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Arena design energizing student-athletes
on and off the ice
As part of a significant expansion and fundraising effort for Sacred Heart University (SHU) athletics, The Martire Family Arena serves as the hub for all things Pioneer ice sports, including the new home for both men’s and women’s hockey programs, university club teams, and renowned figure skating program.
JLG Architects, SLAM Collaborative and DI teamed up to breathe SHU spirit into the renowned three-story facility. DI was responsible for custom signage, wayfinding, donor recognition, experience design and branded elements throughout the arena’s footprint, including dedicated locker rooms and training facilities, coaches' offices, general concourse areas, guest suites and more – all coated with a healthy splash of Pioneer red and white.
DI also created several “wow” moments inside the arena. Upon the suite-level entry, large backlit acrylic letters spell out “Sacred Heart Pioneers.” Each dimensional letter is motion-sensitive, illuminating red when a visitor walks by – as they make their way down the hallway, the red will follow, transcending to each letter along the way.
Other picturesque elements inside The Martire Family Arena include a hockey stick-inspired sponsorship recognition wall, a player commitment wall composed of adjustable, signed pucks, and giant face-lit ceiling elements illustrating the SHU Pioneer logo inside both men’s and women’s locker rooms. The Pioneer ceiling elements not only hover above the locker rooms but also project the mascot’s image seamlessly onto the floor – a quest that required some digital finessing from our tech team.
Through holistic branding, storytelling and immersive displays around every corner of the multi-purpose facility, DI helped make The Martire Family Arena an energetic and memorable place for SHU to honor its past, grow its future and continue its legacy on and off the ice.
Learn more about athlete facilities, branded facility design, and locker room renovation.
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Justin Wood
Principal / Sports + Higher Education Practice Director
With over 20 years of experience communicating and developing meaningful projects with clients, Justin Wood brings an unparalleled range of expertise to Dimensional Innovations. As the Sports and Higher Education Practice Director,... more about Justin Wood
Eric Buckels
Account Director / Sports + Higher Education
As an Associate Account Director, Eric’s primary focus lies in actively listening to and comprehending his clients’ requirements, enabling him to guide proficient teams that excel in problem-solving and crafting exceptional... more about Eric Buckels
