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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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