Inflatable Tunnel Setup and Takedown Guide

Start by matching the tunnel to its kit

Before you move anything to the setup area, use the order number to match the tunnel, blower, equipment, and instructions. Standard tunnels and custom shapes may use different hardware or setup methods.

Every inflatable tunnel purchase includes a blower at no additional charge. Use the blower and operating method supplied for your quoted build.

Get everything together before event day

A few minutes of preparation can save your crew from sorting out equipment, power, and responsibilities in front of a waiting team.

• Keep the order number and tunnel name with the kit.
• Bring the current setup, anchoring, takedown, and packing instructions.
• Check the packing list against the tunnel and equipment.
• Confirm the setup location, access route, setup window, and event start time.
• Identify the power location and who is responsible for it.
• Confirm the venue-approved anchoring plan for the surface and tunnel.
• Name one crew lead and one person who can pause the entrance.
• Keep MVP Visuals contact information with the order number.

Know the Standard tunnel basics

The Standard tunnel is available to order online in an 18 ft length; a 25 ft version is available by custom quote. Custom shorter or longer sizes may also be built, but the practical limits depend on the durability and stability requirements of the quoted design.

The inflation time is an estimate for the Standard 18 ft tunnel only. Surface area and the finished build affect how long inflation takes, so do not apply this range to a 25 ft or custom tunnel. Your crew should still inspect the finished setup before anyone enters.

Choose a clear setup area

Walk the full setup area and run-through route while the tunnel is still packed. It is much easier to change the plan before setup begins.

• Remove sharp or abrasive objects from the surface and route.
• Check overhead and side clearance against the quoted build and approved site plan.
• Keep the tunnel away from traffic, doors, equipment, and other activity that could contact the fabric.
• Make sure the power source is accessible and matches the instructions for the supplied blower.
• Confirm that the venue permits the anchoring method specified for the build and surface.
• Review current site and weather conditions against the instructions and venue plan.
• Keep spectators and participants outside the setup area until the crew lead opens the route.

If the instructions do not state the wind or ballast limits for your build, ask MVP Visuals before setup. Do not create a limit from a different tunnel or event.

Set up a continuous-air tunnel

These steps are for a continuous-air tunnel with an external blower and an inflation sleeve. Identify your tunnel’s air system before starting. MVP also supplies sealed-air tunnels, which retain air without a continuously running blower. For those models, use the supplied inflation and valve-closure instructions instead of the continuous-air steps below.

1. Unpack and lay out the tunnel

Take the tunnel out of its carry bag and unfold it in the cleared setup area. Position the entrance and exit along the planned run-through route. Spread out folded sections and check the fabric, seams and attachment points for damage before inflation.

Locate the inflation sleeve, air-release openings and tie-down points while the tunnel is flat. Set the ropes and anchoring hardware beside their attachment points so they are ready to use.

2. Prepare the tie-downs

Attach the tie-down ropes to the tunnel’s designated rings and complete the initial securing required for the surface before inflation. Leave the adjustment needed for the tunnel to rise into position; make the final adjustments after it is inflated.

The anchoring equipment must suit both the tunnel and the ground surface. If the supplied anchoring plan does not cover your venue, resolve that before setup.

3. Connect the blower

Position the supplied blower beside the inflation sleeve with its air intake unobstructed. Fit the inflation sleeve over the blower outlet and secure it with the fastening provided for your equipment. The photo below shows a sleeve secured with a strap. Before switching on the blower, close the air-release openings identified in your tunnel’s instructions.

Check the power requirement for your supplied equipment. The power information in the Standard tunnel table above applies to that product; do not use it as the specification for a different build.

4. Inflate and check the shape

Switch on the blower and watch the tunnel expand. Keep participants outside the setup area. If a section remains folded or the tunnel does not take its intended shape, pause the setup and check the air connection and closures before continuing.

A continuous-air tunnel needs its blower running throughout use. Do not disconnect it when the tunnel first reaches its shape.

5. Finish securing and inspect

With the tunnel inflated, make the final tie-down adjustments and check every anchor attachment. Confirm that the entrance and exit are correctly positioned and that ropes and equipment do not obstruct the run-through route.

Complete the checks below before the crew lead opens the entrance.

Make these final checks before the entrance opens

Walk the entrance, interior and exit once setup is complete. Open the route only after the crew lead has checked the following.

If something changes, pause the entrance

Clear the route and return to the tunnel instructions if:

• The tunnel loses its intended shape or the air system stops working as expected.
• The tunnel moves unexpectedly or an attachment point no longer matches the approved setup.
• You see a tear, seam issue, damaged fitting, damaged cord, or another visible problem.
• The surface, power supply, venue plan, or weather changes after the setup check.
• The crew cannot confirm which instructions or equipment belong to the tunnel.

Do not guess at more ballast, a different anchor, an electrical workaround, or a field repair. Follow the instructions for the build or contact MVP Visuals with the order number.

Deflate, fold and pack the tunnel

Close the entrance and clear everyone from the tunnel and work area before takedown. The sequence below continues the external-blower, continuous-air setup above.

1. Deflate the tunnel

Keep the tunnel secured while you switch off the blower and open the designated air-release openings. Allow the tunnel to settle fully onto the cleared ground, then disconnect the blower and remove the anchoring equipment.

2. Check before folding

Inspect the tunnel and packing area for loose stakes, stones and other objects that could be caught in the fabric. Check folds and ground-contact surfaces for dirt or moisture. Do not pack damp fabric; use the care, cleaning, and storage guide when cleaning or drying is needed.

3. Fold and roll

Lay the deflated tunnel flat and fold the side sections toward the middle. Continue folding to a width that fits the carry bag. Roll toward the open air-release point, allowing trapped air to escape as you go.

Keep the fabric away from sharp or abrasive surfaces throughout takedown and packing.

4. Pack and account for the kit

Count the tunnel, blower, instructions and every item on the packing list. Record any damage, missing equipment or operating issue before the kit returns to storage.

Event-day crew checklist

• Correct tunnel, blower, equipment, and instructions
• Surface, clearance, route, power, anchoring, and conditions checked
• Tunnel fully shaped and inspected before use
• Named crew lead monitoring the entrance
• Route closed immediately if setup conditions change
• Fabric clean and completely dry before packing
• Equipment counted and issues recorded before storage