Technical Information

Prepared 7/8/98.

Arena Floor

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’. Ordinarally, 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 F. Besanko, Assistant General Manager
(703) 993-3008 Office; (703)-993-3079 FAX
or
John K. Gabbert, Director of Operations at
(703) 993-3014 Office; (703)-993-3079 FAX

Loading Dock

The Arena 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 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 Officials locker room (#1049) is used as a production office for most events and can be outfitted with necessary accoutrements as required. It has a toilet and single stall shower attached.

Requests for phone/FAX lines or special set ups should be directed to John F. Besanko, Assistant General Manager at (703) 993-3008 Office or (703) 993-3079 FAX.

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.

Building Rigging information can be acquired by request.

Contact:
John K. Gabbert .. Office; (703) 993-3014 FAX (703)-993-3079.

Barricades

Two barricade systems are available.

1. SICO attached to the staging, solid faced, iron-banded plywood which will span the front of the required stage.
2. 22 pcs of StageRight free-standing, perforated faced, metal barricade with floor plates in 4’ widths. These can, at this time, only be connected in a straight-line configuration.

Show Power

There are three 375amp 3phase 120/208V Disconnects and one 100amp 3phase 120/208 V Disconnect. All are located stage left approximately 85’ from the center of the arena floor. More electrical information can be acquired by contacting:

Charles Shelby, Building Engineer at
(703) 993-3023 Office or (703) 993-3079 FAX.

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.

Contact:
John K. Gabbert .. Office; (703) 993-3014 FAX (703)-993-3079.
John F. Besanko...Office (703) 993-3008 FAX (703)-993-3079.

Pyrotechnics

The use of any pyrotechnic devices are monitored by the Virginia State and Fairfax County fire marshals who may require a demonstration. A copy of the pyro rider and the pyro technician’s certification is required in advance to determine the need for a demonstration.

Contact:
John K. Gabbert .. Office; (703) 993-3014 FAX (703)-993-3079 or
John F. Besanko...Office (703) 993-3008 FAX (703)-993-3079.

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 complement of assorted 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 and 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 K. Gabbert .. Office; (703) 993-3014 FAX (703)-993-3079.

Telecommunications

On-site permanently installed telephone, FAX and Internet connections are available and permanent phone numbers can be assigned or installed per special request.

Contact:
John F. Besanko...Office (703) 993-3008 FAX (703)-993-3079.

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 request are made in advance.

Contact:
John F. Besanko...Office (703) 993-3008 FAX (703)-993-3079.

Catering

Several choices of catering styles and menus are available including; Marriot (located on campus), Planet X (total vegetarian), High Topps (menu by request) etc.

Contact:
John F. Besanko...Office (703) 993-3008 FAX (703)-993-3079.

E-Mail Addresses:
Contact John F. Besanko: jbesanko@gmu.edu
John K. Gabbert: jgabbert@gmu.edu