It’s one of the most recognized logos in the world, starring a Chicago legend. And just before the 2016 NFL Draft kicked off, ER2 Image Group was hard at work, installing a 20-foot Jumpman inside Jordan brand HQ at 32 South State in Chicago.
The Ask
The Jordan team was in need of a massive logo inlay to welcome NFL pros, draftees and local athletes. Along with the logo, artificial turf needed to be installed to bring the gridiron theme to life.
At ER2, we don’t balk at big projects with lightning-fast turnarounds. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and get it done. The Jordan project went from concept to install in just seven days.
The Design
Because of the fast turnaround, we elected to do a stenciling of the logo. Our install crew at ER2 had the ability to contact the turf company directly. This close working relationship allowed us to test beforehand to help ensure a seamless install.
To create the football field surface surrounding the logo, we used artificial turf that’s one step below actual turf that’s used professionally. (Fun fact: the tiny rubber pellets found in professional turf are actually ground up tires and tennis shoes!)
To create the logo, 10 separate logo pieces were made, and those pieces came together like a jigsaw puzzle to bring the Jumpman to life. Before the install in Chicago, we laid it out in our parking lot to make sure the dimensions were correct. Then it was game time. We were off to Chicago.
The Install
We headed to the second floor of the Jordan space on State Street. While the first floor is a beautiful retail space, the one above it is an exclusive training facility for Chicago and Jordan brand athletes. During the NFL draft, this space served as an invite-only place for football stars to hang out and work out together.
We spent the first two hours—8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.—mapping everything out and making sure the proportions were on point in the 44’ x 72’ room. Then, we started with the Jumpman in the middle and worked our way outward. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., we installed. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., we stenciled. When it was all said and done, the logo’s height was 20 feet (from the right toe to the top of the ball).
The Results
The install was smooth, and we had a blast installing a logo that’s near and dear to our Chicago-bred hearts. Tim Evans, Senior National Sales Director at ER2, was a key component in facilitating this memorable project according to Toby Kurian, Head of Corporate Relations at Limitless Creative—a company contracted by The Jordan brand— who said, “We will absolutely work with Tim and ER2 again. They are timely, they deliver on their promises and continue to go beyond our expectations.”
Do you have a signage or installation need? ER2 is ready to slam it home. Just let us know what’s on your mind.
