At Smash Design, there’s nothing we love more than applying our creativity to cultural icons and bringing them to life in dynamic new ways. That’s why we were so stoked to deliver this festival props project for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025, sculpting the Statue of Liberty as a sports superstar!
This was a chance to deliver something truly extraordinary for an event packed with sports legends like Tom Brady, Lebron James, and many more. The challenge? Transform America’s most iconic symbol of freedom into dynamic sports sculptures that would embody the energy and excitement of New York’s biggest fan festival. Here’s how we did it:
Bringing Liberty to Life: The Fanatics Fest NYC Vision
As a preferred vendor of global event marketing leader Freeman, Smash Design was tasked with delivering a perfect fusion of landmark NYC iconography and sporting excellence. Our team worked hard to craft two larger-than-life interpretations of Lady Liberty: one capturing a dramatic baseball homerun robbery at the wall, and another triumphantly holding a WWE championship belt high above her head. These oversized props needed to serve as both artistic brand statements and interactive photo opportunities for thousands of festival attendees.
The Smash Design Process: From Concept to Convention Center
Illustrated Design and 3D Modeling
Every great sculpture begins with a vision, and our experiential marketing experts started with 2D illustrations of the desired finished pieces. Next, we used those illustrations to create detailed, 3D digital models of each Statue of Liberty sculpture. Using advanced CAD software, our industrial designers and sculptors refined every detail, from the flowing robes and crown spikes to the precise positioning of the baseball and championship belt. These digital models served as the blueprint for what would become two of the most photographed attractions at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center this summer.
CNC Machining and Fabrication Excellence
The Statue of Liberty at Fanatics Fest sculptures were carved from high-density styrofoam using state-of-the-art industrial CNC machines. This precision manufacturing process allowed us to achieve the intricate details that make these oversized props so compelling. Each sculpture was carved in sections to ensure structural integrity during transport and installation, with careful attention paid to weight distribution and mounting points.
Our seasoned team of talented prop-makers and sculptors then assembled each piece with meticulous precision. The assembly process required a bit of engineering expertise to ensure that each lifesized sculpture could safely support its own weight while maintaining the dynamic poses that make them so visually striking.
Finishing and Artistic Detailing
The transformation from raw styrofoam to museum-quality sculpture involved multiple stages of refinement. Our scenic artists spent hours sanding each surface to achieve the smooth, coppery finish that visitors to Fanatics Fest NYC would expect from the Statue of Liberty.
Following the sanding process, each sculpture received a protective hardcoat application. This crucial step not only provided durability for the high-traffic festival environment but also created the perfect surface for our final paint application. Our artists applied custom-mixed automotive paints to achieve the classic oxidized copper patina that makes the Statue of Liberty instantly recognizable, while highlighting sports-specific details that brought each piece to life.
Creating Unforgettable Photo Opportunities
Transporting and installing oversized props in Manhattan presents unique logistical challenges, but our experienced team navigated the complexity with ease. The sculptures were carefully transported all the way from our Texas studio to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where our installation crew worked with festival organizers to position each piece for maximum visual impact and crowd flow optimization.
The Statue of Liberty at Fanatics Fest sculptures quickly became the festival’s most popular photo destinations. Fans lined up to capture themselves alongside Lady Liberty making that impossible catch or celebrating with championship gold. These interactive moments generated thousands of social media posts, extending the festival’s reach far beyond the convention center walls.
Your Experiential Marketing Hall of Famers
This project exemplifies Smash Design’s commitment to creating extraordinary experiential marketing installations. Our team of handpicked prop makers, sculptors, scenic artists, engineers, and digital designers has built a reputation for delivering the unusual and spectacular for world-famous brands, performers, agencies, and events.
From themed environments and monumental art to stage sets and interactive exhibits, we specialize in transforming spaces and creating memorable, interactive experiences that drive engagement and brand recognition.
Choose Smash Design for Your Next Event
Ready to create unforgettable moments at your next experiential brand marketing event? Smash Design brings decades of expertise in crafting oversized props, sculptures, and themed environments that captivate audiences and generate buzz. Whether you need monumental art, interactive installations, or custom fabrication solutions, our team has the skills and creativity to bring your vision to life.
Contact Smash Design today to discuss how we can make your next event truly extraordinary!