Introduction
The University of Michigan has earned a national reputation for athletic excellence, attracting fans, recruits, alumni, and competitors from across the country. With that level of visibility comes the expectation that every athletic facility reflects the strength of the Wolverines brand.
While Michigan's tennis complex already provided an outstanding venue for competition, the university recognized an opportunity to enhance its visual identity through strategic athletic facility branding. By partnering with BIGSIGNS, Michigan transformed ordinary facility features into bold branding elements using DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics and custom scoreboard graphics, creating a more recognizable and professional environment for athletes and visitors alike.
The Challenge
Championship programs are constantly in the spotlight. Every visitor—from prospective student-athletes and their families to alumni, boosters, and opposing teams—forms an impression long before the first serve.
Although Michigan's tennis facility was functional and well maintained, much of its branding potential remained untapped. The chain-link fencing surrounding the courts and the reverse side of the facility's scoreboard offered valuable opportunities to reinforce the Wolverines identity but lacked the visual impact expected from one of the nation's premier athletic programs.
The university wanted to create a stronger sense of place while maximizing existing structures throughout the facility. Rather than adding new architectural elements, Michigan sought a branding solution that would enhance the overall appearance, celebrate school pride, and leave a lasting impression on everyone who visited the complex.
The BIGSIGNS Solution
Michigan selected BIGSIGNS because of its expertise in athletic facility branding and its ability to transform existing venues through custom graphics.
The project centered around DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics, which were custom manufactured to fit the chain-link fencing surrounding the tennis courts. These graphics converted ordinary perimeter fencing into high-impact branding that proudly showcases the Wolverines program throughout the facility.
Products Used
- DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics
- Custom Scoreboard Graphics
These products worked together to create a unified branding experience throughout the tennis facility while supporting Michigan's commitment to excellence.
Project Highlights
- Collegiate tennis facility
- Custom DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics
- Branded chain-link perimeter fencing
- Custom scoreboard graphics
- Enhanced facility branding
- Improved visual identity
- Increased visibility from nearby roadway
- Strengthened university brand recognition
The Results
The completed project gave Michigan's tennis facility a bold, professional appearance that better reflects one of college athletics' most recognized brands.
The custom DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics transformed the perimeter fencing into a visual extension of the Wolverines identity, creating a polished environment for athletes, fans, recruits, and visiting teams.
Lessons Learned
Existing Facility Features Can Become Branding Assets
Chain-link fencing, scoreboards, and other structural elements often provide valuable branding opportunities without requiring major renovations.
Consistent Branding Strengthens Athletic Identity
Using coordinated graphics throughout a facility creates a more cohesive appearance while reinforcing the identity of the program for athletes, recruits, and visitors.
Visibility Extends Beyond the Playing Surface
Highly visible areas outside the competition space—such as the reverse side of a scoreboard—can significantly increase brand recognition when incorporated into a facility branding strategy.
Facility Branding Maximizes Existing Investments
Custom graphics allow schools and universities to enhance the appearance of their athletic facilities while making better use of structures already in place.
Why DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics?
DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics transform ordinary chain-link fencing into premium branding opportunities that elevate the appearance of athletic facilities.
Benefits include:
- Creates a clean, professional look
- Reinforces school branding and team identity
- Enhances the fan and recruiting experience
- Maximizes unused fence space
- Custom manufactured for virtually any fence layout
- Built for long-term outdoor performance
- Provides lasting value for athletic facilities
From tennis courts and baseball fields to softball complexes and multipurpose sports venues, DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics help organizations create memorable, branded environments.
Why BIGSIGNS?
BIGSIGNS partners with schools, colleges, universities, parks, and sports organizations nationwide to create custom branding solutions that transform athletic facilities.
Through award-winning design, premium materials, custom manufacturing, and collaborative project planning, BIGSIGNS helps customers maximize every branding opportunity while delivering graphics that are built to perform in demanding athletic environments.
Whether you're enhancing a single venue or planning a campus-wide branding initiative, BIGSIGNS provides the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Ready to Transform Your Facility?
Every athletic facility has untapped branding potential. From perimeter fencing and scoreboards to walls, windows, and other high-visibility surfaces, BIGSIGNS can help you create a stronger visual identity that reflects the quality of your program.
Request a FREE Mock-Up today and discover how custom athletic facility branding can transform your tennis courts, sports complex, or athletic venue with professionally designed graphics tailored to your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics be customized with our school's branding?
Yes. Every DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics project is custom designed with your logos, school colors, mascots, sponsor recognition, and other branding elements.
Are athletic fence graphics only used on tennis courts?
No. DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics are widely used for tennis courts, baseball fields, softball complexes, football stadiums, soccer facilities, and other athletic venues.
Can scoreboards be incorporated into a facility branding project?
Absolutely. As demonstrated in this project, scoreboards can provide additional branding opportunities, especially when they are visible from roads, parking lots, or adjacent areas.
How durable are outdoor athletic fence graphics?
DuraScreen84™ Athletic Fence Graphics are manufactured for long-term outdoor performance and are designed to withstand the demands of athletic environments.
Is professional installation required?
Many projects can be installed by facility staff, although professional installation may be recommended for larger or more complex athletic branding projects.