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College Sports

Sacred Heart University

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

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 Justin Wood 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, Justin feeds his passion for developing matchless, engaging experiences for our clients by focusing on dynamic environments. He has led the charge of building these practice portfolios through developing sponsorship activations, halls of fame and immersive branding experiences.

His leadership in projects help clients and brands improve the pro and collegiate experience by connecting their story to interactive and physical environments. Justin’s resume also boasts seven years of running his own design-build consulting company.

Justin’s portfolio of projects has appeared in multiple sports market publications, and he has presented at ALSD, SEGD’s Dynamic Environments series and at multiple Sports Business Journal workshops. Justin was named as an SBJ Power Player in 2020.

Eric Buckels

Eric Buckels

Associate Account Director

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 Eric Buckels Eric Buckels Associate Account Director

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 experiences within DI's sports and higher education practices. Eric possesses a distinctive talent for anticipating issues and swiftly devising solutions while cultivating trust among his clients and project collaborators.

With a wealth of experience spanning diverse project types encompassing sports heritage, experiential branding, immersive technology, sponsorship activation, recruitment and retention strategies, Eric brings a comprehensive approach to guiding clients seamlessly through every phase of their projects. Each successful project has enriched his ability to create impactful and innovative solutions tailored to the ever-evolving landscape of sports and higher education experiences.

 
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Every big opportunity starts with a small step forward. We're here to help you! Let’s jump on the phone, say hello, and discuss your virtual meeting or experience need, in a quick 15-minute FIT call. Prefer email? That's cool, too! Drop us a line - we're always happy to connect.

Get In Touch With Our Experts

Every big opportunity starts with a small step forward. We're here to help you! Let’s jump on the phone, say hello and discuss your need, idea or project in a quick 15-minute FIT call. Prefer email? That's cool, too! Drop us a line - we're always happy to connect.

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