Backlit Sign Panels for Defending the Blue Line in Hastings, MN

As much as we prefer to have project deadlines that are a few weeks out, we understand that life happens and sometimes you need signage right away. We recently had the opportunity to assist one of our clients with a short deadline and are thrilled with the results.

Less than two weeks prior to a key event, our client and partner, Defending the Blue line (DTBL), came to Impression Signs and Graphics with a unique request.  DTBL’s replica hockey arena office space, built through the generosity of McGough Construction, was nearly complete.  It still needed the red lines, blue lines, and the center circle, for which Impression Signs and Graphics was already on task to complete with printed and cut carpet graphics.  What was missing was a Jumbotron.

Two volunteer supporters of DTBL came to action and built a wood frame structure while Impression Signs and Graphics worked on the graphic design which incorporated game photos (courtesy of the Minnesota Wild) and sponsor logos.  The desire was to create the experience of lit Jumbotron screens. Delivery of the wood structure was delayed due to bad weather, which put the project on a tighter timeline as we couldn’t start printing until we had confirmed measurements and had a chance to see the structure’s actual design.

We created backlit sign panels by printing on translucent vinyl applied to translucent white acrylic sheets, which were installed on the face of the structure.  In addition, printed vinyl graphics were placed on the upper and lower circle structures to create the effect of an LED dynamic digital display, and a hockey puck/logo graphic was mounted to a foamed PVC circle placed on the bottom of the center circle structure.

With hard work, creative problem solving, and a team effort, the Jumbotron was safely installed onsite by volunteers. A backlight source was added to the inside of the structure, and additional lighting was added to the outside.  In the end, everything was perfect, and just in time for the NHL Players Association Goals and Dreams Foundation event complete with Minnesota Wild team members Darcy Kuemper, Jason Pominville, Keith Ballard, and Charlie Coyle, and more importantly, dozens of children from military families who proudly serve or have served our country.

Impression Signs and Graphics has also provided several other custom solutions for Defending the Blue line, including wall graphics, trailer decals, golf event signage, and a custom camo ATV wrap.

We pride ourselves on working hard to make our client’s deadline each and every time and feel privileged that we were able to be a part of this project.