Wilmington University Sports Complex Branding Makeover

How Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen Helped Complete Wilmington University's New Soccer Complex

When Wilmington University opened its new athletic complex, the institution gained something it had never had before—a true home for its soccer and lacrosse programs. The new facility featured an artificial turf field, locker rooms, athletic offices, and a basketball arena, providing student-athletes with a centralized home for competition and training.

To complete the transformation, Wilmington University partnered with BIGSIGNS to install custom Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen and branded fence graphics around the new soccer and lacrosse field. The result was a professional-looking athletic venue that strengthened the university's identity, enhanced the recruiting experience, and created an environment that student-athletes, alumni, and fans could proudly call home.

The Challenge

For years, Wilmington University's soccer program played its home matches at an off-campus club field. While functional, the arrangement made it difficult to build a true home-field atmosphere or showcase the program during recruiting visits.

When prospective student-athletes visited campus, there simply wasn't a signature athletic venue to leave a lasting impression. Coaches wanted a facility that reflected the growth of the university's athletic programs while providing a stronger recruiting tool for years to come.

After the university completed construction of its new sports complex, the next opportunity was to create a visual identity worthy of the impressive new facility.

The BIGSIGNS Solution

Having previously partnered with BIGSIGNS to enhance its former off-campus field, Wilmington University turned to the same trusted team to complete the branding of its new sports complex.

Working closely with the university, BIGSIGNS designed and produced custom Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen featuring Wilmington University's branding to surround the new soccer and lacrosse field. The printed windscreen helped soften the appearance of perimeter fencing while creating a more polished and professional athletic environment.

Rather than simply enclosing the facility, the custom graphics reinforced school pride and visually connected the field with the rest of the athletic complex.

"They dressed up our off-campus field with screens, so when we moved here we wanted to continue that relationship and work with them."
— Nick Papanicolas, Head Men's Soccer Coach

The long-standing relationship between Wilmington University and BIGSIGNS gave the athletic department confidence that the finished project would reflect the quality of the university's growing athletic programs.

Products Used

  • Dura-Mesh™ Printed Vinyl Mesh Athletic Windscreen

  • Custom Athletic Fence Graphics

  • Athletic Facility Branding

  • Custom School Logo Graphics

Project Highlights

  • New NCAA Division II soccer and lacrosse complex

  • Custom Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen installation

  • Branded perimeter fencing surrounding the competition field

  • Improved recruiting environment

  • Enhanced game-day appearance

  • Continued partnership between Wilmington University and BIGSIGNS

The Results

The custom branding completed the appearance of Wilmington University's new athletic complex, transforming perimeter fencing into an extension of the university's visual identity.

The upgraded facility quickly became one of the highlights of every recruiting visit. Instead of ending campus tours without showcasing an athletic venue, coaches now concluded visits on the new field—giving prospective student-athletes an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the program firsthand.

Coach Nick Papanicolas noted that the impact was immediate.

"We were just excited to play on it, and we've never had a home field before, so it's great to see the big 'W' in the middle. It's been a great recruiting tool."

The facility also became a source of pride for alumni, student-athletes, and coaches while supporting multiple athletic programs beyond soccer, including lacrosse, basketball, and strength and conditioning activities.

The project demonstrates how strategic athletic branding can elevate the appearance of a newly constructed facility without altering the underlying architecture.

Lessons Learned

Build Branding Into New Facility Planning

The best time to plan athletic branding is during the final stages of a construction project. Integrating branded windscreen and graphics as the facility opens creates a polished, finished appearance from day one.

Think Beyond One Sport

Although soccer was a primary focus, Wilmington University's field also serves lacrosse and supports other athletic programs. Branding decisions should reflect the needs of every program that will use the facility.

Build Long-Term Vendor Relationships

Because Wilmington University had previously worked with BIGSIGNS, the design process moved efficiently while maintaining a consistent look between its previous field and new sports complex.

Why Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen?

Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen transforms ordinary perimeter fencing into a powerful branding asset.

Benefits include:

  • Custom full-color graphics

  • Professional athletic facility appearance

  • School branding and mascot recognition

  • Improved recruiting environment

  • Sponsor recognition opportunities

  • Excellent airflow through durable vinyl mesh

  • Long-lasting outdoor performance

  • Custom manufactured to fit virtually any athletic fence

Whether installed at a newly constructed sports complex or an existing athletic field, Dura-Mesh™ helps schools create facilities that reflect the pride and professionalism of their athletic programs.

Why BIGSIGNS?

BIGSIGNS partners with schools, colleges, universities, parks departments, and sports venue operators nationwide to create custom athletic branding solutions that enhance facilities and strengthen school identity.

From concept and graphic design through manufacturing and installation support, our experienced team helps organizations transform ordinary athletic spaces into memorable environments that support recruiting, fan engagement, sponsor recognition, and school pride.

Ready to Transform Your Athletic Facilities?

Whether you're opening a brand-new sports complex or refreshing an existing athletic venue, custom branding can make a lasting impression on recruits, athletes, alumni, and fans.

Request a FREE custom mock-up today and discover how Dura-Mesh™ Athletic Windscreen can help complete your athletic facility with professional branding designed specifically for your school or organization.