Lamar Advertising : Brings the Biggest Moments of the 2014 U.S. Open to Life on Hand Painted Billboard

Hand Painted Billboard Reveals the 'Story of the Open' to New York City Commuters

Baton Rouge, LA - September 5, 2014 - Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR) is bringing the essence of the U.S. Open to life on a New York City billboard in a unique way. Whereas one may assume that Lamar would be broadcasting live streaming content from the event in real time on its network of digital billboards, this presentation is of a more artistic nature.

Beginning at 6:30 each morning of the U.S. Open, artist Josh Cochran is hoisted up on Lamar Advertising's billboard standing above the Midtown Tunnel. As part of The "Story of the Open" campaign, created by DDB New York, Cochran hand paints a new addition to the mural based on interpretations of moments from the event and online commentary, such as Roger Federer's selfie with Michael Jordan. Having begun on August 25th with what was essentially a blank canvas, Cochran has been chronicling the Open ever since, bringing rich depictions of the open for New Yorkers to enjoy during their morning and evening commutes.

The initial design for the U.S. Open campaign featured a simple design with the U.S. Open logo, hashtag #storyoftheopen and website (shown above).

Two weeks later, the design was replaced by a mostly blank canvas, and new installments were hand painted each day. Above is the hand painted billboard on Day 2 (shown above).

"The U.S. Open's 'Story of the Open' campaign is really unique. It appeals to tennis and art lovers not only in New York, but also around the world," said Michael Muschiano, Sales Manager of Lamar Advertising. "We were delighted to provide a high profile billboard location in New York City and essentially a blank canvas for the U.S. Open to execute the campaign."

Each new illustration is filmed, streamed live on Facebook and posted on YouTube with the hashtag #storyoftheopen. There will be a total of 15 hand painted installments once the event comes to an end on September 8, 2014.

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