FastSigns installed digitally printed hockey tournament logos and larger-than-life images of star players along concrete walls and stairwells throughout the arena. A high-tack vinyl material was chosen to meet the challenge of adhering to the porous surfaces.

“All of the graphics applied directly to concrete could be peeled off when the event was over,” says LeBlanc. “These included stair raisers, where we split up the image for application onto the different steps, so when you’re far away, they combine to create one vertical image.”

When decorating this interior area, around the rink, LeBlanc worked to ensure the graphics could be seen from all viewing points. With this in mind, his team measured sectional railings beforehand, so they could add colourful banners along them.

“In fact, this type of banner doesn’t require professional installation,” he says. “We just measure the size of the railing and we can make a banner to fit whatever length along it. Then the clients can even zip-strap it on themselves. You just attach it at the top and the bottom and suddenly you have a decorated railing.”

As for backlit signage, the venue already had several lightboxes in place, but these featured sponsorship graphics that were not part of the Esso Cup event.
“We simply put up temporary graphics overtop the normal advertising,” LeBlanc explains, “then peeled them off after the tournament, allowing the old sign face to come back to life.”

Up to spec
It took a large team of skilled sign installation professionals, operating a scissor lift, to complete the graphic applications to project specifications within the short period allotted. Fortunately, when working in tight corridors and clearances during the installation phase, the team benefited greatly from the precise measurements taken earlier.

According to LeBlanc, all of the materials did indeed withstand the pressures of the cold, high-traffic environment and Hockey Canada was very happy about the sense of ease associated with the project.

“We’re certainly happy to be part of the Esso Cup for Hockey Canada,” says LeBlanc, who has provided graphics over the years for trade shows, condominium presentation centres, the annual Vancouver Tourism Awards ceremonies and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., among other projects. “One of the most fun things about the sign business is all of the different events we can be a part of.”

With files from FastSigns International, a signage and graphics franchise system. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.