Rusty Brutsché, chairman and CEO of Vari-Lite, said: "Just as the athletes have spent years training for the competition, organizers have shown the same dedication in preparing for the way the games and events are presented. We were up here exactly a year ago for a trial run on the opening ceremonies, so it has been a painstaking process to make sure the proper equipment is in place and being used. Vari-Lite is extremely proud to be an integral part in the way these events are presented worldwide."
A lighting package that included 204 VL2416 wash luminaires, 146 VL5 wash luminaires, 238 VL5Arc wash luminaires, 54 VL6 spot luminaires, 52 VL6C spot luminaires, 126 VL7 spot luminaires and two Virtuoso control systems lit the opening ceremonies and will be used during closing ceremonies on 24 February. Bob Dickinson is the lighting designer for the events. He is supported by lighting directors Andy O'Reilly and David Grill.
The medals plaza, which was designed by lighting designer Bob Barnhart, features a turntable stage that rotates following each night's medals presentation to form a headliner stage for concerts from artists such as Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Creed, Dave Matthews Band, *NSYNC, Foo Fighters and Brooks & Dunn. Lighting the medals plaza are six VL2402 wash luminaires, 172 VL5 wash luminaires, 70 VL5Arc wash luminaires, 122 VL6C spot luminaires, two VL7 spot luminaires and two Virtuoso consoles. Operating the equipment at the medals plaza are lighting directors Matt Firestone and Paul Sharwell. All of the automated lighting equipment and support is provided by VPLS Los Angeles, which also provided equipment for the Olympic street parade.
(Lee Baldock)
