On November 19, before the Patriots squared off against the Raiders in Mexico City, the NFL paid homage to the host country Mexico and its home country, the United States of America with a pre-game ceremony featuring field-sized flags for both countries.

In order to produce the intended magnitude for the game, two enormous flags were commissioned for use on the field. The flags were displayed during the playing of the national anthems, each held by more than 100 people. Each flag was 120’ x 75’, stretching from the 40-yard line to the goal line. Surrounded by fireworks, members of the military and the football teams, the flags helped to provide a level of majesty to the 80,000+ attendees.

Vision Graphics was selected to produce the flags, each of which required more than 9,000 square feet of fabric. In order to be functional on the field, Vision Graphics helped recommend materials that would allow the flags to billow and move properly on the field. According to Gene Chambers, “We used a special fence fabric, which has perforations. This mesh-style fabric allows the entire flag to breathe a little bit and move up and down without becoming a parachute.”

The flags were created using 10’-wide strips which were sewn together to create the entire flag. According to Chambers, “The edges were given a reinforced hem all the way around the perimeter. We worked to create a product that would perform well in Mexico City and be able to be used again in future games. This provides the NFL with an extra level of value. We also have the space to be able to lay out this size of a product. Were able to check the measurements, which is something that few people in this business have.”

Additionally, Vision Graphics produced the graphics that were used on the arches where the players from both teams would enter the field. Having produced graphics for multiple NFL events, including Super Bowls and Pro Bowls, Vision Graphics is familiar with the nuances of the football game spectacle. In addition to producing vibrant exciting graphics for the on-field decorations, Vision Graphics understands the pace at which those elements must be erected and displayed and then torn down and removed for gameplay. Chambers also mentioned, “Vision Graphics has worked with the NFL and its partners for many years. We produce a quality product and we deliver on time and we have helped them with a lot of very tricky and unusual applications for their events. We have helped them in the past with design and the whole works.”

Vision Graphics has 15 years of experience working with the most exacting clients in high-pressure, demanding events. We’re ready to apply the expertise of our project consultants, design team and production resources to make your event beautiful.

As an aside, the Patriots cruised past the Raiders that day, with a final score of 33-8.

Cafe Rio, a chain of fresh restaurants featuring fresh Mexican Grill favorites, recently finished a re-branding effort. This initiative includes a new interior design theme which provides a more sophisticated, cleaner images and digital displays. The re-designed elements will work together to emphasize the company’s commitment to fresh, natural and delicious.

This new look is featured in one of the newest Utah locations, located at 6973 S 1300 E in Cottonwood Heights. This location replaces an older Cafe Rio location.

While the design met all expectations on paper, executing the design through production and installation required a partner who would be able to produce a large variety of graphic elements.

Vision Graphics (An SBR Technologies company) worked side-by-side with Cafe Rio from start to finish, suggesting substrates, overlams and mounting options. Rather than a canned package of signs and art, Vision Graphics worked with Cafe Rio management to accommodate various challenges. Two examples included the fabric wall coverings and back-lit signs.

Cafe Rio wanted to add a fabric element to its walls, surrounding two of the new digital displays. These areas are high-traffic and require a finish to allow for durability and cleaning.

In the case of the back-lit signage, the case for the display use a bright LED and didn’t offer the customary depth.

Both cases presented challenges which needed to be solved in order to offer the desired environmental touch. In the case of the fabric, Vision Graphics brought its expertise to the table to offer the substrate and finish to meet the environmental needs while maintaining the look and feel. The back-lit signage was solved through a process of experimental production processes and the light was eventually diffused properly to achieve the correct look.

As Cafe Rio prepares to build new locations while remodeling its 80 current stores, Vision Graphics will continue to act as a trusted partner, working to ensure a look and feel the accomplishes the overall mission of the environmental look and feel.