Case Studies

Columbia Firelies

The Columbia Fireflies are the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets.

Winners of Ballpark Digest’s Best New Branding and Logo Award in 2016, the Fireflies play games across the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, including against in-state rivals in Charleston and Greenville. The Columbia Fireflies brand is steeped in Columbia’s history of unity. The firefly mascot was inspired by the actions of a particular species of fireflies found in the Congaree National Park. The Congaree National Park is one of six places in the world where the entire colony of fireflies will synchronize their flashing. This phenomenal display was seen as an appropriate metaphor for the City of Columbia and its people. A spirit of cooperation and unity continues in Columbia today in various forms including education, arts, and cultural events.

Spirit Communications Park

Is a 365-day per year multi-use sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC.

Designed for baseball, concerts, football, soccer and a host of other activities, the venue seats approximately 9,000 for sporting events and up to 15,000 f or major outdoor concerts.

Challenge

Sky Design was contracted by Columbia Fireflies to create a dynamic graphics/ environmental package for Spirit Communications Park when the team relocated from Savannah, Ga.

Part of the original scope of the project was to brand the corridors of the 7,000 square-foot Club Level Lounge, interior common areas and the soffit of the team store to increase the consumer experience through visual interest.

However, just before the project was sent out to bid, these elements were eliminated from the scope. After completion of the rest of the stadium, and in an attempt to keep the facility fresh and new, the decision was made to move forward with these brand elements and discussions of this part of the project were revisited. One challenge was the existing walls were already painted and the new wall coverings had to match the existing paint color,so a sophisticated color matching system was required and not easily found in the Columbia area. Sky Design reached out to FITTS. During the exploration process, it was also determined the venue was in need of some additional wayfinding signage. Typically, the same company cannot provide both product types in-house which would require contracting with two companies to complete the task at hand. The proposed artwork and signage had to be designed, sampled, manufactured, and installed. There was a significant time constraint for getting the prints and signage up as the 2017 South Atlantic League All-Star Game date was quickly approaching. It was going to be the first time the game was held in Columbia since 1992. Sky Design was seeking a solution from FITTS to provide the prints and signage in a very tight time frame.

Solution

Sky Design specified particular substrates for the wall coverings to be printed. The specified material was sourced, tested, color matched, and samples were created.

The design intents for the wall coverings were received from Sky Design. The signage standards were also received for the exterior signage as there were already signs like these in other areas of the stadium. The exterior signs were created in FITTS’ 3D modeling software. All signage products are created in 3D modeling software and run on CNC routers at FITTS. The artwork from SkyDesign was also prepared to be run on FITTS new HP large format latex ink printer.

Models were created and prints were made to ensure the end product was in keeping with the design intent. On-site visits to FITTS were made by Columbia Fireflies and Sky Design so changes or adjustments could be made to the samples immediately if necessary.

After samples and models were approved, both product lines were expedited through production in order to be installed before the All-Star Game at the Spirit Communications Park. The wall coverings depict the history of baseball in Columbia and bring a great degree of visual interest to the luxury suite and reception area. The interior branding in the team store carries forth the brand even more and the interior banding really makes the retail area pop.

Results

In response to project objectives outlined by Sky Design, FITTS developed a plan and schedule to create the necessary wall coverings in the time required and the original design intent was completed.

  • Increasing wayfinding signage for ease of locating seating sections
  • Providing visual interest to the luxury suites and team store
  • Increase through the story of people and events of baseball history as shown on the wall coverings
  • Completion of the original design intent
  • Fulfill the concept of continually keeping the venue fresh and new with the additional signage and the colors
DOWNLOAD FULL CASE STUDY

Latest Insights

Illuminating the Future: The Evolution of LED Lights for Signs

In the world of signage, the journey from traditional fluorescent and neon lights to modern LED light technology has been nothing short of remarkable. The advent of LED lights revolutionized […]

READ MORE

Solutions-Based Manufacturing Brings Answers to Sign and ATM Kiosk Problems

FITTS brings solutions to industry problems through thoughtful, creative designs and manufacturing Solutions-based manufacturing is a mantra at FITTS. This means we are focused on solving a problem, not just […]

READ MORE

Hospital Signs Improve Patient Experience

Great signage programs create a positive patient experience the moment a patient drives onto your campus. Entering a hospital and not knowing the outcome of your visit is scary.  Understanding […]

READ MORE