FanBlogs.com tipped us off to the latest in tailgating. It's a 26 foot wide inflatable tent from Sunbelt Inflatables. They have "versions" for other schools, but they aren't officially licensed yet. So the versions for other schools (except UT) look sort of hooptie for now. (Note: the comments page on the FanBlogs article includes a mention from the Sunbelt inflatables person that a 33' wide version is in the works. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice)
As for the $1,300 sticker price, it's not that outrageous given that:
-- It covers the space of roughly three or four*** 9x9 tents which cost $125-200+ when branded with a UGA logo. So you're paying a 2-3x premium to have the first one on the block.
-- I'm pretty sure that it self inflates so you get a break on setup effort.
You would have to assume the prices would come down if they could figure out how to mass produce / distribute these things.
Regardless, I think it looks cool as hell.
See Also:
-- Sunbelt Inflatables - Sunbelt
-- Photos of Available Tents - Sunbelt (warning: most of these are photoshop "what ifs")
PWD
***Someone else can do the math of the square footage of a 26' diameter circle tent vs. a series of square tents. Given my math skills, I'd be working on that problem til next football season.
16 comments:
Looks like a big spider. It'd be cooler if they could make a big Uga.
Nice tent...but won't fit behind a standard parking space if it is 26' wide.
33' diameter tent covers an area of 855 square feet.
26' diameter covers an area of 531 square feet.
1 9x9 tent is 81 square feet. So, four 9x9 tents would be 324 square feet. It would take 6.5 9x9 tents to equal the area of a 26' diameter tent. It would take 10.5 9x9 tents to equal the area of a 33' diameter tent.
That's a big ass tent.
Because I haven't quite earned my nerd credentials today...
A typical parking space is 8x20. This tent would occupy three parking spaces without blinking an eye. Needless to say, if these specs are correct, you could park your truck under it. So, there's that.
You finally found something inflatable that's worthy of being added to a tailgate.
I wish they had someone standing under it so I could get a better sense of scale.
Uhh, yeah, I'm guessing these would last on average 3 games before some drunken opposing fan would stop by and knife it to death. I wonder if it comes with a lifetime supply of patches???
Also, keep in mind that if it's 26 feet in diameter from base to base, you probably lose 6 or so feet just because of the angle (and size) of the "posts". So, assuming that gives you an "effective" diameter of 20 feet, my pi-r-squared quick calculator gives me (3.14*10^2) or 314 sq. ft. So, more like the four 9x9 tents in usable area. Still its cool looking and not a terrible deal assuming it is easy to haul, set up, and tear down (doubtful) and if you get a few seasons out of it before a Tech fan decides to "Wreck" it (doubly doubtful)...
Kinda looks like a yarmulke held up by tampons. I remain underwhelmed.
two words, Doug: Oy vey.
Personally, I think we should leave the inflateable gear to the Techsters. Those things would have to be made of inch thick Kevlar to withstand the probable assaults from opposing fans over the course of a season.
Also, I'm wondering how difficult this monstrosity would be to store. You think it's hard folding up a deflated beach raft/air mattress? Imagine trying to fold this bad boy up and stuff it back into it's handy carrying case.
You might need a road crew the size of Aerosmith's to break this sucker down and transport it home.
No word yet on whether Czar Mike has outlawed these things on the UGA campus, but you have to figure it's only a matter of time....unless you pay 3 large a year to rent one from UGA.
No, remember? Mikey loves inflatable stuff on campus, as long as kids can bounce around inside them and not be anywhere near alcohol
FYI to anyone wanting to purchase one of these. it takes A LOT of power to keep these inflated. A LOT. we have one of these for the radio stations that i work for and we combine two HONDA generators together to keep the load stable. and generally we have to add more gas to both generators over the 8 hours time frame that they run. but i will say they are awesome when working properly. you dont see the generetors that keep the blowers (that keep it inflated) running. so tack on a couple of grand for generators, unless you got shore power or can get your kids to peddle REAL FAST for a LONG TIME.
You've got to be kidding me. Inflatable Santa wasn't enough? We have to have inflatable tailgating now? Why do something that can be done with some sticks and canvas when you can craft an inflatable version that takes 1.21 Gigawatts of power to operate. Unless you have some plutomium to power this sucker (or know where a bolt of lightning might strike), I'd just stick with the tent.
WOW!! Really amazed on how much attention these have gotten. The 25' model only weighs about 65 pounds and rolls up into about the size of a sleeping bag. The blower is 5-6 amps so it only takes a small generator with a 10 amp circuit breaker (usually 1800w or above). Inflation time is 2-3 minutes. It takes about 5 minutes to deflate and roll up. We sold ALABAMA a 50' model for their broadcast crew. CBS Sports is getting one for their college game-day crew. Rivals is giving one away on the Alabama site. All can be seen on the link from this site.
Sunbelt Inflatables
We now make a smaller 20' tent. It won the Kroger best tailgating award the first Ga game this year. Also see the 33' LSU tent. It inflates in 2-3 minutes and weighs only 150 pounds. Here is update slide show of tents we have made. Notice the full digital print on the Bass Pro tent.
http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o204/trishaswedding/?action=view¤t=7c1c9d4b.pbw
Wow that is one intense tailgating tent! It almost looks like it's seconds away from blowing down the street into a neighbors yard, and yet still awesome! It's true you wouldn't be able to fit it behind you car in the parking lot. You have to admit, though, that it does have style.
Awaiting arrival of a Clemson version of one of these. We have had to deal with 6-8 pop up tents in the past. When it rained, water would come through the gaps between each tent. Very excited to have one solid structure! This should look great up against our tailgate trailer.
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