Venue Concert & Event Rigging
We're the leading industry expert in rigging engineering and structural load evaluation services for touring concerts, shows and special events.
Lead Contacts
Overview
Thornton Tomasetti is the industry-leading expert in rigging engineering. We've provided structural-rigging load-evaluation services for many large touring shows and special events at venues across the country, including the Country Music Awards, Superbowl halftime shows, WWE matches, NCAA Final Fours and concerts featuring Metallica, Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé and many more.
As concerts and events have become more elaborate, with various uses of lighting, sound, video and special effects, the hung loads have become heavier and are spread over larger areas. They often include complex dynamic or moving elements. In some cases, the proposed rigging load may exceed the previous rated capacity for the roof structure and/or rigging grid members and may spread beyond the rigging grid. It's imperative that the grid's capacity and the roof structure be thoroughly analyzed and reviewed for heavy loads. From our wide-ranging experience in rigging, we understand that weights have only increased in the past 15 years, and we draw on a wealth of knowledge in weight distributions when designing new arenas.
Here's How
Our engineers consult with arena, stadium and convention center operators, touring shows and event promoters to conduct rigging evaluations. To determine how the show can be safely and efficiently installed as proposed, we evaluate the capacity of the roof structures and rigging grids. When proposed loads exceed the roof's carrying capacity, we provide options to redistribute or reduce loads to prevent overstressing the overall roof structure or any individual member. Upon completion of review and examination, we provide confirmation that the loads can be accommodated, along with a rigging bridle plan specific to the show and the venue, as well as on-site observation as needed to ensure the safety of those in attendance.
In addition to providing evaluations for shows, venues also engage us to improve and increase their roofs' capacity and functionality for accommodating rigging loads. This often means strengthening select members and increasing the coverage of the rigging grid. We evaluate the arena’s roof capacity for new center-hung scoreboards and provide engineering services to strengthen and improve roofs when larger and heavier scoreboards are installed. Lastly, we offer expertise for ground-supported events, such as consulting for the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center.in Newark.
Related Projects
Featured Project
T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas’ largest arena, excitement can reach epic levels. But as the energy builds, our solutions keep things rock solid.