Athletic directors are turning to branded tents and field signage to improve event management, enhance team visibility, and generate revenue. These tools address common challenges like navigation, weather disruptions, and sponsor engagement. Here’s why they matter:
- Branded Tents: Offer weather protection, serve as team hubs, and prominently display logos for visibility and sponsorships.
- Field Signage: Helps fans navigate, boosts sponsor exposure, and celebrates school spirit with custom designs.
Key Benefits:
- Solve visibility and navigation issues with clear markers.
- Protect teams and equipment during bad weather.
- Generate $4,500–$15,000 per game in sponsorship revenue.
- Strengthen alumni and community engagement.
Branded materials not only improve event experiences but also provide long-term value through durability, professional presentation, and financial returns.
Common Event Management Problems
Athletic directors face several challenges that can impact the success of events and the overall experience for attendees. Key concerns include visibility, navigation, and weather-related disruptions. These issues highlight the importance of using branded tents and signage to address these problems effectively.
Visibility and Navigation
Clear zones and wayfinding are essential for ensuring smooth traffic flow and helping spectators and staff locate teams, amenities, and key areas. Without clearly marked zones or visible signage, confusion can quickly arise. Branded tents and bold signs act as reliable landmarks, making it easier for everyone to navigate the event space and reducing unnecessary stress.
Outdoor Weather Challenges
Weather conditions like wind, rain, and extreme heat can disrupt events and create safety risks. Athletic directors often monitor WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) to assess heat stress levels. Branded tents play a dual role here – they offer shade, protection from wind, and shelter from rain, while also serving as visible hubs for teams and attendees. Signage complements this by directing participants to important areas like shelter zones and hydration stations. Additionally, tent canopies provide a prime spot for displaying team and sponsor logos, ensuring visibility regardless of the weather. Up next, we’ll dive into how these solutions can also double as powerful branding tools.
Why Use Branded Tents at Events?
Branded tents are more than just shelters – they’re practical tools for solving common event challenges while boosting visibility.
A Central Hub for Your Team
These tents help keep team operations organized and professional. They can double as changing rooms, rest areas, or staging zones. For instance, Lake Erie College used a 10×20 tent near the end zone to coordinate team activities and connect with alumni.
Weather Protection You Can Rely On
Rain or shine, branded tents provide reliable coverage for both your team and equipment. Built with durable frames and weighted footplates, they stay secure even in rough conditions. The Crew’s 10×20 tent held strong during riverside regattas, offering much-needed protection from the elements.
Stand Out with Custom Branding
Set up your tent in busy areas to grab attention. With edge-to-edge digital printing in your team colors and designated sponsor panels, these tents make a bold statement. Coast Soccer League’s 10×10 tent, backed by a five-year warranty, is a great example of how to combine durability with eye-catching design.
Up next, learn how field signage can take your event branding and navigation to the next level.
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Using Field Signs to Improve Events
Field signage does more than just decorate an event – it enhances branding, helps fans navigate, and provides opportunities for sponsor visibility.
Easier Event Navigation
Clear signage helps fans find their way, reduces confusion, and improves their overall experience. Prioritize placing signs in highly visible locations, such as:
- Signs pointing to restrooms and exits
- Pathway markers for smoother crowd flow
- Concession stand signs that are easy to spot
- Clearly labeled seating sections
This level of organization not only helps attendees but also strengthens your brand’s professional image.
"There is a great opportunity to add branded and functional signage to help people navigate your facility."
Sponsor Advertising Opportunities
Field signs can double as advertising spaces, creating a valuable revenue stream for your department. Some high-impact options include:
- Padded A-frame banners that protect players while promoting sponsors
- LED displays integrated into scoreboards
- Ads placed on all four sides of a scoreboard
These placements turn functional signage into a source of income and a branding tool.
Showcasing School Pride and Enhancing Event Appeal
Custom signs can elevate the look of your venue, celebrate school spirit, and reinforce your brand identity. Examples of impactful stadium branding include:
- Displays highlighting championships and team achievements
- Graphics featuring school colors and mascots
- Tributes to coaches and players for their contributions
Each custom design adds to the sense of pride and reinforces the unique identity of your program.
Cost vs. Value of Branded Event Materials
Branded event materials do more than enhance visibility – they can also provide measurable financial benefits.
Long-Term Equipment Life
Investing in high-quality branded equipment pays off in the long run. It’s not just about surviving the weather; it’s about getting the most out of your budget. Opting for durable options like heavy-duty frames with footplates ensures your equipment lasts longer and performs better.
Here’s why quality matters:
- Extended warranties (often up to five years) and weather-resistant fabrics protect your investment.
- Sturdy construction minimizes replacement costs and keeps your setup looking professional.
Boosting Sponsor Revenue
Branded materials like field signs and tent graphics can generate significant income. Sponsors are willing to pay $4,500–$15,000 per game to reach an engaged audience of fans who are more likely to notice their messages.
Strengthening Alumni and Community Engagement
Branded setups can also enhance connections with alumni and donors. For example, Lake Erie College athletics created an alumni game experience zone by placing a 10×20 tent near the end zone.
Strategic branding helps athletic programs:
- Designate special areas for alumni gatherings.
- Present a polished image at fundraising events.
- Build trust with potential donors by showcasing program stability.
- Maintain a cohesive look across all events.
Stay tuned – we’ll explore how to apply these strategies across your entire athletic program.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Event Branding
Investing in branded tents and field signage can significantly increase ROI and enhance fan engagement. For instance, Coast Soccer League’s experience shows how effective branding can be. Their medium-duty pop-up tent, which came with a five-year warranty, not only saved costs but also served as a key alumni gathering spot for Lake Erie College near the end zone.
These examples demonstrate how branded tents and signage can help manage costs, generate sponsorship revenue ranging from $4,500 to $15,000 per game, improve team logistics, assist with navigation, and strengthen school spirit.
On top of these benefits, athletic departments achieve better organization and foster stronger community connections. Instead of dealing with confusing layouts or bad weather, these tools ensure a better return on investment and happier fans. They also play a crucial role in attracting sponsors, retaining fans, and building alumni support.
