Atlanta Falcons x Novelis Art Activation

Artist: Shane Pilster
Project Lead: Wicked Pittsburgh
Partners: Atlanta Falcons, Novelis
Date: October 2025
Media: Spray paint, recycled aluminum cans
Dimensions: approx. 12’ x 8’
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

The Novelis Can Mosaic was a live, interactive art activation created for the Atlanta Falcons vs. Buffalo Bills Monday Night Football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Designed using over 1,800 recycled aluminum cans collected from the stadium’s recycling stream, the installation highlighted Novelis’ commitment to sustainability while engaging thousands of fans during game day.

Novelis and the Atlanta Falcons partnered with Wicked Pittsburgh to create a visually striking installation that merged sports culture, sustainability, and fan interaction. Wicked brought me into the process early, including meetings with the marketing teams, and tasked me with developing a design that could be physically executed using spray-painted aluminum cans.

I designed an 8-bit–inspired scene depicting the Falcons’ mascot throwing a Novelis-branded aluminum can into a recycling bin. The pixel-based style allowed the artwork to translate cleanly into a modular, can-by-can system that could be assembled on site. The final piece was engineered to fit into a custom-built platform designed by Wicked’s team, resembling a Super Nintendo cartridge in both form and function.

Wicked coordinated travel and logistics, and the team assembled the installation on site in Atlanta over two days. The artwork was created using spray-painted cans attached with plastic can holders sourced from local breweries. During the game, as fans entered the stadium, the installation became a live engagement point. Guests interacted with the artists, the Novelis mascot, and even participated directly, with kids spray-painting cans that were added to the wall.

Final refinements were completed the following day, after which Wicked installed a protective plexiglass shield. The installation remains on display at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• Designed the full visual system and worked out logistics for the installation closely with Wicked Pittsburgh
• Created artwork to scale using over 1,800 aluminum cans
• Spray-painted branded elements, including the Novelis logo
• Assisted with on-site installation and live execution during game day
• Adapted designs and workflow in real time during a high-traffic event
• Supported a safe, collaborative, and engaging environment for guests

The project transformed recycling into a highly visible, interactive experience during one of the stadium’s high-traffic events. It demonstrated how sustainable materials can be used in bold, playful ways while creating meaningful engagement for fans of all ages. The activation also served as a learning model for future large-scale interactive installations involving live audiences.