When TPiMEA visited Onyx Arena prior to its opening [TPiMEA48], we were promised a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue capable of hosting “anything from conferences and sporting events to concerts and everything in between”, and sure enough, the arena got off to a flying start, with MDLBEAST bringing a trio of shows over consecutive weekends, starring the likes of Don Toliver and Axwell, Jack Harlow and Salvatore Ganacci, as well as Bebe Rexha and Afrojack.
The design concept for the shows was created by the MDLBEAST creative and production teams, led by Creative Director Quentin Greyling and Production Director, Jonny Gaskell, alongside Event Manager Raad Amro, with Colour Sound Experiment, MediaPro International, ER Productions and All Events Services (AES) among the technical suppliers.
All lighting, video screen and rigging was supplied by Colour Sound Experiment, headed up by Project Manager, Abu Bakar. The lighting design comprised five overhead lighting trusses, five sub hung trusses per side running upstage to downstage as well as a substantial floor package. A further four lighting trusses spanned the audience area, following the contours of the VIP decking to create a superclub feel within the arena, making it feel less cavernous and more intimate.
Several layers of fixtures were utilised to create a diverse range of looks over the course of the shows. The rig included 32 CHAUVET Professional STRIKE Array 2 LED blinders, 58 COLORado PXL Bar 16s, 16 Ayrton Karif-LTs, 160 Martin VDO Sceptron 10s, 136 Light Sky AQUAPEARL-PRO washes, 177 AQUABEAM 400s, 27 Prolight Spectra Q40s, 48 Endura LED pars, and six Robe BMFL spots with RoboSpot control. Additionally, over 500m of RGBW dmx-controlled LED tape, recessed into the contours of the VIP platforms, was controlled by the house MA Lighting grandMA3 console to synchronise the colour of the trim of the architecture to the main show lighting.
More than 368 sq m of 6.9mm LED was utilised for the rear onstage screen and IMAG screens, which were shaped to follow the curvature of the arena ceiling to maximise their size while achieving the required aesthetic. This was controlled using Resolume and Disguise systems to manage content and camera feeds, with MDLBEAST’s Erik Pearson overseeing the operation and integrating with incoming VJs and their playback systems.
Audio, cameras and video control was supplied by MediaPro International, with the project led by crew boss, Reynol Dsouza. The audio system comprised L-Acoustics K1 and K2 for the main left and right, outer hangs and delays, with KS28 subs providing the low end and six clusters of Kara 2 covering front fill.
ER Productions, led by Jonathan Prassad, supplied a substantial SFX, lasers, and pyro package for the shows, consisting of 15 AT-30W, 12 BB4 and 16 Beam ER laser heads, eight Galaxis Flame XL, eight Explo X2 Wave Flames and eight Showven Sonicboom Jets. Six Magic FX Stadium Blasters and six Magic FX Stadium Shot Extremes were utilised in the pit to deploy streamers and confetti during the performances. Production and Stage Management was expertly taken care of by Andy Head and Dave Meek respectively, ensuring all artists needs were taken care of.
All structural support for the show and VIP platform builds and finish was supplied by AES, which created beautifully curved VIP platforms, helping to give the event the clublike feel that was desired, managed by crew bosses, Andy Buist and Kris Piper.
The MDLBEAST team worked hand in hand with the Onyx Senior Management and Project teams, from venue booking, to planning, to operations, to technical support, execution support, ground support, client servicing, site management and maintenance, and facility management, taking into consideration all event touch points, guest journey and experiences from beginning to end.
The project was led by Imad M. Bitar, General Manager, supported by Anthony Frost, Head of Operations, Maram Badawi, Venue Client Communication & Support, as well as a project team of trusted freelancers.
Onyx Arena facility suppliers include Arkaz, Colour Sound Experiment, Al Taqaa Power, WeClean966, ESM, and Full Cycle. “These suppliers are the backbone support of the venue’s excellence, and we work with them in tandem and in proximity to ensure we provide our client all the needed support and services in a timely, effective, and efficient manner,” stated Bitar.
Reflecting on the venue’s opening shows, Bitar was delighted with the reaction from the typically lively Jeddah crowd. “The vibe and sense of unity everyone experienced at the shows was unique,” he commented. “The crowd were left flabbergasted, nobody wanted to leave, and a strong sense of community was felt. This was a remarkable milestone in the entertainment and events market, and the Onyx team is very proud to be part of this success along with the wider MDLBEAST team.”
Up next for the Onyx Arena is a massive Halloween Night spectacular from German DJ and producer Boris Brejcha on 31 October, and if the blockbuster opening shows are anything to go by, this is one not to be missed.
Photos: MDLBEAST
www.mdlbeast.com
www.onyxarena.com
