The Need For Tabards At Sporting Events

Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate event for motorsport enthusiasts, attracting 200,000 people each year. Over four days, attendees can get up close and personal with vintage and modern sports cars, meet their racing heroes and witness an array of vehicles in action. This year, Colan supplied tabards for Goodwood, playing an integral organisational role and helping the event to run smoothly. But why are these simple garments so indispensable in sporting spectacles? 

5 Reasons To Use Tabards At Sporting Events

• Event Security And Control 

The safety of attendees at any event is paramount. A tabard worn by security personnel is generally designed with distinct colours, reflective materials and clear markings, making it instantly recognisable. This helps individuals to quickly identify security staff if problems should arise. Members of security also play a pivotal role in crowd control. When easily identifiable, people look to them for guidance when finding designated areas, helping to manage the flow of foot traffic and enhance overall safety.  

• Role Differentiation

Colan creates diverse tabard designs with clear role designations to help the crowd quickly identify who to approach for assistance. Goodwood Festival of Speed is a multifaceted event with various teams, including race officials, marshalls, photographers, hospitality and medical staff. Attendees were able to locate the appropriate staff when asking about race schedules, medical attention or food and drink.   

• Emergency Response

At any sporting event, there is always a risk an accident may occur, but this chance increases when high-speed cars are involved! Emergency response teams must be readily identifiable to react promptly in the event of a crash or other emergency. Medical tabards are generally green with the words ‘medic’ or ‘doctor’ printed alongside a reflective strip. This not only helps injured individuals to quickly find medical assistance but allows the professionals to easily part busy crowds when trying to reach someone in need. 

• Media Coverage

Large sporting events attract extensive media coverage. Journalists, photographers and TV crews need to be easily distinguishable to ensure that they have access to the areas that they are responsible for covering. When individuals are reporting on multiple events they must be able to reach new locations easily without getting slowed down by huge crowds. A tabard with ‘Media’ prominently displayed helps to facilitate smooth media operations. 

• Sponsorship

Like any big event, sporting celebrations like Goodwood offer prime opportunities for sponsors to gain exposure. Colan specialises in custom-printed tabards, vests and sports bibs, which can help sponsors connect with fans and enhance their presence at events. Customised items create a professional and cohesive look for staff and volunteers, reinforcing the event’s brand. When logos are consistently visible, attendees are more likely to remember and engage with sponsors after the event. 

Contact Colan 

Our company has been manufacturing high visibility, workwear and identification products since 1981. Whether you require tabards for an upcoming event, reflective gear for schools, or high-vis security armbands, Colan supplies the highest-quality goods. View our entire product range via our website, call 01926 831584 to speak directly with one of our team, or email enquiries@colan-uk.net for general enquiries.