2018 Pan-Mass Challenge Opening Ceremony
Boston, MA- Each year the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since 1996 ALPS of Boston had donated equipment and services for the event's opening ceremony. While ALPS was acquired by 4Wall in June of this year, the newly minted 4Wall Boston wasted no time in continuing the tradition by providing the same service, support, and friendly faces the PMC team is accustomed to.
Prior to the weekend ride, riders and guests are invited to the PMC Opening Ceremony hosted by the PMC founder, Billy Star.
The primary focus of the lighting design was to support the live broadcast on WBZ-TV.
"Key lighting for the broadcast talent was the focal point when selecting the right gear for the show," said 4Wall Account Executive Mike Barczys. "ETC Source Four Lekos provided key lighting, Rosco Miro Cubes WNC fixtures provided low fill lighting, and Chauvet Rogue R2 Washes provided top wash lighting and effects."
A moving lights package consisting of Chauvet Rogue R2 Washes, Martin MAC Auras, Martin MAC Quantum Washes, and Martin MAC Quantum Profiles were used to create a vibrant, even audience wash.
"We also needed to fill the 13,000 sq. ft. venue with light for the audience which served as the backdrop during most of the camera shots and this package was essential for those looks," said Barczys.
This year's rig was redesigned to streamline the load in. Two central trusses were selected over the 360-degree stage and held a majority of the lighting fixtures, focusing stage and audience coverage for camera angles.
Additionally, the truss needed to provide hanging positions for the central 4-sided scoreboard style screen, its projectors, 2 more projectors for the side screens, and audio.
The perimeter wash was provided by Altman Spectra Cyc 200s that hung on the house beams.
The event was a great kick-off celebration to the weekend's ride that saw a record 6,300 cyclists from 43 states and 10 countries pedaling for a cure. This year's participants rode with the hopes of collectively raising $52 million which would bring the PMC's 39-year contribution to cancer research and care to over $650 million.
"Working with John from One4three, PMC, the WBZ crew, Sturbridge Host Hotel staff, and our 4Wall Boston crew was an absolute pleasure and we're all happy to have played a role in the 39th Pan-Mass Challenge," concluded 4Wall ETCP Rigging Specialist Ethan Gilson.