Venues · Rigging and LED
San Diego Convention Center: LED, rigging and Sails Pavilion haze limits
San Diego Convention Center is at 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, California. Its Regulations distinguish production/exhibit rigging, the main floor, lobbies and Sails Pavilion.
Who may rig LED and what about supported drape?
ON Site is preferred for AV and exclusive for production rigging and house sound. Exhibit rigging from unistrut, identified structural steel and airwall tracks is limited to the in-house provider and approved GSCs with rigging contracts; all installations need ETCP supervision. Obtain point-specific CAD and WLL, not just a service list.
Production drape not flown from truss requires tie-off above 14 ft high or 10 ft continuous width. Booth decorative elements may need it depending on height, width and base. Submit the design, anchors and reactions; this condition does not permit attachment to any structure.
How do floor ratings and electrical supply differ?
The main exhibit floor lists 350 lb/ft² distributed load; lower, mezzanine and upper lobbies, ballrooms and Sails Pavilion list 150 lb/ft². Also verify concentrated loads, wheels and route with the venue. Surface protection does not increase these ratings.
The venue does not provide event electrical service: request approved utility contractors. Only venue electrical staff or approved contractors may work inside venue-controlled panels, disconnects and equipment. Confirm voltage, phases, current, connectors and 24-hour operation if required before energizing. Do not independently connect outside equipment to house sound.
What is required for lasers or pyrotechnics?
The Regulations require a special permit and individual Event Manager/Fire Marshal preapproval for lasers and pyrotechnics; continuous monitoring and standby firefighters may be required. For haze outside Sails Pavilion, confirm equipment, fluid, room and rehearsal: an exception requires approval, not merely absence of a specific ban.
Keep exits and beam detectors clear in the identified lobbies/levels. Submit sign locations to avoid interference. Moving a screen or effect requires renewed review; without effect authorization, retain a no-emission sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Can cases be delivered to the venue’s FedEx Office?
The center does not receive show freight and FedEx Office handles outgoing shipments only. Coordinate GSC delivery during contracted dates; freight that cannot be hand-carried must use docks and appropriate union labor under the Regulations.
Official documentation
Confirm the revision and appendices for the contracted space. Published data do not establish installation acceptance or replace permits or inspections.