Inflatable Tunnel Generates Excitement for Mining-Town Team

Inflatable "Mine Shaft" Tunnel Generates a Thrilling Entrance

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia's coal country, Mingo Central High School is justly proud of its mining heritage. When the school sought a symbol to inspire its team and thrill its fans at home games, they settled on... a mine shaft. An inflatable one, that is.

Says Mingo Football Boosters Club's Wes Wilson, "We wanted something special, unique, and that encapsulated our logo." That's exactly what they got.

At 11.5 feet tall, Mingo's inflatable "Mine Shaft" makes a dramatic impression. It's also an integral part of a beloved kickoff ritual. As the Mingo Miners exit the locker room, members touch a piece of coal from an old mine for luck. Then, as excitement builds, the team bursts through the tunnel and roars onto the field.

The crowd eats it up. In fact, the team's thrilling entrance is now so popular that fans show up extra early to see how it works.

Why did Mingo choose Landmark Creations to design and build their inflatable tunnel? According to Wes Wilson, Landmark's reputation was key. "We had heard nothing BUT positive comments towards the quality and craftsmanship of their tunnels," he says. Mingo football fans would agree!

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"Landmark created two inflatable Truman the Tigers for us, and they were incredibly easy to work with, as well as very affordable."

- Michelle Froese, Missouri University

The inflatable complements our messaging since Ivar’s is a quirky restaurant that’s known for its antics.

- J. Werth, Ivar's Restaurant

"Our tunnel was also a great addition to our pre-game tradition: the Wildcat walk. Our city shuts down three blocks of downtown, and we have hundreds of fans lining the streets with a police escort, while we walk to the stadium."

- Sam Baker, Head Football Coach at Waconia High School

“The inflatable finish arch looked fantastic! Local media was also there filming, so photos and videos of our race were viewed by many with our logo front and center.”

- David Parker, Pacific Road Runners Club

"The inflatable arch allows for safe and easy setup and takedown. People have raved about the arch and have made requests to have it at their events."

- Karen Klevesahl, SMET Construction

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes