Organizers for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a.k.a. RodeoHouston, wanted an in-the-round stage structure worthy of the star power of the top country acts performing during the mega-event’s 20-day span. After coming up with the idea for a star-shaped stage, the event organizers turned to Tait and LD Systems for a staging and lighting assist. Tait tackled the challenge of moving and leveling the automated stage structure, which measures 126 feet from tip to tip and weighs 360,000 pounds, out on soft dirt. LD Systems provided the new 28-foot-high backdrop with 434 compact and bright fixtures, plus a star-shaped overhead truss. It’s topped with eight large LED screens from Screenworks configured in a massive circular array to ensure that the acts performing on the rotating center of the star are always facing the 360 degree audience.
—From “At RodeoHouston, A Star is Born,” by Mike Wharton, PLSN, April 2018, page 38
