Building Community With Iconic Signs: The Nostalgia of Cheney Stadium

IN CITIES AND TOWNS WORLDWIDE, CERTAIN SIGNS HAVE TRANSCENDED THEIR ROLES AS MERE MARKERS OR ADVERTISEMENTS TO BECOME CULTURAL ICONS. THESE SIGNS DO MORE THAN MERELY IDENTIFY BUSINESSES OR LANDMARKS; THEY CAPTURE THE HEART AND ESSENCE OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY BELONG TO. A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE SIGNAGE AT CHENEY STADIUM IN TACOMA, WASHINGTON

The Historical Context of Cheney Stadium's Signage

Cheney Stadium, known in Tacoma, Washington as R House, has earned the nickname “100-Day Wonder” for a good reason! Back in 1960, it went from just an idea to a fully finished new ballpark in around 100 days, just in time to welcome the Tacoma Giants for their first season in the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Ever since, this charming ballpark has been a constant home for Tacoma’s Triple-A baseball teams and proudly holds the title of the oldest continually operated Triple-A stadium.

From the moment it was built in 1960, Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA, has been the hub for the city’s Triple-A baseball teams, hosting affiliates of seven different Major League Baseball clubs. Since 1995, it has been the cozy home base for the Tacoma Rainiers, the nearby Seattle Mariners’ Triple-A team.

In 2009, the Schlegel Sports Group decided to remain, signing a 32-year lease to stay at the stadium. Tacoma’s supportive voters even approved a $28 million facelift, which included adding two new signs to help visitors find the somewhat elusive parking lot.

Tacoma-based Plumb Signs had previously teamed with Daktronics to create a brand-new scoreboard and worked alongside Mortenson Construction to craft Cheney Stadium’s wayfinding signs. In 2014, Plumb Signs took on the task of partnering with the Rainiers' Creative Director, Tony Capnea, to design the two new directional signs, earning praise and recognition for their fantastic work. The Seattle chapter of the 2015 American Advertising Awards honored them with a Silver “Addy” for excellence in static signage or still imagery. Plumb Signs has proudly continued to contribute to the stadium’s signage projects as it has grown over the years.

Why Do Some Signs Become Iconic?

Cultural Significance

Signs such as the ones at Cheney Stadium hold immense cultural significance. They are not just identifiers but symbols of the local heritage and shared experiences. Cheney Stadium's signage represents decades of baseball history, local pride, and community unity. 

Visual Appeal

Visual appeal plays a crucial role in making signage iconic within a community by capturing the attention of both locals and visitors, creating memorable impressions that linger in the minds of those who see them, and fostering a strong sense of identity that resonates deeply with the community. This visual allure can transform an ordinary sign into an extraordinary symbol that embodies the spirit and character of its surroundings.

Social Media Influence

In today's digital age, iconic signs quickly gain widespread recognition through social media. People love taking selfies in front of signs and sharing images in front of unique and beautiful signs, which helps to elevate their status. Cheney Stadium’s sign has been a backdrop for countless social media posts, contributing to its fame and drawing visitors eager to capture their own piece of Tacoma’s sports legacy.

Community Engagement

Signs often become focal points for community gatherings. They serve as meeting spots for events, celebrations, and casual hangouts, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. Cheney Stadium’s sign is more than a landmark; it is a gathering point where fans and families come together to create cherished memories.

Tourism

Unique signs attract tourists, who contribute significantly to the local economy. By visiting these landmarks, travelers not only boost tourism but also spread the word about the community's attractions. Cheney Stadium’s iconic sign draws not just local fans but baseball enthusiasts from afar, eager to experience the stadium’s history and charm.

Storytelling

Every iconic sign has a story to tell, often reflecting the history of its surroundings. The Cheney Stadium sign tells the tale of a city with a rich baseball heritage, a community that rallied to renovate its beloved stadium, and a commitment to preserving local culture. Such stories forge an emotional connection, making the sign more than just a visual marker.

Nostalgia

Over time, signs become intertwined with personal and collective memories. For many Tacoma residents, Cheney Stadium’s sign evokes nostalgia for childhood games, family outings, and community celebrations. This deep-seated connection makes the sign a cherished landmark, symbolizing fond memories and personal history.

Check out the Gallery of Iconic Cheney Stadium Signage Created by Plumb Signs Inc.

Conclusion

Iconic signs like those at Cheney Stadium are more than just visual elements—they are integral parts of their communities. They carry cultural weight, evoke nostalgia, and foster community engagement. Whether drawing tourists, sparking social media buzz, or simply serving as a beloved landmark, these signs are invaluable assets to their cities.

For businesses and communities alike, understanding the potential of their signage can lead to deeper connections with their audience and a lasting legacy. If you're looking to create an impactful sign that resonates with your local community, our team is here to bring your vision to life with expertise and creativity.

If you're searching for a partner for your stadium signage project, Plumb Signs Inc. is your go-to choice. We offer comprehensive services from signage design to fabrication and installation, ensuring your project is a grand slam success!