LOS ANGELES – As part of the recent reinvention of the iconic LA Forum, InterAmerica Stage installed its SkyDeck modular wire tension grid. With the ability to support 350,000 pounds of hanging weight, the Forum is now equipped to accommodate the largest touring concerts and productions.
More details from InterAmerica Stage, Inc. (www.iastage.com):
SANFORD, FL – On January 15, 2014, the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA, re-opened its doors as the only arena in the nation dedicated solely to music and entertainment. The venue is home to the largest tension wire grid system in the world.
SkyDeck™, a modular tension wire grid system, is the brainchild of Mark T. Black, president and owner of InterAmerica Stage, Inc. “For years, I’ve been thinking of how perfect SkyDeck™ would be in large arenas for overhead access,” says Black.
As part of the $100-million reinvention, hundreds of custom panels were installed in the Forum’s arena bowl. 68 miles of aircraft cable, 4.6 miles of steel framing members, and 78,000 IASI swage balls were used to fabricate the panels. SkyDeck™’s woven wire work surface covers 34 thousand square feet.
“I was down at the Forum…for the Eagles load in, which marks the first time the renovated building has been rigged and had riggers in the roof,” said Ed Kish, owner of Kish Rigging in Moorpark, CA. “The installation is first class. The rigging is safe, fast and easy.” Nick Fanger, Structural Engineer at Kish Rigging agreed, adding, “So far, everyone agrees the SkyDeck™ greatly increases the speed and safety of rigging at the Forum.
71 tons of steel were installed overhead, significantly increasing the structural capacity of the roof. With the ability to support 350,000 pounds of hanging weight, the Forum is now equipped to accommodate the largest touring concerts and productions.
