Super Bowl XLVI is almost here, and living in Indianapolis, we have the advantage of experiencing it all up close this year. Excitement has been building this month as the city prepares for Super Bowl fans and celebrities to migrate into the city for all of the sports-related events. A big part of bringing people into the city (and making Indianapolis look first-class) is good advertising. The messaging has to be successful in establishing Indianapolis as a fun and safe city.
A visit to downtown Indy will expose you to various signage and the construction of the Super Bowl Village. Some of the street signage I noticed advertised the Super Bowl zones and routes, along with renamed street signs to honor the event. The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association will launch a campaign to get visitors into the “Super City” before the Super Bowl weekend. As always, you have to spend money to make money, but all money spent on advertising expects to be brought back to the city from the visitors.
All artwork for the events appears to be strong. The official 2012 Super Bowl logo showcases a shiny, structured logo featuring the Lucas Oil Stadium in the background and emphasizing the Roman Numerals. Designers of the logo decided to keep the look consistent with the previous logo from 2011. Also, the “Know Before You Go” program has designated street signs for the “Super Route” and “Bowl Route” for out-of-towners navigating downtown. Directional signage is always needed when people unfamiliar with an area are visiting. Use of striking imagery and bright colors are a plus as well to draw attention.
I snapped this photo recently while downtown. A few Super Bowl signs are visible.
