On Madonna’s current The Celebration Tour, which runs until May of this year, it is the secret star on the ground: the GIGS® Flat Footplate Stage Barricades solution from eps. Based on the long-established eps GIGS barricades in the event industry and exclusively further developed by the international leading infrastructure service provider in the live entertainment segment for the Queen of Pop’s concert tour, the new stage barricade elements with flat footplates increase the capacity for seated shows.
Seats can thus be sold right up to the barricade handrail. This is made possible by a particularly flat footplate with which the GIGS Flat Footplate Stage Barricades, or simply GIGS Flat Footplate, are equipped. Madonna’s ongoing The Celebration Tour, where these stage barricades suitable for seated shows are already successfully in use, provided the crucial impetus for the expansion of the GIGS Barricade Series. At the request of the production team, eps promptly adapted the required barrier system to meet specific requirements and complemented the barricades, equipped with the extra-flat footplate, with special cable passage/door, corner/curve, and T elements. As a result, this allows eps to be more flexible in designing the barricade lines and tailor them precisely to stage design, as in the case of Madonna. Due to their low profile, which prevents tripping hazards, the customized barricades are a visually attractive addition to Madonna’s stage setup. However, one of the key advantages is the enlarged event space, which provides more room for more spectators at seated shows. Fans can get even closer to the action and enjoy a more immersive concert experience.
“Exclusively enhanced for the Madonna tour”
Mike Morobitto, Production Director for Madonna’s The Celebration Tour, states: “Amidst all the lasers, flames, and other spectacular show elements, it’s often imperceptible to the audience, but we understand the crucial need for tailored infrastructure for the safe execution of events. Especially when it comes to a show of this magnitude. eps ensured this with their GIGS Flat Footplate Stage Barricades, exclusively enhanced for the Madonna tour, assuring audience safety and maximize floor capacity to increase ticket sales.” Remaining true to its reputation as a pioneer in the event industry, eps demonstrates with the GIGS Flat Footplate Barricades how customer-oriented service is a core philosophy of the company group. Sebastian Tobie, CEO of eps event holding, states: “Initially, we mainly used GIGS Flat Footplate Barricades to increase capacity in seated shows. In the case of the Madonna tour, in addition to the increased capacity, the goal was to create standing areas without tripping hazards. We always work closely with our clients and partner companies to understand their needs and find solutions.” More and more touring organizers are showing interest in integrating the enhanced barricade elements into their stage setups.
Modular kit principle for flexible and custom barricade solutions
The expansion of eps’ GIGS product series includes various barricade elements. These include the GIGS Flat Footplate Straight, which is also available in half-length and forms the basis of tailored barricade lines. An important special element is the GIGS Flat Footplate MAG: cable protection bridges can easily pass under the barricade, and an integrated door facilitates access for security personnel, sound technicians, or other crew members. Additional barricade elements, which, for example, enable various angles and changes in direction within the barricade line, are in planning. As with the modular kit principle of the entire GIGS series of barricade and entrance systems, all components can be combined to ensure flexible and custom barricade solutions.
