Resources March 19, 2025

Rigging Right: Essential Ropes for Arena Events and Installations

In arena rigging applications, choosing the right rope is more than just a technical decision—it's a critical safety concern and an essential part of ensuring a successful production. Whether you're dealing with the raw strength of wire ropes or the versatility of synthetic varieties, understanding your material and its applications can elevate your rigging game to new heights.

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Why Ropes Matter in Rigging

Arena rigging applications involve installing and managing the equipment used to support various elements in a performance or event setting. This can include concerts, theater productions, sports events, or any scenario where temporary or permanent structures need to be set up for lighting, sound, video, and special effects.

Ropes in rigging are vital for suspending lights, speakers, screens, and even performers—elevating the audience's experience. Used in conjunction with pulleys and trusses, ropes ensure that equipment is securely and reliably positioned. Given the heavy loads and the high stakes of arena events, choosing the right ropes is essential for safety and efficiency.

Dead Hung

This is the simplest form of rigging where equipment is fixed or "dead-hung" at a set height from the ceiling or support structure and does not move during a performance. Dead Hung rigging is often used for permanent installations where movement is not required, such as fixed lighting grids, speakers in venues that do not change often, or static scenery.

The advantages of this type of rigging is that it is relatively inexpensive and simple to set up since it requires no moving parts or complex mechanisms.

Counter Weight

These systems allow stage equipment, such as curtains, lights, or scenery, to be moved manually by crew members using ropes and pulleys. The most common type is the counterweight system, where weights are used to balance the load, making it easier to raise and lower manually.

Counter weight, or Manual Rigging Systems are the most common in traditional theaters where productions change frequently. Requiring the movement of backdrops, lighting, or other hands-on elements. The advantages of counter weight rigging is the versatility and allowance for real-time, hands-on control by riggers.

Automated or Motorized

These systems use motors or automation technology to control the movement of rigged elements. They can be programmed to move scenery, lights, and other equipment at precise times and speeds.

Widely used in modern productions with complex staging requirements or where precise timing and repeatability are needed, such as in large-scale musicals, concerts, or events. This advantage in rigging offers precision and flexibility. Automated rigging can handle larger and heavier loads more safely than manual systems, and reduces the physical demands on crew members.

Common arena rigging applications:

Stage Rigging: A theatrical rigging system, also known as a fly system, is a dynamic and critical aspect of every theater. It is a simple method to raise and lower items using a series of pulleys and weights to balance the load in equilibrium. Television sets, live and taped sets.

Lighting Trusses: Rigging supports the installation of trusses that hold lighting fixtures to create the desired ambiance and effects for a performance.

Audio Systems: Rigging is used to hang speakers and other audio equipment to ensure optimal sound coverage and quality throughout the venue.

Video Screens and Projectors: For events using large video displays or projections, rigging ensures that these elements are secured above the audience for clear visibility.

Special Effects: This can include hanging platforms for performers, pyrotechnics, or any kinetic elements that are part of the show design.

Scenic Elements: Often, entire sets or scenic backdrops are suspended using rigging systems, particularly in theater or elaborate production environments.

Safety and Compliance: All rigging applications must adhere to strict safety standards and regulations to protect performers, staff, and the audience. This includes using certified equipment and trained professionals.

Temporary Structures: For events like trade shows or exhibitions, rigging may involve setting up temporary booths, banners, or other architectural elements.

Automation and Motorized Systems: Advanced rigging systems can include motorized elements that move equipment or scenery in sync with the event's progression, requiring precise control and programming.

What type of rope do I need?

Polyester, Nylon

Situations requiring flexibility and easy handling; ideal for temporary fixtures and lightweight structures. These ropes offer lightweight, resistant to rot and UV damage, and good abrasion resistance. Low-stretch ropes are preferred -- Static ropes, Bull Ropes with a urethane coating or Polyester Double Braid, all known for their strength and abrasion resistance.

Shop Static Rope

Dyneema

Dyneema is a high-performance fiber made from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)--known for their resistance to heat and immense strength. These lightweight rigging ropes are best used when requiring heat resistance and minimal stretch under load making them suitable for precise rigging needs.

Shop Dyneema Rope

Polypropylene

Made from polypropylene fibers, it is versatile and economical. Polypropylene 'derby ropes' are strong and durable, very lightweight, floats on water, and is resistant to most chemicals. These ropes are excellent for outdoor rigging situations where exposed to elements for long periods of time.

Shop Polypropylene Rope

Wire Rope

Made from steel, wire ropes are incredibly durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, environmental exposure, and heavy loading. This robustness ensures longevity and reliability in demanding arena settings. Rigging applications requiring high strength and minimal stretch, consider galvanized aircraft cable or steel core wire rope.

Shop Wire Rope

Safety Factors & Considerations

Load Calculations: Rigging systems must be designed to handle the specific weights of the loads being suspended, accounting for dynamic forces that may occur during operation.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance: Regular thorough inspections of all rigging equipment before each use to identify wear, corrosion or damage. Implementing maintenance routines to address or replace any equipment.

Certified Personnel: Ensure that all rigging operations are conducted by certified and experienced riggers who understand the intricacies of rigging safety.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations: Adhere to relevant safety standards such as those set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and other industry regulations. Fall Protection and Safety Gear, PPE - should include necessary safety equipment (gloves, helmets, harness). Always establish and maintain emergency preparedness with crew.