Penn State University Helmets

ISSUE

Penn State wanted to break away from traditional sports marketing materials and create a schedule poster that would truly stand out. They had come across KEP’s innovative Pop-Up Helmet product and approached us to explore whether this concept could be reimagined into a poster format—something that could double as a traditional fixture in a fan's space but also offer a dynamic, interactive element.

GOAL

To design and produce a unique piece of print that functioned both as a visually striking schedule poster and as a removable, foldable cardboard helmet—a dual-purpose product that fans could engage with, share, and wear. The solution needed to be visually premium, structurally functional, and feasible to produce at scale within a tight deadline.

SOLUTION

Our team at KEP Print Group went through multiple rounds of prototyping, experimenting with various paper weights, die-cutting options, and finishing techniques to balance strength with flexibility. The final product was a single-sided laminated poster—durable enough to be displayed proudly on a wall, yet precision die-cut so that the helmet could be easily punched out and assembled by hand.

We delivered 12,000 units within a rapid 3-week turnaround time, managing all production and logistics internally to meet Penn State’s event-driven schedule.

RESULT

The innovation generated a huge buzz. Penn State’s social media video showcasing the poster-helmet hybrid attracted over 300,000 views across various platforms, with widespread engagement from fans and media alike. Coverage highlighted the unique design and praised Penn State for its forward-thinking fan engagement strategy—positioning the university as a leader in sports marketing creativity.

The success of this activation underscored KEP’s capabilities in blending traditional print with experiential design, delivering both function and flair for one of America’s most competitive sports brands.