Is this normal from a Pro Level Stadium perspective? Gear asked to be delivered 5 hours before the event for them to hold, till time for me to setup.

Im doing a small event for a local pro sports team during the pre-game activities (kind of like a vendor booth situation) and the "activation team" is telling me that my camera and lighting must be delivered and left with them 5 hours prior the game or more. they will "lock it up" till i arrive to work the event.
I told them i was fine with dropping off my backdrops/Stands, but my gear doesnt go without me.

Is this normal at a professional sports team level? Are sports photographers asked to drop off gear hours before games?

I dont leave my gear with ANYONE other than me. I dont trust others to manage my stuff. Its the only thing in my life im this unstrusty about, and while yes my gear is insured, that doesnt mean i want to deal with it if someone messes things up for me.