A Practical Guide to Event Flooring: Durable and Turf-Friendly Solutions

Event flooring is an essential solution for protecting stadium turf and other sensitive surfaces during large-scale events. Whether it's a concert, graduation ceremony, or trade show, these panels ensure safe, stable access for crowds and equipment while preserving the venue. This guide covers what event flooring is, key features, and includes a real-world case study.

What Is Event Flooring?

Event flooring panels are durable, portable mats designed to protect turf and ground surfaces during temporary events. Made from virgin HDPE plastic, these American-made panels are engineered for heavy use and feature a closed, flat back for full surface contact, ensuring even weight distribution and minimizing turf damage.

Event flooring set up for a stadium event

Key Features of Event Flooring Panels

• Made from high-strength virgin HDPE plastic for maximum durability
• Closed, flat back design ensures complete turf protection
• Overlapping flanges provide secure connections and load distribution
• Drainage holes prevent water pooling and allow light and air to reach the ground
• UV inhibitors for protection against sun damage and long-term use
• Easy to clean and maintain for repeated event use
• Made in the USA for superior quality assurance

Where and When to Use Event Flooring

Event flooring is essential for a wide range of applications where ground protection is critical:

• Concerts and festivals in stadiums or outdoor venues
• Graduations and commencements on athletic fields
• Trade shows and exhibitions that require heavy equipment access
• Vehicle pathways for loading/unloading stages and gear
• Temporary walkways for large crowds on turf or sensitive ground

Benefits of Using Event Flooring

Event flooring provides a safe, stable surface that prevents turf damage and supports heavy equipment. The closed-back design protects the grass while drainage holes maintain healthy ground conditions by allowing air and water through. Their strength and easy installation make them perfect for both short-term and recurring events.

Plus, because these panels are reusable and low-maintenance, they offer a cost-effective, sustainable solution for venues hosting multiple events each year.

Close-up of interlocking event flooring panels

Installation Tips for Event Flooring

Proper installation ensures that event flooring performs effectively:

1. Plan and mark the layout based on event size and equipment needs.
2. Lay panels starting from a fixed reference point for alignment.
3. Connect panels using their built-in overlapping flange system to prevent shifting.
4. Inspect panels regularly during the event, especially in high-traffic areas.
5. Clean panels after use and store them properly for future events.

Case Study: Commencement Ceremony at University Stadium

A large university faced a challenge when planning their annual commencement ceremony. With over 20,000 attendees and stage equipment to bring onto the field, turf protection was critical. By deploying over 500 event flooring panels, they created a seamless, stable surface for seating, staging, and equipment access.

The flooring protected the turf from damage during the week-long setup, event, and teardown phases. Despite heavy rain the night before, the drainage holes prevented water buildup, keeping the surface safe for guests. After the event, the panels were quickly cleaned and stored for reuse at future events.

Thanks to this solution, the university preserved its high-quality athletic field without compromising the experience of attendees.

Conclusion

Event flooring panels are a smart, durable, and eco-friendly way to protect turf and provide stable access for large events. Whether for concerts, graduations, or trade shows, these panels ensure smooth operations without damaging the venue. Their strength, reusability, and ease of maintenance make them an excellent investment for any venue hosting major events.