Custom Boxing Ring Side Skirts: What Can Be Branded on the Apron?

A boxing ring side skirt is frequently thought of as a plain skirt around the edges of the ring pad, but this can have a very helpful function. The apron offers the event organiser, fight promoter or gym an easily visible area to display gym identity, sponsor logos, event graphics and other branding. Several of the branding features can be incorporated without crowding or disorganisation in the ring if carefully planned.

What is important is that the side skirt is not treated as an accessory but as an integral element of the ring design. Before preparing artwork, the size of the area, where the panel will be placed, viewing angles and how it relates to the rest of the ring should all be taken into account.

Brandable Items for Boxing Ring Side Skirt

There can be multiple methods used for the amount of use one can have on the surface of a side skirt. A gym might have a desire for the naming and branding to be the primary visual, whereas a promoter might need event branding and sponsors on the side.

Different ways to brand include:

• School logos and names
• Event names or graphics
• Sponsor logos
• Promotional artwork
• Simple geometric graphics
• Design colours and patterns

A custom boxing ring side skirt can then make an integral part of the ring's appearance in photos, video or event footage.

Custom boxing ring side skirt showing organised branding areas for gyms, sponsors and fight events.

The Focus Should Be on the Ring, Rather Than the Art

The first step in determining the placement of logos is to become familiar with the physical ring. The actual usable space for branding depends on the length and width of the platform, and the space available on the side of the platform.

This is especially important if replacing an existing skirt. A ring can be of a commonly described size and the outer platform can be of different dimensions or construction. The actual structure should be measured, so that the planning of the artwork can be based on this.

Take care of the corners, posts, attachment points and divisions of panels. These areas can impact the graphics when the side skirt is attached.

One good tip would be to document the platform dimensions and take a series of photos of the current ring prior to creating the final art.

Provide Different Sponsors with Different Levels of Visibility

It is not mandatory for all sponsors to have the same branding space. In most instances, the primary sponsor or event name should be more visually prominent than other sponsors.

A larger space, for example, could be set aside for the main event or gym logo, with smaller sponsor logos placed at the sides. This establishes a hierarchy of your visual elements and helps each part of the image be understood.

Realistic viewing positions should also be taken into account. Designs which may appear balanced from directly above can appear different from ringside. The apron may be viewed from various perspectives by cameras, spectators and people entering the venue.

Designing the brand around these viewing points can prove to be useful in live events as well as during the shooting process.

Maintain a Set of Consistent Branding Elements

The simplest way to make a ring with sponsor support appear cluttered is to treat all the logos with an unrelated colour treatment. Instead, it is best to create a visual system.

For instance, the spacing between the sponsor marks can be the same, controlled background areas or shared graphic accents. This gives different logos distinct recognisability whilst giving the overall impression of a complete apron-designed surface.

This same concept can be used throughout the rest of the ring. The side skirt can be used to add extra branding and the main event or gym name can be placed on the custom ring canvas.

Colour coordination is particularly beneficial if the ring is to be used for fight nights, exhibitions or promotional photographs.

Factors Such as Side Skirt Material and Finish Should Be Taken into Consideration

Another factor to consider for branding is the type of material being involved. The surface must have the desired final look for the design.

The current polyester side-skirt has polyester satin smooth fabric and can be digitally custom printed. It also comes with built-in tie strings, and Velcro can be added as a request. The ring can be custom sized upon request.

The design process should not be just concerned with the logo. Other factors to consider before production are the type of fabric, the finish, the size and how it's attached.

The material and construction you select will have a profound impact on the final printed design and can help to create a more planned and professional look.

Think: Complete Ring Setup

The only visible part of the ring is the apron. Other elements can be coordinated if the objective is to create a good visual identity.

For instance, canvas covers for the corners, rope covers and turnbuckle covers can be chosen or branded to match the side skirt. You don't have to use the same graphic on each component. Rather, there can be a common colour palette or visual theme to link the various sections.

This can provide a consistent everyday appearance for gyms. Promoters may find it more of a connection to a particular event or a sponsor campaign.

When the entire ring is visible in event photography, a custom corner pad cover can help to carry the branding treatment beyond the ring itself.

Make Artwork in Advance of Ordering

Prepare information that the supplier will need before sending it for production. This could be the ring size, colour preferences, logo files, sponsor preferences, artwork placement, and how many side skirts are needed.

High-resolution artwork is better as it will provide the designer a better starting point for preparing the final layout. It's also helpful to make note of which sides will be given more attention.

A digital mockup can then be used to demonstrate how the entire design is going to appear on the layout of the actual ring before the process is finalised for manufacture. The custom process features a digital mockup that is finalised before making the product, giving customers a chance to look at the design first.

Don't Overload the Counter Tops

The more you brand something, the better branding it doesn't necessarily make. Many logos, competing colours or large graphics can make the side skirt hard to read.

Rather, choose what aspects are most important to focus on. Remember to highlight the main identity and allow for supporting sponsors to be visible without stealing the show from the main design.

Some leftover fabric around branding areas is also beneficial. Negative space has the effect of providing breathing space for individual logos, which makes the design look cleaner.

Final Thoughts

Gyms, sponsors, fight events, and promoters can make use of the branding opportunity that is granted by a custom boxing ring side skirt. The best designs start with the ring itself and not the art. Prior to finalising positions, it is necessary to understand the measurements, panel divisions, attachment points and viewing angles.

Sponsor hierarchy, colour consistency and coordination with the ring canvas and other ring accessories can make for a more professional look.

The aim is not just to jam as many logos onto the apron. It is to design a side-skirt ring in which each element of the ring is well-defined and contributes to the overall look of the ring.