Venues · Rigging and LED
America’s Center, St. Louis: rigging, floors and AV freight
America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis includes the Convention Center and The Dome. The Dome is also called Hall 6 when used for exhibits. Identify the building, hall and use; Ferrara Theatre and America’s Ballroom have their own service scopes.
Which documents apply to the contracted space?
The complex Event Guide and Dome Tech Pack are linked from Built for the Big Stage on the official Explore St. Louis website. Separate them from visitor information and the organizer’s event-specific manual.
Use the AutoCAD supplied by Event Management, showing boundaries, utility boxes and variable-load areas. Confirm the current document editions and event configuration with Event Management before renting equipment.
Who may perform rigging, and under what conditions?
The guide requires qualified personnel, a designated rigging contact from the general or AV contractor, and submission to the AV Production Manager 2 months in advance. Rules vary by space.
| Space | Published rule | Required confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| Halls 1–5 | General or AV contractor with qualified personnel familiar with the facility. | Plan, identified points, loads and Operations acceptance. |
| America’s Ballroom and Ferrara Theatre | Encore has exclusive rigging; Ferrara also has exclusive AV. | Point diagram, scope, labor and contracted equipment. |
| The Dome / Hall 6 | Advance review; structural engineering may be required. | Approving party, available capacity and grid configuration. |
For the halls, the guide describes 4,500 lb per point on 30 ft centers in both directions, only on the bottom chord at a web-member intersection. Overhead loads of 1,500 lb or more require prior Operations approval. Other loads are not exempt from plan submission. Hall 4X has points on 15 ft centers: do not automatically apply the same figure at that spacing.
How should floor-load references be interpreted?
The guide locates variable-load areas on AutoCAD drawings. These area references are not wheel, tower-leg or platform-support ratings.
| Area | Published reference | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Halls 1–6, away from tunnels | 750 lb/ft². | Review operating weight, footprint, distribution and route. |
| Over utility tunnels and lobby floors | 400 lb/ft². | Locate the exact area; do not use tunnel areas as forklift lanes when moving heavy machinery. |
| Concentrated booth load | The guide requires distribution to below 400 lb/ft² when this reference is exceeded. | Validate distribution and protection with the venue; do not extend to other spaces. |
Do not derive Ballroom, terrace or meeting-room capacities from the exhibit floor. Freight movement over the Kitchen Tunnel is highly restricted. Submit full weights, ballast, wheels, protective materials and the access route.
What changes in The Dome?
The Tech Pack distinguishes the floor and tunnel and warns that its rigging-load reference may change because of a new sound system. It is not treated as available capacity for this project or converted into a point rating.
The Event Guide prohibits AV rigging on the lighting grid. Limited use for cloth or aisle signs does not authorize motors, screens or PA. Coordinate grid height, cabling and structural review; it cannot move with cables running through the lighting or curtain trusses.
What needs coordination for power, audio and networking?
Edlen exclusively provides electrical services and labor. The guide’s exception allows the AV contractor to plug basic breakout equipment into wall or floor outlets and supply extension cords; general sessions or elaborate AV require Edlen power orders. This exception does not authorize temporary power distribution.
Smart City is exclusive for data, internet and telecommunications. Contract streaming and control requirements; complimentary Wi-Fi does not establish a reserved link. House sound in the halls and Dome is for paging, not presentations. Agree on sound reinforcement, interfaces and operators.
How should unloading and the freight route be prepared?
The guide separates 9th Street Docks, Convention Docks on Cole Street and Dome Docks. Do not choose by public-entry proximity: agree on the dock, door, schedule, consignee, freight elevator and route with Event Management and the General Service Contractor. Halls 2 and 3 lack direct dock access when used individually.
Freight should be addressed to the general contractor with event and destination identification. Local deliveries cannot enter at the Washington Entrance. Do not use passenger elevators for equipment; the elevator by Hall 5 is dedicated to catering, and the Hall 3 elevator is limited to move-in and move-out.
What is required for haze, fog, smoke and pyrotechnics?
The guide allows water-based machines and requires clear evacuation visibility. Inform the Event Manager and submit rehearsal and show schedules. The Dome requires a Fire Marshal while they are used; confirm approval for the effect at your event with the venue.
Pyrotechnics require advance Fire Inspector approval, a permit, an insurance certificate and a test before final acceptance, with an inspector present during use. Cold sparks and lasers need their own classification and requirements; similarity does not establish permission.
What must be accepted before move-in?
Exhibit floor plans must reach Event Management before booth sales; the venue reviews facility requirements and submits them to the St. Louis Building Inspector. Show exits, aisles, utility boxes, restricted areas, points, loads and responsible parties.
Confirm labor, services, freight acceptance and pending reviews through the contract. Venue acceptance, authority review and organizer obligations are separate. Use this guide to define the scope and have the responsible professional prepare the structural calculations. Obtain permits and confirm reservations separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is Encore exclusive for all AV throughout the complex?
That cannot be inferred. Sources describe Encore as generally preferred, with exclusive AV in Ferrara and exclusive rigging in America’s Ballroom. The Dome and halls have specific rules.
Does rigging below 1,500 lb avoid review?
No. The threshold identifies prior Operations approval, but the guide requests rigging plans 2 months in advance and compliance with each space’s rules.
Does 750 lb/ft² establish that I can bring an aerial lift?
No. There are 400 lb/ft² tunnel areas and travel restrictions. Operating weight, wheels, supports, distribution, protection and route acceptance remain unresolved.
Official documentation
Sources checked October 25, 2026: Event Guide sections on services, freight, power, floors, plans, effects, audio and rigging; Dome Tech Pack sections on floor loads and rigging. Confirm the applicable editions and drawings with Event Management. The Tech Pack and Event Guide name different parties for Dome rigging review: agree on who will receive the plan and who will approve it.