Slam Sumer Classic Vol.4
Client: SLAM
Role: Art Direction, Visual Identity Design, Event Branding
Overview
SLAM Summer Classic is the premier HS basketball showcase, bringing elite players from across the nation to the mecca of basketball at Rucker Park. Amplify was engaged to craft a complete visual identity system and on-site brand experience that would capture the tournament’s energy, honor its streetball heritage, and create a bold presence across digital and physical platforms.
Challenge
We needed to create a look that felt authentically NYC basketball yet premium and modern, appealing to both the basketball community and SLAM’s global audience. The system had to work seamlessly across event signage, jerseys, merch, and social media.
We had to translate the raw energy of NYC park basketball into a cohesive visual brand. And deliver high-impact visuals that could stand out both in-person and online.
Execution & Deliverables:
Pre-event Marketing
• Social Media promotions
• Player Announcements
• Schedule of events
• Sponsor Pitch Decks
In-Event Visuals
• Team Double-Decker Tour Bus
• Merchandise and VIP Tents
• On/Off-Court Signage
• Giant "Sportsmanship Award" Check
Post-Event Visuals
• Social Media promotions
• SLAM SSCV4 Movie
• Original SLAM series
Slam Summer Classic Vol.4 Pre-Event Marketing Campaign / Strategy
Player Announcements - To help promote the star-studded event, social graphics were designed for each athlete to post. Players announced they will be playing in the SSCV4 via posting their customized graphic via Instagram and Twitter.
Roster Announcements - Shortly after announcing the date/location of the SSCV4, basketball fans were hungry to know what top HS hoopers would be playing. We announced both Boys and Girls team rosters via branded social graphics.
SSCV4 x Champs Sports Sweepstakes - To get HS hoop fans more engaged, we put together a sweepstakes where fans submit a photo wearing wearing there best Champs Sports gear. The top entries were chosen by the LeagueFits panel and the winner received VIP Passes to all the Summer Classic weekend events.
Slam Summer Classic Vol.4 Event Visuals
Team Double-Decker Tour Bus - I designed the SLAM magazine wrapped team tour bus. This bus took the teams throughout NYC visiting the NYC Experience, Champs Store, Gouchos, Def Jam lounge and the hotel where players and family stayed.
Merchandise Tents - I designed the pop-up tents where limited and special edition SLAM merchandise were sold. I also designed the tents where VIPs would chill, eat and vibe out without the crowd.
On/Off-Court Signage - All SSCV4 branded everything. Game-ball, Center-court, Backboard, sideline and seating decals. All visuals were cohesive with the SSCV4 branding identity.
Giant Sportsmanship Award Check - Gatorade partnered with the event to award $10,000 to the player who showed the best sportsmanship. The awards went to future basketball stars Jared McCain and Jada Williams.
SLAM Summer Classic Post-Event Visuals/Content
The footage of the weekend's events and behind the scenes were all collected and chopped up and used in SLAM original YouTube series and short form social media clips.
The Movie - recap of the entire SLAM Summer Classic weekend. I lead the design for the in-video graphics, lower thirds, end cards etc.
SLAM Ad Libs - A fun original series that uses the bts interviews of the players and turns them into new concocted, enhanced stories.
We had the opportunity to design the visual identity system for SLAM AD LIBS. A fun youtube series where SLAM asks top HS hoopers a set of questions and uses their responses to formulate a story. At the end of the interview, each player reads back their newly, enhanced story.
I lead creative direction for the following:
– Primary & Secondary logos/icons
– Animated Logo set
– Social Media graphics (IG, Twitter, TikTok)
– YouTube graphics (long-form video)
