School Spirit Tents: Team Gear That Lasts Season After Season

A school spirit tent does double duty. At meets and tournaments it’s shade and home base for athletes, and at games and fundraisers it’s a rallying point for fans and booster clubs. Because student and parent volunteers will set it up dozens of times, the right choice is a tent built for heavy use with a design that won’t look dated next year. Here’s how to choose one that lasts season after season.

Where a team tent gets used

A good team tent rarely sits in storage. Common uses include:

• Cross country, track and field, and swim meets
• Softball, baseball, soccer and tennis tournaments
• Band and cheer competitions
• Booster club sales, concessions and fundraisers
• Homecoming, orientation and open house nights
• Tailgates before football games (see our guide to tailgate tents and flags)

If several programs will share one tent, plan for the biggest group.

Pick a size for your team

Group	Suggested size	Notes
Booster table or small team	10 x 10 ft	Fits a table or a few athletes and their bags
Mid-size team (cross country, tennis, golf)	10 x 15 ft	Room for gear and athletes resting between events
Large team, band or sideline	10 x 20 ft	Shade for a full roster or a long concession line
Whole program or big shade	10 x 20 ft, or several tents in a row	Large footprint for host events

Some meets and tournaments assign team areas or limit tent sizes, so check with the host before your first event.

Frame and fabric for heavy use

Team tents get handled by lots of people, packed into cars and set up on rough ground. That’s where the frame and fabric choices pay off.

• Frame: choose an aluminum or heavy-duty aluminum frame. A steel frame costs less, but aluminum is lighter to carry and the heavy-duty frame stands up better to frequent setups and windy fields.
• Print: full-color dye-sublimation is bonded into the fabric, so it holds up to sun and frequent use.
• Print: full-color dye-sublimation bonds the ink into the fabric, so your mascot won’t crack or peel. Like any outdoor fabric, it fades gradually with years of direct sun. Our guide to canopy fading in the sun explains how to slow that down.

Design that won’t go out of date

The quickest way to shorten a tent’s life is to print something that changes. Leave off the year, the season record, roster names and coaches’ names. Focus on what stays the same:

• School name and mascot on the valance, big and simple, so families find your team from across the field.
• A big mascot or logo on the back wall, which becomes your team’s backdrop for photos.
• Half or full side walls to block low sun and wind at meets in open fields.
• Double-sided printing if your tent often sits at a corner where people see it from inside and out.

If several sports will share one tent, design it for the whole athletic program (“Eagles Athletics”) rather than one sport.

Before you order, check with your athletic director or district. Many schools have rules about how the logo and mascot are used, and some require approval. Send a vector logo file if you have one, since it prints sharpest at tent size. The free design proof is easy to share with your AD or booster board for sign-off.

Complete the spirit setup

A tent is the anchor, and a few pieces around it make the whole area feel like home.

• Flags: a 12 to 14 ft feather or teardrop flag with your mascot next to the tent helps families find the team at a crowded meet. Use a ground spike on grass.
• Table covers: a fitted 6 ft cover turns the booster or concession table into a branded counter and hides supplies underneath.
• Apparel: tees, crews, quarter-zips and hats for athletes, coaches and fans, printed or embroidered. Spirit wear also makes a popular booster fundraiser. Apparel takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
• Keychains: soft PVC keychains with your mascot work well as a small fundraiser item or a gift for seniors.

Make it last: a team tent care checklist

Assign one parent or student as “tent captain” for the season, and use this checklist:

• Weight every leg at every event, and stake it as well on grass
• Take the tent down if the wind picks up, and follow the host’s rules
• Never pack it wet; dry it fully within a day to prevent mildew
• Store it in its bag, off the floor, in a dry place
• Check the frame, feet and joints before each season
• Don’t leave it up longer than needed in strong sun

Our guide to cleaning and storing a canopy covers the details.

Heat and the season calendar

In Texas, Florida, Arizona and much of the South, early fall football and cross country seasons start in serious heat, and spring track meets can be hot too. Shade, water and regular breaks matter for athletes and fans alike, and a lighter-colored canopy stays cooler underneath. In Arizona and New Mexico, the monsoon season (roughly mid-June through September) brings sudden strong storms, so keep an eye on the sky and take the tent down early.

Order well before your season starts. We confirm your price within 3 business days, and tents arrive about 1 to 2 weeks after you approve your final design and pay. Shipping is free to the lower 48 states and DC.

FAQ

What size tent does a sports team need?

A 10 x 10 ft canopy works for a small team or booster table. Most larger teams and bands are happier with a 10 x 20 ft for shade and gear.

Can we put our school logo on a tent?

Usually, yes, but many schools and districts have rules about logo and mascot use. Check with your athletic director before you order.

How do we keep a team tent from fading?

Choose dye-sublimation printing, store the tent dry and out of the sun, and take it down when it’s not in use.

How long does a custom team tent take?

About 1 to 2 weeks after you approve your final design and pay. Order before the season starts.