Blog
Welsh Ryan Arena Concession Makeover
Shortly after the $110 million renovation at Welsh Ryan Arena, I had the incredible opportunity to take creative direction to create designs for the concessions. It was an honor to work on such an iconic venue, and this project marked a significant milestone early in my career. With the goal of elevating the experience at the arena, I embarked on a journey to create unique brands and appealing designs that would catch the attentions of sports attendees.
Exploring the Arena
The first step in the process was to immerse myself in the arena’s atmosphere. I went on a comprehensive tour of the facility, examining each location, learning about the foods they serve and it’s location in the arena. Prior to the renovation, the concessions were generic and lacked any distinctive elements. Armed with this insight, my team and I collectively decided to name each stand after the street it was closest to in Evanston, giving a local touch to each booth.
Designing Unique Concepts
Once the number of concessions were established, I was able to start coming up with individual concepts for each stand. It was a thrilling experience to brainstorm and create designs that would capture the essence of the food served at each location. One standout project was the Central Street menu, where I crafted a logo that effortlessly conveyed the type of cuisine offered. Additionally, I sourced background image that integrated across various materials, further enhancing the visual appeal.
Adding Personal Touches
For the Chicago Street Menu and Isabella Street Menu, I took a hands-on approach. I sourced my own images, edited them into PNGs using Photoshop, and added playful hand-drawn accents using a touch-screen laptop. The result was a fun design that drew attention to the food offerings. Moreover, the Ashland BBQ and Asbury Asian Menu adopted a basketball theme for being located directly on a basketball court corridor. The locations also face each other so it seems appropriate to do a similar yet contrasting design.
Renderings for Decision-making
Renderings played a pivotal role in our decision-making process. By visualizing the concepts in a virtual space, we could assess the materials required for display, ensuring a thoughtful approach. Additionally, the renderings facilitated easy communication, allowing for timely feedback and approval on the proposed materials and designs.
Rapid Ideation
One of the most important factors about this project was the tight timeline for developing concepts. I had to brainstorm and create six distinctive concepts within a single day. Despite the time constraint, I embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and creativity. Through efficient teamwork, dedication, and effective communication, I was able to overcome the tight deadline and deliver outstanding ideas.
A Triumph at Welsh Ryan Arena
The journey of enhancing the concession experience at Welsh Ryan Arena was a testament to the power of thoughtful design and preperation. From visiting the arena and naming each stand after nearby streets to crafting unique and visually appealing menus, the project showcased the importance of attention to detail and a deep understanding of the venue’s atmosphere. This was a great achievement that demonstrated my ability to think of innovative ideas under pressure.
