2019 NBA Draft Ceremony at the American Airlines Arena
The NBA Draft is one of basketball’s most anticipated moments — where the future of the league is shaped and rising stars step into the spotlight. In 2019, when the event came to American Airlines Arena (now Kaseya Center), Darkhorse Miami was tapped to elevate the atmosphere with bold, immersive visuals worthy of the occasion.
The Brief: Turn the Arena into a Celebration of the Game
As the home of the Miami Heat, the arena already pulsed with energy. But for this special occasion, we were tasked with transforming it into a space that captured the excitement, prestige, and celebration of draft night — while also creating a branded environment perfect for photos, sponsors, and media coverage.
Our Playbook: Vibrant Visuals with Maximum Impact
To bring the NBA Draft Ceremony to life, our team focused on strategic branding and creative fabrication throughout the venue:
- Custom Backdrops: Designed to frame key moments like interviews, press conferences, and photo ops with team reps and players.
- Wall Graphics and Decals: Installed across hallways and gathering spaces to infuse every corner with team colors, sponsor logos, and NBA visual identity.
- Merchandise Stand Wraps: Branded retail setups for exclusive event merchandise — turning sales points into sleek, on-brand experiences.
Each element was designed to enhance fan engagement, provide clean visibility for sponsors, and maintain the NBA’s premium brand standards.