Help Me Decide

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Canopy or tent?

The term "Tent" typically means the building has sidewall panels and the term "Canopy" typically means the building does not have sidewall panels.  Sidewall panels can be installed on most tents.  The same building can be classified as both a tent or a canopy.  This becomes important as some localized fire departments and governments may require tent permits based on tent size and if sidewall panels are installed.  Our professional sales staff can assist in determining if permits are required depending on the tent size and the location of the event.  Please call to inquire.

Ultimate Events offers three types of tents or canopies: Frame Tents, Rope & Pole Tents, and Structure Tents.  Determining the best type and style of tent that best fits your event needs depends on the event type, your guest count, the time of the year, the length of the event, the event activities, and more.  Please contact our sales staff for more details.  See below for a description of each tent style and go to our tent page for pictures and common sizes. 

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Frame

Frame tents are installed by using a skeleton frame with 2" aluminum pipe.  The tent top fits over the frame and it is secured to the 2" pipe at many locations keeping it in place.  Frame tents do not have any interior poles that create site line issues and are ideal for events lasting only a few days.  It is not recommended to have frame tents erected for long periods of time as they are susceptible to issues in high winds, heavy snow events, and inclement weather.  Frame tents can either staked into the ground or weighted.  They come in sizes 6'x6' up to 30'x100' and beyond.  Please call to inquire.

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Rope & Pole

Rope & Pole tents, also known as "tension tents" are a very common tent in the upper Midwest.  These tents have high sweeping peaks and give your event a dramatic, classy look. These tents have large center poles that support the tent tops as well as tent legs all around the perimeter.  These tents MUST be staked into the ground or asphalt a minimum of 7' from the tent sides and on all sides of the tent.  The center poles may create sightline obstructions but they are often used for draping decor and lighting installations. It is not recommended to have rope & pole tents erected for long periods of time as they are susceptible to issues in high winds, heavy snow events, and inclement weather. Rope & Pole tents come in sized from 20'x20' to 100'x260' and beyond.  We once set up a 100'x1000' tent!

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Structure

Structure tents (also termed "clearspan") have recently gained in popularity.  Structure tents were developed in Europe using the metric system of measurement; specifically meters. These tents are the strongest and most sturdy available options. Like the frame tent, a skeleton frame is erected.  The tent tops are unique in that they are installed into channels of the skeleton frame.  This keeps the tent tops and sidewalls very tight and it also aids in the structure tents strength.  Structure tents have a completely open floor plan without any sight line obstructions.  These come with structural engineering which is needed for permits based on long-term rentals or if the structure tent is installed on raised, level platforms.  Structure tents are recommended for long-term rentals and are best suited to withstand inclement weather, high winds, and mild snow totals.  Structure tents can be either staked into the ground or weighted.  These come in sizes from 6M x 6M (20' x 20') up to 30M x 60M (98' x 196' and beyond.  Please call to inquire.

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Tent Weights

Tent manufacturers engineer their tents to specifications based on securing the tent to the surface by using metal stakes or concrete anchors and these are the methods that we recommend. Your preference may result in an alternative method, e.g., weights. In those cases, the customer will assume all responsibility for damages.

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Permits

Most cities and counties require that the customer obtain a permit before a tent is installed, check with your local fire department and/or city hall for requirements and compliance. We can assist in the permit process or with any questions. 

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Tent Staking & Gopher State One Call

The preferred method for securing tents is by driving metal stakes into the ground. The area where the tent will be set needs to be checked for main utility lines by using Gopher State One Call. They are a free one-call notification system in Minnesota established to inform the public about underground main utilities that may exist at the tent’s job site

Ultimate Events will contact Gopher State One and arrange for all Main Utilities to be marked coming to the event area.  It is the customer’s responsibility to have all Private Utilities located and visibly marked on the property.  Private Utilities including invisible pet fence lines, satellite, cable television lines, internet cabling, security and camera system lines, irrigation lines, irrigation heads, and irrigation control junctions as well as any additional other underground utility lines coming out of the residence, the garage, or any other building on site.

Minnesota Gopher State One Call 800-252-1166, Wisconsin Diggers Hotline 800-242-8511