Barco 'ups the ante' at the Hard Rock Hotel
The Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel's new 60 million dollar on-site entertainment venue distinguishes itself with new High End Systems lighting and control products.
Rancho Cordova, CA — 7 May 2009 — Digital and automated lighting pioneer Barco announced today that the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas recently installed an extensive array of High End Systems lighting and control products in their new $60 million entertainment venue called The New Joint. The venue's star-studded grand opening was held in 17-19 April, with concerts by The Killers, Avenged Sevenfold and Paul McCartney.
The installation was handled by Montreal-based Solotech and The Joint's Lighting Designer, Alex Ares. Equipment includes 13 SHOWGUNs, four DL.3 digital lights with a D-Tek D-Mix Pro switcher, two SHOWPIX pixelation luminaires and a Road Hog Full Boar console.
“I chose the SHOWGUNs to add an edge over every house rig in Vegas,” said Ares. “They're tons of fun and their 'punch' is just awesome! After using them in the old Joint for a year, I can't be without them, and they're a part of every design I'm doing. I also went with the DL.3s to add another dimension to my rig, and I added the D-Tek switcher to give my video guy more cameras to enhance the overall customer experience. And for stability and user-friendliness, I really like the Road Hog Full Boar console.”
Ares misses the challenges of the original (and smaller) Joint, which closed in February to allow for the new expansion. However, the increased production values of the new venue offer so much more for the touring talent. One of Ares' challenges was to design the rig to allow touring bands to bring in their own gear, yet still keep the house rig intact. “The New Joint still has the small theatre vibe, but it's double the size,” explained Ares. “The stage is 90-feet across by 52-feet deep, and we have a full grid capable of hanging anywhere. If a tour wants to hang their own rig — which hasn't happened yet — I just raise up our in-house rig. Up next are Bon Jovi and Kenny Chesney, and so far, every tour lighting designer is using my house rig plus their floor package, which is exciting for me.”
Montreal-based architectural firm ScenoPlus designed the new 4,000-capacity venue to accommodate a wide mix of events beyond concerts — including boxing, wrestling, martial arts, corporate functions, trade shows, red carpet movie premiers and advanced screenings. In addition to the facility's new, innovative lighting and sound system, the list of “extra” features is impressive. These include four dressing rooms and a production office, a new green room, a meet-and-greet room, a full blogging station for the press, seven premiere VIP hospitality suites, WiFi access throughout and multiple flat screens for ultimate viewing.
“We had an incredible opening weekend,” said Ares. “The Killers brought the house down, and I'm still speechless by the show that Sir Paul put on! The New Joint is an amazing venue and we're going to see more incredible shows to come.”
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, owned and operated under Morgans Hotel Group and equity partner, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, is a premier destination entertainment resort located on 16.7 acres situated strategically on Harmon Avenue, one of Las Vegas' fastest growing entertainment corridors. Built in 1995 and expanded in 1999, the property is currently undergoing another expansion set for completion in early 2010 more than tripling its current size. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where such acts as The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Nine Inch Nails and The Killers have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Hard Rock Hotel tower with 640 guest rooms; a 30,000 square foot casino; The Beach Club with a swimming pool that was selected by the Travel Channel as one of "The Top 10 Pools" in the world; Rehab, the trendsetting Sunday afternoon pool party; Body English nightclub which was selected by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Sexiest Places in the World”; The Joint concert venue; newly opened rock lounge Wasted Space, owned by motocross star Carey Hart; restaurants including the newly opened AGO, world-renowned Nobu, Pink Taco and Mr. Lucky's; three cocktail lounges; several retail stores; and Rock Spa, an 8,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center. Visit www.hardrockhotel.com for more information.
About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 725 million euro in 2008.
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