PATRIOT CENTER

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Arena's Main Phone Number: (703) 993-3000; Fax: (703) 993-3079

Contact Information:
John Besanko, (703) 993-3008; jbesanko@gmu.edu

Scott Turyn, (703) 993-3029; sturyn@gmu.edu

John Gabbert, (703) 993-3014; jgabbert@gmu.edu

Arena Floor:

85’ wide x 200’ long......................17,000 sq. ft.

The Arena has two retractable bleachers at the East and West ends, each of which, when extended, reduce the overall length of the floor by 40’. Ordinarily, the bleacher seating at the West end will be extended for performances.

Concourse:

The North and South Concourse Areas are larger than the East and West Concourse Areas. All concourse areas are interrupted by support columns and portable concession stands. More accurate measurements and information can be acquired by contacting John Besanko or John Gabbert.

Loading Dock:

The loading dock is located on the East end of the building on the lower level and can accommodate two trucks when they are staggered in the loading driveway. Most trailers cannot fit into the building due to the low clearance of lighting fixtures and duct work. However, most straight body trucks can come into the loading dock hallway as far as the intersection of the service corridor.

Elevator:

There is one personnel elevator which doubles as a service elevator for small loads that must be lifted to the concourse level only. Larger items must be loaded in through the concourse entrances.

Production Office:

The Media Room (#1064) is typically used as the production office for most events. Requests for phone and/or Internet service can be directed to John Besanko or Scott Turyn.

Staging:

SICO Variable-Terrain Staging....................120 pcs. of 4’ x 8’ Panels.

The staging can be configured in any geometric extrapolation of 4’ x 8’. Heights can be 8"; 4’ and any increment of 4" over 4’ to a full height of 7’ (heights are to the deck).

ADDITIONAL STAGING can be arranged through vendors at cost.

SICO Drum risers are available in 4’ x 8’ panels (6pcs @ 8"; 6pcs @ 16"; 6pcs @ 24").

Rigging:

Staging and Rigging are controlled by the Director and Assistant Director of Operations as a service to the event and to the building. Comprehensive Rigging Plots need to be submitted to the Operations Department prior to the event to determine what can and cannot be accomplished within the guidelines of the building restrictions.

Rigging information can be acquired by request by contacting John Gabbert.

Barricades:

The Patriot Center has 160' of StageRight blow-thru barricades in 4' sections. Limited articulation around thrusts is possible.

Show Power:

There are three 400 A (120/208V) disconnects, and one 200A (120/208V) disconnect available on stage right and stage left for a total of 2800A of available show power. Each side is approximately 85' from the center of the arena floor. More electrical information can be acquired by contacting the chief engineer: Charles Shelby at (703) 993-3023.

Lighting:

The Patriot Center has eight 1600watt Xenon Supertroopers, six of which are placed in permanent locations equally spaced to accommodate end of arena shows, and two of which are in storage and can be placed as needed on temporary platforms built of SICO staging. The units are regularly cleaned and adjusted for optimum operation.

The arena floor proper is lit by six circuits of metal halide fixtures designed primarily for illuminating sporting events. Blacking out this area is problematic in that the fixtures need 20 minutes to cool before they will "strike".

The seating area is lit by two banks of dimmable incandescent fixtures on one circuit and focused ellipsoidals for aisle lighting of the seating access stairs.

Other theatrical or performance lighting must be provided by the act or we will help with lists of local vendors for rental or purchase.

Contacts: John Gabbert or John Besanko

Pyrotechnics:

The use of any pyrotechnics in the arena requires a permit from teh Virginia State Fire Marshall's Office (SFMO). Information on the permit process is available by calling (804) 371-0220 or visiting online at http://www.vafire.com/state_fire_marshal/explosive_and_fireworks.html.

Permit applications MUST be submitted to the SFMO no less than 10 working days in advance of the event. Copies of all permits, pyro riders and certifications should also be sent to John Besanko at the Patriot Center.

Contact: John Besanko - Patriot Center - 4500 Patriot Circle - Fairfax, VA 22030

House Audio:

The house audio system is suitable for announcements and reinforcement of live speech and music when the stage is set at the East end of the arena. The system is currently controlled from the "press" booth above Section 101, but may be controlled from other patch locations. The main cluster and supplementary delay array are JBL horns and bass cabinets powered by six 200watt BGW amplifiers with one spare automatic backup amplifier. All equipment is rack mounted.

Microphones:

We have a small assortment of microphones, including two AT hand-held wireless units on separate frequencies.

Sound Mix:

FOH mix position is usually centered on the arena floor at the back of house. Control consoles for this position must be provided by the event. If equipment is required on site we can help with lists of local vendors for rental or purchase. Contact: John Gabbert

Telecommunications:

On-site permanently installed telephone, fax and Internet connections are available and permanent phone numbers can be assigned or installed by request. Charges vary according to the level of service requested.

Contacts: Scott Turyn or John Besanko

Dressing Rooms:

We have five rooms of various configurations available for use as dressing rooms. Other rooms can be outfitted to accommodate special needs if requests are made in advance. Contact: John Besanko

Catering:

There is no in-house caterer at the venue, but we can provide a list of recommended vendors based upon show requirements.Contact: John Besanko