Event type
Sporting event
At a sporting event the crowd arrives together and leaves together. Everything is built around those two moments.
Headcount rule of thumb
Two per gate for entry, one per stand for wayfinding.
In short
Sporting event staffing is organised by stand: each needs entry and wayfinding staff, and the VIP box needs separate service. The load profile is sharp: most of the crowd arrives in the forty minutes before kick-off and wants to be out within five to ten minutes of the final whistle. So size entry for the peak and the exit for the closing moment, which is a separate headcount. As a rule of thumb, two people per gate for entry and one per stand for wayfinding, plus hospitality's own headcount for the VIP area.
Who you need, and why
- Entry staff
- Ticket, stand, gate. The forty minutes before kick-off is the whole load.
- Stand steward
- Row, seat, tier. Without them people stand on the steps.
- Security staff
- Crowd management and exits. Headcount set by regulation.
- VIP hostess and waiting staff
- Box, guest list, hospitality. A different service level from the stands.
What to decide, and when
3-4 weeks ahead
Expected attendance, stand layout, VIP numbers.
1 week ahead
Gate allocation, shift length, exit staffing planned.
On site, 2 hours early
Gates, stands and the VIP area set up.
40 minutes before kick-off
Full crew on the gates. The peak starts here.
What usually goes wrong
- Nobody is planned for the exit, and after the whistle five thousand people look for three gates.
- The VIP area is served by stand staff, at a different service level.
- Entry is sized on average attendance rather than the forty minutes before kick-off.
- No plan for bad weather, when the crowd comes in earlier.
The staff we usually supply for this
Where are you organising it?
Information tailored to the city, with local venues.
Sporting event
Give us the date and the guest count and you'll have a concrete headcount and price within one working day.
- A real quote within 24 hours
- Replacement guarantee for drop-outs
- No minimum order
- A dedicated coordinator on every booking
Frequently asked questions
How many staff for a 3,000-person sporting event?
It depends on gates: with six gates, twelve on entry, plus one steward per stand, plus the VIP area and the security headcount. The exact number comes from the venue plan, not attendance alone.
Does the security headcount come from you?
We can supply security staff, but it's a licensed activity and the headcount is set by the regulations for the venue rather than the client's preference. We clarify that up front.
Does the VIP box need a different crew?
Yes, differently prepared. A box involves a guest list, protocol and hospitality; the stands involve wayfinding and entry. The same person isn't ideal for both.