In 2007, Sunbelt Rentals installed the world’s tallest clearspan structure to cover a 777 jet.

Over the course of our 94-year history, Sunbelt Rentals has developed a legacy of innovation by tackling our customers’ problems with state-of-the art ideas and solutions. These innovations have also become meaningful industry contributions. In Part 1 of this series, we shared Sunbelt Rentals' breakthrough solutions from our first five decades, like the development of the first mechanical post driver.

As a more recent example, in 1999 Sunbelt Rentals was the first to use insulated guardian steel sidewalls on temporary fabric structures. This design—first used on an on-location movie set—was a solution for our client’s unique security needs. Today, many of our competitors mimic this ingenious hard wall approach. 

In Part 2 of this series, learn about Sunbelt Rentals' game-changing innovations over the past four decades, each custom-designed to address the unique needs and ever-arising challenges of our customers.

In our first blog in this series, we shared with you an introduction to the engineering behind anchoring temporary structures. This anchoring is powerful enough to cover your most critical long- or short-term operations—ensuring structure integrity and stability you can count on.

A major benefit of temporary structures is that they can be installed on virtually any ground surface from asphalt and concrete foundations to gravel or soil. With correctly engineered anchoring, temporary structures can be strong and stable no matter where they stand.

In Part 2 of this series, engineering expert Brian Szkaradnik explains the role your ground surface plays in determining the right anchoring solution for your structure.

Safety is not an unfamiliar topic in the event industry. Event planners, venues and host cities have improved safety and security measurements and established best practices and technologies to ensure smooth and safe execution. In the wake of recent national and worldwide events, the issue of event safety has become even more complex. Now more than ever, it is crucial for the success of any event that guests feel secure and safe.

Imagine, you’re enjoying your favorite band at a renowned outdoor music festival on a hot summer day. Then, the sky suddenly darkens and you hear the rumblings of thunder in the distance.

The NFL Draft is a special event like no other. Taking place annually, the draft is when the National Football League (NFL) teams select eligible college football players to add to their rosters. Surrounding the event, which is taking place in Philadelphia, where the very first NFL Draft occurred, is the NFL Draft Experience. More than 200,000 people are expected to visit the free, three-day event featuring dozens of exciting, interactive experiences.

We previously mentioned considerations you should factor in when using clear-span fabric structures. In many instances, Sunbelt Rentals has faced challenges with the installation of our structures. Often, this requires an innovative approach to each and every detail. 

At Sunbelt Rentals, we always strive to raise the bar when it comes to structure installations, especially special events. One of the ways we’ve done so is by perfecting the double decker. Not only are these structures two stories high, creating more space for your event, but also they are fully engineered membrane structures that can be customized for any project.

Long before Simone Biles perfected the signature double flip and half twist that we saw her perform in Rio (aka The Biles), Sunbelt Rentals perfected a few doubles of our own...The Double Decker structure that is.

With the affordability and quick turn-around installing temporary fabric structures, the industry is experiencing widespread growth particularly in their use at special events. Because of this, special events industry experts are encouraging uniformity in standards and practices in the use of temporary fabric structures.

Recently, Sunbelt Rentals Fabric Structures was featured in In Tents Magazine. The feature article covered the 10th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock Arkansas. The 43,000 sq. ft. clearspan structure Sunbelt Rentals provided was the largest tent ever used in Arkansas.