Education
Florida State University invites travelers to ‘plant the spear’ at Tallahassee International Airport
Florida State University is bringing one of college football’s most iconic traditions to the Tallahassee International Airport. In the FSU Welcome Center, a new interactive display gives travelers an opportunity to “plant the spear” and commemorate their time in Tallahassee.
Created through a collaboration between University Marketing, FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio and FSU Athletics, the display features a 7-foot, hand-painted aluminum replica of FSU’s flaming spear anchored in turf against a floor-to-ceiling backdrop of Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. The installation builds on FSU’s expanded university and FSU Health presence throughout the airport.
“As a vital gateway to Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee International Airport is the perfect place to highlight FSU’s momentum across education, research and athletics,” said Dennis Schnittker, assistant vice president for University Communications and interim chief marketing officer. “This installation stands as a powerful symbol of our deep connection to the region, offering all travelers a memorable welcome that celebrates both our university and the community we call home.”
To construct the piece, Master Craftsman Studio adapted design elements from previous university projects, including the marquee spear outside the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Studio artists precision-cut metal feathers, hand-wrapped the spear’s shaft in leather and applied a specialized resin-layering technique to give the flame a realistic appearance.
“Our goal at University Marketing while creating this space was to provide an immersive experience that brings Florida State’s most storied traditions to life,” said Jared Milligan, FSU’s project manager for the space. “With the turf and stadium backdrop, the installation gives travelers a fun opportunity to share their connection to Tallahassee and Florida State University with an iconic pose.”
In addition to the spear installation, the refreshed Welcome Center features new furniture and displays highlighting FSU’s academics, research and athletics. Together, the updates strengthen the university’s presence throughout the airport.
Just steps away, visitors can see “Levitation,” a sculpture fabricated by the Master Craftsman Studio in partnership with Florida State University, President Richard McCullough, the City of Tallahassee and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
“It’s incredible that Master Craftsman Studio will have two publicly featured pieces displayed within 50 feet of each other at the airport,” said Phil Gleason, Master Craftsman Studio manager. “Being able to bolster Tallahassee and FSU through our work is deeply rewarding. We’re able to support other units across the community and help showcase the university at its very best.”
From everyday travelers to fans arriving for FSU gamedays, campus tours or move-in week, anyone passing through Tallahassee International Airport is invited to step onto the turf, snap a photo and share their moment on social media using #PlantTheSpearTLH.
