Venues · Rigging and LED
The Classic Center in Athens: exhibition power, rigging and access
The Classic Center is at 300 North Thomas Street, Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. Identify Grand Hall, Athena Ballroom or another convention center room on the drawing: the Theatre and Akins Ford Arena have their own technical documents.
Why might a display have no power during rehearsal?
The 2023 Exhibitor Guidelines state that power for lights and displays comes on 1 hour before the exhibition opens and goes off at daily closing. Compare that window with setup, LED checks, rehearsal and processor shutdown. If power is needed outside it, have that requirement included in the order; an installed outlet does not guarantee active service.
Provide equipment current, voltage, phases, frequency and demand. The guidelines require electrical identification, 3-wire grounded cords and grounding of exposed metal parts that could become energized. They do not confirm the voltage, amperage or connector of the circuit assigned to you. Check that allocation with Engineering before selecting distribution; if it does not match, do not connect and revise the order.
Can theatre points be used to design a Grand Hall rig?
No. Event Spaces distinguishes Grand Hall, Athena Ballroom, Theatre, Akins Ford Arena and 440 Foundry Pavilion. Height or visible beams does not establish capacity. Obtain the current room drawing, identified points, allowable loads and review of the assembly including LED, motors, truss, cables and accessories.
The guidelines require venue approval for suspended items and route the work through appropriate Classic Center staff. They are not a load chart or permission to attach to any building element. ON Site is listed as the in-house AV provider; that description does not establish total AV exclusivity. Confirm contractually who supplies, installs, connects and removes each system. Keep the proposed suspension out of the installation until its review is accepted.
How should load-in be scheduled separately from public access?
The covered dock is used during event move-in hours; access outside them requires Operations permission. Unload and remove the vehicle: the dock is not parking. Freight elevators are in the service corridor; the guidelines advise against moving freight in passenger elevators.
Before dispatch, check package sizes, doors, elevator cab and capacity, turns and final position. Wheel and support capacities for bases and ballast are not provided here. Agree floor protection and acceptance for the room; an accessible attendee route does not establish a freight route. For load-out, pack first and coordinate handling equipment within the authorized hours.
What changes when a booth has a roof, drapes or effects?
The guidelines require prior Fire Marshal approval for covered structures beneath sprinklers and fire-resistant materials; certificates may be required. Show roofs, LED, drapes, exits, fire equipment and aisles on the drawing revision. If a display blocks an exit or sign, correct its position before proceeding.
Decorative confetti and glitter are prohibited by those guidelines. That section is not a procedure for haze, lasers or pyrotechnics. For each effect, submit model, fluid or product, location, schedule and scope to the Event Coordinator and appropriate authority; without specific acceptance, prepare operation without the effect. Booth approval does not replace effect permits.
Frequently asked questions
Is ON Site necessarily exclusive for all audiovisual work?
In-House Solutions identifies it as an in-house provider. That does not establish total exclusivity. Separate AV, rigging, electricity and labor in the order and check the contract before committing an outside provider.
What insurance do the exhibitor guidelines specify?
The 2023 document requires at least USD 1,000,000 general liability for public events, trade shows and conventions, naming The Classic Center as additional insured. Confirm entity names, endorsements and current contract limits; the general guideline does not replace certificate acceptance.
Can signs or tape be attached to secure cables?
The guidelines do not allow signs attached to walls and doors and require prior approval of adhesives; the venue has approved tape. Use freestanding signage and agree cable protection and materials. If not accepted, change the route or support without applying your own adhesive.
Official documentation
Documentation checked on October 18, 2026. Confirm the revision and conditions of the contracted space; published data do not establish installation acceptance or replace permits. Classic Center guidelines identified as 2023 remain linked, but are not a technical revision issued in 2026.