

Whether you're branding a newly constructed athletic complex or refreshing an existing venue, BIGSIGNS can help create an environment that reflects your organization's identity and inspires athletes, fans, and visitors alike.

Request a FREE Mock-Up today and discover how custom athletic facility branding can transform your field, stadium, or sports complex with professionally designed graphics tailored to your facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do custom athletic windscreens last?

Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreens are designed for long-term outdoor use when properly installed and maintained. Lifespan varies depending on climate, sun exposure, and maintenance practices.

Can athletic windscreens include custom logos and team graphics?

Yes. Every Dura-Mesh™ windscreen is custom designed with your school's logos, colors, mascots, sponsor graphics, or other branding elements.

Are athletic windscreens only used for baseball and softball?

No. Athletic windscreens are commonly installed at baseball fields, softball complexes, tennis courts, football facilities, soccer venues, and other outdoor sports facilities.

Can athletic branding graphics be used as training tools?

Yes. As demonstrated at Notre Dame, strategically designed graphics can support practice drills and coaching activities while enhancing the overall appearance of the facility.

Do I need professional installation?

Many BIGSIGNS products are designed for straightforward installation, although professional installation may be beneficial for larger or more complex athletic facility branding projects.