Vinyl banners are commonly associated with short-term signage—event announcements, temporary promotions, or directional signs. But at Graphic Impact, we’ve taken this medium to the next level. Our latest project at the University of Arizona’s Hillenbrand Stadium is a prime example of how a temporary vinyl banner can serve as a powerful and cost-effective way to preview a major permanent installation.

In this case, Graphic Impact designed, printed, and installed a 40-foot vinyl banner that gives a full-scale visual of what will soon become the Hillenbrand Wall of Honor—a permanent wall display honoring past and present Wildcats. This temporary banner was strategically timed to be unveiled during the high-visibility NCAA Regional and Super Regional softball games, allowing thousands of fans and alumni to experience a glimpse of the future.

Bringing a Vision to Life—Temporarily

When the University of Arizona approached us with this project, they needed a way to generate excitement and build support for a planned wall of recognition. The wall itself would take months to design and construct, but the upcoming games provided an unmissable opportunity to showcase the vision. That’s where a high-resolution, full-scale vinyl banner came into play.

The goal wasn’t just to decorate a blank space—it was to preview a legacy. Our team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure every detail on the banner would match the future permanent display, from branding and layout to names and color palettes. The result was a banner that told a story—temporarily—with the impact of something far more permanent.

Why Use a Vinyl Banner for Pre-Construction Visualization?

This project is a textbook example of the smart, strategic use of temporary signage. Rather than waiting for months to unveil the final product, the University was able to display a full-color, realistic rendering of the future wall immediately. Here’s why this approach works so well:

• Instant Visualization: Stakeholders can see exactly what the finished project will look like.
• Cost-Effective: A banner is a fraction of the cost of architectural mockups or temporary structures.
• Engagement: Visitors, fans, and alumni become part of the process, building anticipation and pride.
• Timely Impact: Perfect for showcasing during high-traffic events like tournaments or alumni weekends.

Designing the Banner with Long-Term Vision

Although the banner itself is temporary, the design process followed the same rigorous standards we use for permanent displays. Our designers created a scaled layout that mirrored the final wall’s expected dimensions and proportions. All artwork was approved in collaboration with the university, and every visual element—text, logos, and photos—was printed with clarity and accuracy in mind.

Using high-grade vinyl and UV-resistant inks, we produced a banner that would look great in both daylight and stadium lighting conditions. It needed to hold up outdoors but be easy to remove once the permanent wall was ready to install.

Seamless Production and Installation

Once the design was finalized, our production team took over. The 40-foot-long banner was printed in sections using our large-format printers and joined together to form a seamless display. Reinforced hems and grommets ensured secure installation onto the stadium’s façade. Our experienced installation crew mounted the banner with precision—making sure it stayed taut and wrinkle-free for the duration of its display period.

The result? A jaw-dropping preview of the future Hillenbrand Wall of Honor that fans couldn’t miss as they entered the stadium.

Unveiled During NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals

The banner was revealed just in time for two of the biggest events of the college softball season—the NCAA Regional and Super Regional games. With packed stands and national attention, the timing couldn’t have been better. The banner did more than fill a space—it elevated the entire fan experience and gave the Wildcat community something to rally around.

From Temporary Graphic to Permanent Tribute

This vinyl banner is only the beginning. As the permanent wall is developed, the banner has already served its purpose: providing a tangible preview, igniting support, and generating excitement. Graphic Impact will continue to play a key role as the final wall takes shape—applying the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the temporary display.

Once the Hillenbrand Wall of Honor is complete, it will serve as a lasting tribute to the athletes, coaches, and supporters who have shaped the program’s history. And it all started with a 40-foot banner that showed the future before a single brick was laid.

Follow the Project to Its Completion

Want to see how the Hillenbrand Wall of Honor comes to life? Be sure to follow us on Facebook and check back here on our blog for project updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and the final reveal.

Have a vision of your own? Whether you need a temporary banner, a permanent installation, or something in between—Graphic Impact has the expertise and technology to bring it to life.