With the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol college football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech dominating headlines this weekend, Danny Wilson put his skills to good use to help celebrate the event.
The Elizabethton local put his illustrating talents to good use to remember the historic contest taking place at Bristol Motor Speedway by creating a commemorative poster within his production studio in Knoxville.
As a fan of athletics, coming up with a way to recognize the game dubbed as “College Football’s Biggest Ever” wasn’t too difficult, he said.
“It’s going to be the biggest college football game ever,” Wilson added. “I kept thinking of a way to celebrate the event so I started to create a poster capturing both the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech.”
Even though Wilson is a proud 1984 Volunteer graduate, it didn’t hamper his ability to spread the love for both teams on the poster. And the hard work placed on the item is being noticed by fans on both sides. The poster features both Virginia and Tennessee state flags, both teams’ mascots, players from both teams and an image of Bristol Motor Speedway at the bottom.
“We’ve been selling these posters since August 6 and I’d say we’ve sold over 775 posters so far,” Wilson said Thursday, before making his way to Bristol. The illustrator set up shop in the heart of Bristol signing and selling posters as fans poured in to prepare for Saturday’s game.
The special item has been on sale in Knoxville at a variety of stores, including Hound Dogs, and will be on sale inside BMS during the game.
But as a fan of the Vols, Wilson said he’s going to take in the game to cheer on his alma-mater.
“I’ve been looking forward to this game,” he said. “I plan on taking in the game with my family and friends.”
Once the dust settles from Saturday’s game, the poster will still be available for football fans to remember the historic evening, Wilson said.
Starting at a young age, the Elizabethton High School graduate had a knack for creating images, whether it was the creation of “Tuffy,” the mascot for the Elizabethton Cyclones, working on murals within the Citizens Bank Stadium or his work in Knoxville, Wilson stays busy.
Wilson’s worked doesn’t stop in Elizabethton or Knoxville, either. The former resident curated a mural that is still showcased to this day at the Hoover Dam. Wilson also recounted his time working with professional country-pop music star Taylor Swift to create a backstage drop with a 1950s-vibe that was used for a meet-and-greet area for fans.
“This has been something I really enjoyed,” Wilson said, while recounting stories of working in Thompson Boling Arena.
Full documentation of the various projects Wilson has participated in can be viewed at dannywilson.format.com, along with a brief bio. Any individuals still wanting to purchase a Battle at Bristol poster from Wilson can visit battleposter.dannywilson.com or visit the Danny Wilson’s “Battle at Bristol” poster Facebook page online. Posters are currently on sale for $20.