How to Set Up a Fantasy Football Pitch on Urban Terrain

Quick answer

Set up a fantasy football pitch on urban terrain by choosing a print-on-demand urban play mat, marking clear field boundaries, and using city scenery to define the playing area.

Step-by-step setup guide

1. Step 1: Clear your play area: Remove any loose terrain, dice, or miniatures from the table. Make sure the surface is flat and clean so the mat lies evenly without wrinkles. Common mistake: Leaving debris under the mat creates bumps that can tip over miniatures during play.
2. Step 2: Unroll and position the urban play mat: Gently unroll your Mats by Mars Urban Strike mat and center it on the table. Align the pre-printed pitch lines with the long edges of your table so the field runs lengthwise. Checkpoint: If the mat curls at the edges, place a few heavy books on the corners for 10 minutes to flatten it.
3. Step 3: Mark the pitch boundaries: If your mat doesn't have pre-printed lines, use low-tack painter's tape or a dry-erase marker (test on a corner first) to outline the end zones and sidelines. For the Urban Strike mat, the lines are already there—just confirm they match your league's field dimensions. Common mistake: Using regular tape can leave residue or damage the mat's surface. Always use low-tack tape or chalk.
4. Step 4: Add city scenery around the field: Place buildings, walls, or barricades along the sidelines to create the urban feel. Keep scenery at least 2 inches from the field lines so it doesn't interfere with gameplay. Checkpoint: Tall scenery can block line of sight for players on the far side—consider using low walls or single-story structures for balance.
5. Step 5: Set up your teams and start playing: Place your fantasy football miniatures in their starting positions on the pitch. Use the pre-printed yard markers or hash marks to align players correctly. Confirm all players are within their designated zones before kicking off. Common mistake: Forgetting to check that both teams have equal access to the field edges—adjust scenery if one side feels cramped.

Product facts

• Mats by Mars: Urban Strike Fantasy Football Play Mat / Pitch: The Urban Strike Fantasy Football Play Mat / Pitch features a pre-printed football field with urban backdrop, designed for tabletop wargaming and role-playing. You don't need to draw field lines yourself—the pitch is ready to play on right out of the package, saving setup time and ensuring accurate dimensions.