Cleveland’s I-X Center Unveils Large-scale Performance Space
October 1, 2015
Cleveland’s I-X Center has added a unique component to its venue - a state-of-the art live performance space, where acoustically treated sound walls, elevated telescopic seating and custom staging all scales to various flexible configurations.
“Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts, included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of Business Development.
He added, “We now offer a state-of the art performance space with remarkable flexibility and world class sound. The acoustical environment has already blown away expectations and will only get better as we tweak the room.”
The new space will have a 3,500-capacity theater or a 7,000-capacity arena.
Within the 2.2 million square foot convention center complex, this new performance space is a 300’ x 400’ enclosed area, defined by floor-to-ceiling acoustic drapery and mass loaded sound panels, that can be installed and dismantled with relative ease via truss and motors.
A vertical drape ‘canopy’ is flown from the ceiling at various heights over audience footprint, to absorb and deflect sound.
Custom portable telescopic units, featuring comfortable black naugahyde seats and cup holders, can move around to provide 2,592 elevated seats in various layouts. Combined with flat floor seating and/or standing room, audience capacities significantly increase.
What it all means is even if a trade show is staged on the floor in full swing, a large keynote session or any other performance can take place at the same time.
“I-X Center’s new transitional Arena/Theater is a wonderful addition to the facility that already hosts large trade and consumer shows, as well as, our growing portfolio of self-produced events,” Levine said.
He added, “We’re extremely excited with the capability to add live concerts, family shows, theatrical productions and corporate events to our calendar, while I-X Center continues to serve as an economic and entertainment engine for Northeast Ohio.”
I-X Center has engaged the services of VC Strategic Partners, a division of Venue Coalition, to develop content and introduce this new venue to the live performance industry.
Venue Coalition works with a group of leading venues throughout North America and acts as a booking advocate for these venues by reaching out to key decision makers including agents, promoters and producers in the live events industry.
The public will have a ‘sneak peek’ of the new space Oct. 22 for "Cleveland's Biggest Costume Party” at which bands will perform.
The venue officially will be available beginning spring of 2016 for graduations, corporate functions and ancillary events during the Republican National Convention, in addition to live concerts and touring productions.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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