Graphic Impact was honored to play a key role in a recent tribute to one of the University of Arizona’s most revered figures—Coach Dick Tomey. With the official naming of the University of Arizona Practice Fields in his honor, the task of designing, producing, and installing a graphic worthy of his legacy was not taken lightly.

We were proud to take on the responsibility of creating a striking visual tribute that reflected not just the scale of the location, but the magnitude of Coach Tomey's impact on the university and its community. This was more than a print job—it was a lasting statement.

Crafting a Large-Scale, High-Quality Graphic

To match the significance of the event, the graphic had to be bold, durable, and visually powerful. The surface? Corrugated metal—known for its industrial texture and, admittedly, its installation challenges. But challenges are what we do best at Graphic Impact.

We began by choosing a high-performance vinyl, engineered specifically for long-term outdoor use. This vinyl was then digitally printed using high-resolution technology, capturing every detail, every line, and every gradient with stunning clarity. The result was a vivid image that would stand out against the sun and weather of Tucson.

Durability Matters: Why We Use Film Laminate

After the printing process, we applied a protective film laminate to the entire graphic. This step isn't just about adding a bit of shine. It's a critical part of increasing the life of the print. Lamination protects against UV rays, scratches, fading, and even graffiti—making sure the graphic continues looking its best for years to come.

It’s these kinds of thoughtful additions that separate a short-term solution from a true long-term installation. Our team understands what it means to produce signage that reflects the spirit of a community and the pride of a campus.

Overcoming Installation Challenges on Corrugated Surfaces

Corrugated metal presents a unique set of obstacles for any graphic application. The ridges and valleys require careful precision and expertise during installation to avoid air bubbles, misalignment, and premature wear. We approached this part of the job with careful planning, thorough testing, and a team of highly trained installers.

Using heat and pressure, along with custom cutting and trimming, the final product adhered perfectly to the contours of the surface. Not only does the graphic stand out visually—it’s fully integrated into the architecture, appearing as though it belongs there naturally.

A Local Legacy and a Local Business

Coach Dick Tomey left behind a legacy of leadership, perseverance, and excellence. At Graphic Impact, we strive to embody those same values in every project we undertake. Founded in 1989, we've been a part of the Tucson business community for over 35 years. During that time, we've supported the University of Arizona through athletics, academics, and community initiatives.

This project was more than business. It was about heritage, pride, and leaving a mark. Being selected to contribute to this tribute was an emotional and professional highlight for our team.

From Tribute Installations to Vehicle Wraps

While this high-profile tribute garnered attention, it's only one example of the types of work we do at Graphic Impact. Whether you're looking to honor a local legend or turn heads on the road with a custom vehicle wrap, our team has the creativity and experience to deliver.

We offer complete design, production, and installation services—all done in-house. That means quicker turnaround times, lower costs, and higher quality control. If you can dream it, we can print it—and install it with precision and care.

Put Our Experience to Work for You

Graphic Impact is proud to be Tucson-born and Tucson-strong. Our mission is to help local organizations, businesses, and individuals bring their messages to life with clarity and impact. Every banner, every wrap, every sign—we treat each one like it's going up on our own wall.

So whether you're planning a tribute installation, a building wrap, a fleet of branded vehicles, or a single promotional banner, we invite you to reach out. Let us show you what three decades of experience, technology, and dedication can do for your brand.

Ready to get started? Give us a call or stop by our facility.