Building Better Events with Billboard Barricades

Can crowd control barricades make or break an event? We fully believe the answer is yes. Still not sure? Keep reading to discover the difference they made at Metcon Rush.

The Billboard Barricade has long been the barricade of choice for several sporting events across the USA, from Bouldering and Rock Climbing World Cups to extreme obstacle races, the Doxie Derby (a pup-tastic race), go-karting and BMX events, marathons, and more. Their high impact resistance, UV inhibitors, and customizability are just a few contributing factors as to why they’re the number one pick for crowd management.

When Metcon Rush reached out about a sponsored event for the first time, we were excited! We had yet to sponsor a CrossFit event and wanted to put our crowd control barricades to the test.

What’s Metcon Rush?

Metcon Rush, created by CrossFit gym owner Tim Kellinger, began in 2015 as a sporting tournament fundraiser. In its first year, the event took place on a football field. While it was a success, they decided to move indoors to a gym the following year, because being in a gym allowed for closer proximity between spectators and athletes. Tim noted that the audience in this environment was more energetic as they weren’t watching from distant stands.

As the event grew throughout the years, it became more focused on CrossFit. What began as a local Maryland sporting event now draws athletes from all over North America to put their mettle to the test. With that growth, it became evident that crowd control was necessary to keep both athletes and spectators safe.

After trying ropes, steel barricades, and ill-fitting banners with less than favorable results, Tim gave us a call. We jumped at the opportunity to sponsor such a great event!

Crowd Control for a Successful Event

Black Billboard Barricades were interlocked to create a custom event perimeter for Metcon Rush. Due to the intense nature of CrossFit events, it’s necessary to protect spectators from potential injury that can occur from coming into contact with weights, heavy ropes, or fast-moving athletes. Equally important is keeping the gym floor clear of anyone who does not belong there for the sake of the athletes’ safety.

Throughout the event, Tim received feedback that the gym floor looked slick and clean with the sleek black barricades instead of the safety measures tried in years past, and athletes and spectators felt safe amidst all the chaos of CrossFit competition. Sponsors also loved how their logos were displayed and the fact that they were visible in all content focused on the gym floor and event perimeter.

Tim mentioned how different the competitions now are thanks to OTW. He said, “Because of OTW Safety, we have expanded our competitions. It’s dramatically changed the outcome of our safety, especially from a competition floor and spectator standpoint – it’s the safest we’ve ever been.”

“Because of OTW Safety, we have expanded our competitions. It’s dramatically changed the outcome of our safety, especially from a competition floor and spectator standpoint – it’s the safest we’ve ever been.”

Tim Kellinger, Metcon Rush Event Director

A two-for-one on excellent crowd management AND great ROI

Before finding OTW, Tim wondered, “What product could provide on-brand crowd control AND event marketing?” The answer? OTW Billboard Barricades, of course. 

The Metcon Rush OTW crowd control barricades were decked out with Custom Signage and displayed sponsor logos for the event. And, because the logos on the sports barricades were visible in photos and videos taken of athletes, the crowd, and the vibes, content is still being shared by event photographers and athletes months after every Metcon Rush, allowing event sponsors to continue receiving recognition post-event. As Tim said, “I can utilize these inserts to get more marketing sponsors to help run this event”, which means he had more capital to run Metcon Rush AND his sponsors reaped the benefits for months afterwards. 

Bringing community together, one safety barricade at a time

What an honor it is to support events like the Metcon Rush – we’re thrilled every year to be a part of an event that brings the community together safely and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

And, as Tim ended our conversation with, “At the end of the day, the goal is to have everybody come in, have a good time, leave here safe, leave here healthy. If you’re looking for barricades, these are the ones you want to get. I promise you can’t go wrong.”

So, what do you think? Can crowd control barricades really make or break an event?