Teardrop Flag Bases Explained for Sports Clubs & Fitness Centres (Ground Spike vs Steel Base vs Water Bag 2025)
Teardrop Flag Bases Explained: Ground Spike vs Steel Base vs Water Bag
For sports clubs, fitness centres, health groups and wellbeing organisations, teardrop banners are one of the most effective ways to deliver clear messaging at events, training days and community activities. But choosing the right base is essential for stability, safety and performance — especially in open fields, sports grounds and outdoor fitness areas.
This guide explains the three most common base types used across Australia: ground spikes, steel bases and water bags. We also include a real-world example from the Merredin Croquet Club, a community sports group that uses teardrop banners at club days and tournaments.
With Black Friday approaching, many sports clubs and fitness centres upgrade their signage for end-of-year events, new memberships and summer programs. Understanding which base works best ensures your banners stay upright and professional at every event.
1. Ground Spike – Best for Grass, Ovals & Sports Fields
The ground spike (or ground stake) is ideal for any sporting environment with natural turf. It anchors firmly into the ground, giving excellent stability for windy days and wide-open outdoor spaces.
Perfect for:
- Sports club ovals and training grounds
- Outdoor fitness bootcamps
- Health and wellbeing community events held on grass
- Croquet lawns, cricket pitches, soccer fields and AFL grounds
Why sports groups choose ground spikes:
- Outstanding stability in wind
- Lightweight for coaches and volunteers to carry
- No obstruction on the playing surface
- Fast setup during tournament mornings
The Merredin Croquet Club uses ground spike bases for their club flags during social play and community events. Their greens are exposed to inland breezes, and the spike base ensures the banners stay upright the entire day. See their activities here: Facebook | Instagram.
2. Steel Base – Best for Gyms, Indoor Courts & Hard Surfaces
For sports venues with concrete or indoor flooring, the steel base is the most practical option. It sits flat and stable on hard surfaces without the need for ground penetration.
Perfect for:
- Indoor fitness centres and gyms
- Basketball, volleyball or netball stadiums
- Tennis clubs with paved courtyards
- Health and wellbeing expos
Why gyms and indoor sports clubs use steel bases:
- Safe, low-profile design
- Professional look for reception areas
- Easy to reposition between activities
- Strong balance on flat surfaces
Fitness studios often display teardrop banners with welcome messages, class timetables, wellbeing statements or team branding. A steel base keeps the banner upright even with frequent foot traffic around it.
3. Water Bag – Extra Stability for Windy & Exposed Conditions
A water bag is placed over a steel base to increase stability. It is a lightweight, portable solution that adds 10–15 kg when filled, making it perfect for outdoor sports events on paved surfaces.
Perfect for:
- Coastal sporting events
- Car park-based fitness sessions
- Outdoor gyms and wellbeing pop-up events
- Black Friday sporting promotions or membership drives
Why sports clubs use water bags:
- Prevents tipping in strong gusts
- Ideal for tall 3.4 m+ flags
- Easy to transport and empty after events
- Essential for solid surfaces where spikes cannot be used
Outdoor fitness teams and sports clubs often use a water bag during Black Friday when banners are displayed for long hours outside gym entrances or along busy walkways.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Sports Organisation
| Base Type | Best Surface | Wind Stability | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Spike | Grass, soil | Excellent | Ovals, club lawns, fitness bootcamps |
| Steel Base | Concrete, indoor courts | Good | Gyms, stadiums, sports centres |
| Water Bag | Used with steel base | Very high | Windy events, tall flags, Black Friday promotions |
Conclusion
Whether you're managing a sports club, running a fitness centre, leading a wellbeing program or preparing for Black Friday promotions, choosing the right teardrop banner base ensures your signage stays secure and professional. Ground spikes are unbeatable on grass fields, steel bases shine indoors or on concrete, and water bags provide extra stability in wind-exposed locations.
Explore our teardrop banner and base options here: