On September 18, 2025, we had the opportunity to be part of the grand opening event at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, a Marriott property in Chula Vista, just outside San Diego, California. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how our team built, installed, and removed a custom event skateboard ramp for one of the most memorable activations we've done.
How the Project Started
In September 2025, we got a call from an event coordinator working for Marriott. His background was with Red Bull, and that's how he knew us. He remembered our work from previous projects and how professional our team was. He wanted the best skateboard ramp builders in the area to install a ramp and bring in pro skaters.
The event was a grand opening for this beautiful hotel, with a few hundred Marriott executives and leaders on the guest list, plus top-tier food and entertainment. The plan was a 5-foot-tall by 16-foot-wide by 30-foot-long mini ramp half pipe with a 6.5-foot-tall corner extension. It's the same style of ramp we build for backyards and skate parks, scaled up for the stage. If you want to see what a ramp like this looks like at home, check out our 16 Foot Wide Half Pipe Ramp.
Planning the Layout: Visibility and Safety
Before we built anything, we reviewed the map of the outdoor space and walked the site with the client. We looked for the best location for visibility, so every guest could watch the skating, and for safety. For example, we're not putting a skateboard ramp three feet from the dining tables or the bar. Smart placement protects your guests, your skaters, and your event.
Prefabrication at Our Orange County Shop
Once we had our marching orders on the ramp and the branding, including paint colors and the Gaylord Pacific vinyl decals, we started prefabrication at our shop in Orange County. We cut all the 2x4s and sheets of plywood and partially assembled everything we could in our own facility.
The goal was to arrive the day before the event on our flatbed trailer with the ramp semi-built. That cuts down on-site build time and tool usage. We pulled in with the frame (the skeleton of the ramp) assembled and strapped to the trailer. The hotel's outdoor safety manager guided us up the sidewalks and into the install location.
Installation: Five Builders, 4 to 5 Hours
A team of five installed the ramp in about 4 to 5 hours. Of course, we had to test it. Pro skater Dave Bachinsky hopped on and gave it a couple of slash grinds. He'd been booked to skate the event alongside fellow pros Alex Sorgente and Yam Behar.
Meet the pros
- Dave Bachinsky. Known for his technical street and miniramp skating, and for being the only skater to kickflip the El Toro 20-stair. Sponsors include Darkstar Skateboards, Venture Trucks, Diamond, and OC Ramps.
- Alex Sorgente. A multi-time X Games park medalist and Vans Park Series champion. He's sponsored by Red Bull, Oakley, Independent Trucks, and Spitfire Wheels.
- Yam Behar. A Monster Energy-sponsored skater from Israel, known for technical bowl riding and a signature capsule collection with P448 shoes.
Event Day: Skydivers, Pro Skaters, and Yellowtail
When we arrived on event day, a small Red Bull airplane flew overhead and two skydivers landed directly on the grass of the event. The crowd was oohing and aahing, and it set the tone for the whole day.
The food was something out of a movie. A chef was cutting fresh yellowtail tuna and serving it on the spot. The tables also had filet mignon, lobster, paella, and truffled mushrooms. Needless to say, it was a step up from our typical drive-through Chick-fil-A meal!
The ramp and the skate performances were a huge hit. They added the SoCal vibe and energy the event was all about.
Teardown: Leaving It Cleaner Than We Found It
We returned the day after the event to disassemble the ramp. The same team of five broke it down and loaded the trailer in about 2 to 2.5 hours. We use a large magnet to sweep the grounds and pick up any leftover screws, then follow up with blowers and brooms to clear any dust. Our goal is always to leave the property in the same condition or better.
Planning an Event With a Skateboard Ramp?
Here's what to know if you're thinking about a ramp for your own event:
- Lead time: We generally need about 3 to 4 weeks to plan, prefab, and schedule a project like this.
- Install and removal: Install takes about 4 to 5 hours. Removal takes about half that.
- Custom and branded: Every ramp is built to your space, with custom paint, vinyl decals, and branding.
- Safety first: We help plan the layout so the ramp is visible without putting guests or skaters at risk.
- Pro talent: We can help coordinate pro skaters for demos.
Every project is priced individually based on your venue, ramp size, and branding.
Request a quote for your event
Final Thoughts
It was another great and successful event, and we were excited to work with the Marriott team. We hope to be back! Want to see more of what we do? Explore our brand activations and event page, or check out the Bachinsky Limited Edition Skate Deck we make with Dave.