Why College Teams in Los Angeles, California Trust Custom Pop Up Tents for Game Day Presence
- SplashTents.com
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 21
In Los Angeles, California, a city teeming with athletic programs and universities—UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount, and more—sports teams have found a new MVP that doesn’t play on the field but transforms the sidelines: custom pop up tents.
From sunny beach volleyball tournaments in Santa Monica to high-stakes track meets at Drake Stadium, these portable, brandable tents are becoming an integral part of the collegiate sports ecosystem.
The Los Angeles College Sports Scene
Los Angeles is not just a media capital—it’s a college sports powerhouse. Home to over 60 higher-ed institutions, the city boasts a wide range of competitive sports programs:
Pac-12 powerhouses like UCLA and USC
NAIA and Division II programs
Club and intramural leagues for thousands of students
These institutions host games, fundraisers, and recruitment events year-round. In a climate where shade is necessary and branding is critical, custom pop up tents help these teams create instant infrastructure and impact.
Benefits of Custom Pop Up Tents for College Teams
Whether it’s setting up a branded tailgate zone or establishing a shaded hydration station, college sports programs in L.A. have embraced pop up tents for reasons including:
Rapid Deployment: Easy 5-minute setup for volunteers or staff.
Mobility: Lightweight but sturdy enough for multiple locations.
Full-Color Customization: School logos, mottos, and sponsor graphics look sharp and vibrant.
Weather Resistance: Built tough for SoCal’s sun and ocean breezes.
Multi-Purpose Use: From promotional events to recovery zones for athletes.
Los Angeles’s mild climate might not face snow or freezing temperatures, but intense UV exposure, windy coastal days, and long outdoor seasons mean durable performance is critical.
Real Use Cases in Los Angeles
UCLA Club Sports and Campus Recreation
UCLA’s wide range of student-led teams—from rowing and ultimate frisbee to rugby—use custom pop up tents at events throughout Westwood and regional tournaments. Branded tents not only unify the team’s identity but also support recruitment and alumni fundraising during events.
USC Trojan Tailgates
At USC, tailgating is more than a tradition—it’s a weekly production. Dozens of custom pop up tents line McCarthy Quad and Exposition Park during home games. Families, fans, and organizations create personalized shaded areas with Trojans logos, sponsor names, and social media handles printed on all four tent sides.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Events
CSUN’s athletic marketing department uses Splash Tents to create vibrant info booths at open houses, career fairs, and basketball games. These tents double as sponsor touchpoints, promotional areas, and fan engagement hubs.
Complementary Gear That Completes the Experience
Los Angeles-area teams enhance their setups with more than just a tent frame and canopy:
Back and Side Walls – For extra shade or privacy, especially helpful for massage stations or injury tents.
Custom Printed Table Covers – For merchandise tables, check-in stations, and booster club booths.
Flag Banners and Feather Flags – Visually dynamic branding that guides fans and participants to your tent.
LED Lighting Kits – Extend use into evening games and late-night promotional events.
With Splash Tents, all items are built for repeated setup and transport, a must-have for the fast-paced, mobile nature of college sports.
Partnerships That Boost Visibility
Collegiate athletic departments often partner with local or national sponsors, and tents provide prime advertising real estate. From banks and beverage companies to tech startups and apparel brands, sponsors love the visibility.
Example:
At a recent UCLA soccer invitational, custom pop up tents sponsored by Coca-Cola were used for:
Sideline cooling areas
Sampling booths
Branded player bench tents
This win-win setup provided functional shelter and high-impact advertising—all wrapped in the university’s colors.
Trusted by College Sports Professionals
"Our pop up tent from Splash Tents was the best investment we made all year. Easy to transport, fast to set up, and the graphics look fantastic."– Bryce R., UCLA Club Rugby President
"For our open house and sports marketing booths, we needed something durable and slick. Splash delivered."– Maria T., Director of Student Engagement, CSUN
"We used these tents for both recruitment fairs and game day tailgates—versatile and sharp looking."– Kyle H., USC Athletics Communications
Tailored for L.A.’s Visual Culture
In a city where appearances matter—from red carpets to soccer pitches—college programs can't afford to look unprofessional. A custom pop up tent is more than a structure—it's a mobile billboard, a community rallying point, and a space to tell your brand’s story.
These tents photograph beautifully for social media campaigns and sponsor recaps. Every tent becomes a part of your visual identity—whether on Instagram, alumni newsletters, or campus banners.
Choosing the Right Tent: What to Know
Size Considerations
10x10 is the most common and transportable, but larger tents are available for programs needing more space.
Materials
Splash Tents’ fabrics are UV-treated, fire retardant, and weather-resistant—vital for outdoor Southern California use.
Frame Type
Choose between lightweight aluminum (best for regular transport) and steel (best for stationary or heavy-duty needs).
Graphic Printing
Opt for full-dye sublimation. It ensures bold, crisp imagery that won’t peel, crack, or fade.
Supporting L.A. College Communities
Universities and colleges in Los Angeles work with a variety of local vendors, sponsors, and partners to make events possible. Custom tents create brand continuity and provide comfort for:
Game day media crews
Student-run concessions
Athletic department fundraisers
Booster clubs
Club and intramural sports
Splash Tents helps institutions at every level—from Division I to community college—build these experiences with reliability, affordability, and high-end design.
About Splash Tents, Inc.
Founded in 2009 and based in Texas, Splash Tents, Inc. has become a go-to source for custom tent solutions for sports teams, universities, event marketers, and brand activators across the U.S.
What sets Splash Tents apart?
Unmatched graphic quality
Heavy-duty materials built for years of use
Quick delivery and competitive pricing
Customization flexibility
Dependable customer service with real people
Colleges across the U.S.—including many in Los Angeles—trust Splash Tents to deliver reliable, standout products every time.
Final Thoughts: Raise the Bar on Game Day
Whether you’re managing USC tailgates or supporting a new club team at Cal State LA, custom pop up tents offer your program the visibility, professionalism, and durability you need to stand out in L.A.’s crowded sports landscape.
Don’t leave your sideline to chance—create a home base that builds your brand and keeps your athletes, fans, and sponsors shaded, visible, and connected.
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