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

“He’s fantastic! And already promised to four stores... Thank everyone for all their great work.”

- Precision Tune Auto Care

"This year’s event was the highest attended in some time, and the [inflatable] astronaut, front and center on our Portico, was a great visible draw from all over the area."

- Dennis Bateman, Carnegie Science Center

“The likeness to our company mascot was amazing. We used the balloon at the Winn Dixie Home & Garden show ... and we have had rave reviews.”

- Christy Bernard, Tony Chachere’s

"[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

"I was especially impressed with your ability to turn around such excellent work on very short notice, and at a fair price."

- R. Stever-Zeitlin, General Mills

"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