How to Choose Crowd Control Fence Panels for Events

The right temporary fences and barriers help ensure that events run smoothly and safely.

June 25, 2025

How to Choose

Article Updated on: November 02, 2026

Temporary fencing plays a critical role at concerts, festivals, sporting competitions and other large-scale events. Having the right event fencing for crowd control in place helps ensure the safety of participants and the smooth operation of the event. Security fences for events also protect valuable assets and guard against security breaches, potentially shielding organizers from legal and financial liability.

What are crowd control fence panels?

Crowd control fence panels are freestanding, modular steel barriers engineered to direct pedestrian traffic, delineate restricted areas and secure event perimeters. Typically manufactured from hot-dipped galvanized steel with anti-climb wire mesh and weighted bases, they provide temporary physical security without requiring surface excavation or ground penetration.

With the breadth of temporary fence options available, how can you determine the optimal choice for your event crowd control needs? Follow this guide to zero in on the best temporary fencing for crowd control.

What should you consider before choosing temporary fencing for an event?

Before choosing temporary fencing, think about the nature and scale of the event. How long will it last, and how many people do you expect will attend? Do you anticipate long lines, and if so, in which locations?

Is the event indoors or outdoors? For outdoor events, you may want heavier fence bases to provide stability on uneven terrain and in harsh weather conditions such as strong wind. If you are using barriers, outdoor events may also call for heavier barriers.

What are the local regulations for event temporary fencing?

A fence permit is often required to erect a fence, especially in public areas, to ensure that fencing does not create obstacles or hazards for the public. Failure to obtain a permit could lead to costly fines as well as legal liability.

The permitting process is designed to enforce local fence regulations that stipulate allowable fence height, material, placement and other details. Barbed wire fence toppers are typically prohibited for safety reasons.

What are the types of temporary fencing used for event crowd control?

Your event requirements will determine what types of event fencing and barriers make the most sense for your needs. These are the main options to consider.

Barrier Type	Best Used For	Setup Time	Security Level	Mobility
Plastic barriers	Directing foot traffic and races	Quick	Light	High
Fencing panels	Stages, high-traffic zones and short-term events	Quick	Strong	High
Chain-link fences	Perimeter security, long-term events and VIP areas	Longer	Moderate	Low
Bike rack barricades	Light pedestrian traffic and pathways	Quick	Light	High
Steel barriers	Large events and high-security zones	Moderate	Strong	Moderate
Jersey barriers	Vehicle traffic control and high-security perimeters	Moderate	Strong	Low

Plastic crowd control barriers

Lightweight and highly visible, plastic barriers are useful for directing foot traffic. They are a common choice for sports events, races and temporary line formations.

Temporary fence panels

Fast to install and easy to relocate, temporary fence panels are a good choice for short-term indoor or outdoor events.

These portable fence panels come in different materials and sizes. United Rentals offers galvanized steel panels that are 6 feet tall or 8 feet tall, rigid and hard to knock down. They feature sturdy bases and anti-climb mesh wire. The mesh wire is welded to reinforced frames.

Strong panel fencing is recommended near stages and high-traffic areas because they withstand crowd pressure.

For the largest events, smart, modular turnstiles can be added to modular fencing to restrict access to badge holders.

Chain-link fences

Chain-link fences typically cost less to rent than temporary fence panels and are ideal for long-term events and those requiring perimeter security. They are suitable for restricting access to VIP or backstage areas, though open spaces between the steel wires make them possible to climb.

Chain-link fence panels can be attached to above-ground posts embedded in a concrete base (the economical choice) or posts driven deep into the ground for maximum security and durability. Because they take longer to install and are not as easy to relocate as moveable fence panels, chain-link fences may not be the best choice for short-term events.

Be sure to have a carefully considered plan for where to position chain-link fences, and the resources to handle placement and removal.

Bike rack barricades and steel barricades

Barricades allow for flexibility and quick adjustments in the crowd control layout.

Bike rack barricades are lightweight and easy to set up. Best for managing pedestrian traffic and delineating pathways, they are suited for events with light crowd control needs.

Heavier-duty steel barriers are the better barrier choice for crowd control at larger events, including high-security events such as concerts. They are suitable for creating walking paths and preventing access to restricted areas.

Jersey barriers

Concrete jersey barriers and plastic jersey barriers are ideal for vehicle traffic control and high-security areas. The plastic variety can be filled with water or sand for weight and sturdiness. Jersey barriers are essential for large-scale events at which crowd protection from vehicles is necessary.

How can you add additional safety and security to your event?

Need a high-security fence for an event? Temporary event fences can be customized to boost security and safety.

For example, fence stabilizers or base weights can be added to temporary fence panels for extra stability on difficult terrain and in extreme weather conditions. They reduce the risk of the fence being blown or pushed over. Adding sandbags for extra support is another option.

For longer-term events, driven posts provide superior security compared to above-ground posts or, in the case of fence panels, tube or peg stands.

Can you add gates for vehicle and pedestrian access?

Event managers may need to create entry and exit points for vehicle access, including emergency responder access. Kits for rolling or sliding vehicle gates turn temporary fencing panels into vehicle access points.

A pedestrian gate is useful for managing pedestrian access to restricted areas.

Can you customize fencing for branding and aesthetics?

Customized windscreens or fence wraps provide the finishing touch. Add the event sponsor logo, images of featured performers or directional signage. You can wrap the entire fence or just certain sections.

The value of partnering with an experienced temp fence provider

The optimal event fencing for crowd control helps organizers ensure safety, maintain an orderly flow of foot traffic and create a pleasant experience for attendees. Partnering with an experienced temporary fence provider such as United Rentals can help you make informed decisions about which types of fences and barriers to choose based on the event size, location, security needs, local permitting requirements and budget. A trusted partner can also advise on how best to secure fences based on the environment and level of security required.

The United Rentals temporary fence team can visit the site, assess the event fencing needs, offer product recommendations and advise on fence and barricade placement. Leveraging United Rentals for professional installation and takedown services gives event organizers one less thing to worry about.

Frequently asked questions

What are crowd control fence panels used for?

Crowd control fence panels direct foot traffic, secure perimeters and restrict access to backstage, VIP or staff-only areas for events. Teams rely on them at concerts, festivals and sporting events to maintain safety and manage attendee flow.

Are fencing panels the same as chain-link fences?

No, fencing panels are not the same as chain-link fences. Temporary fence panels are made of galvanized steel mesh and are modular and fast to install, while chain-link fences are made of galvanized steel chain links and require posts and a longer setup. Chain-link fences suit long-term or perimeter security needs, while fence panels work best for short-term events.

How do you secure crowd control fence panels in windy conditions?

In high wind or on uneven terrain, fence stabilizers, base weights and sandbags can help secure crowd control fence panels. For longer-term events, driven posts offer stronger support than tube or peg stands.

Do crowd control fence panels require a permit?

A fence permit is often required, especially in public areas, to confirm that crowd control fence panels meet local height, material and placement regulations. Confirm requirements with your local permitting office before installation.