The Engineering Behind the Music

When concertgoers arrive at a venue, they see the stage, the lights, the sound system, and the excitement of a live performance. What they do not see is the engineering that makes it all possible.

Before the curtain rises, the lights come on, and your favorite artists take the stage, structural engineers have already done their work behind the scenes to ensure the facility is safe, durable, and ready to perform.

At Ingram Engineering Services, we recently had the opportunity to contribute to the expansion of Stateside Live, formerly known as Xfinity Live!, in Philadelphia. As part of the venue’s $20 million expansion project, our structural engineering team provided design services for the new exterior performance stage facility.

The project included the design of exterior curtain walls, interior partition walls, exterior bearing walls, and cold-formed steel roof framing systems that help support and protect the structure.

While these elements may not be visible to the average concert attendee, they are critical to the performance and longevity of the facility.

Engineering for More Than Just Buildings

Entertainment venues present unique engineering challenges.

Unlike many traditional structures, performance spaces must accommodate large crowds, lighting systems, sound equipment, changing weather conditions, and constant use throughout the season. Every structural component must be designed to perform reliably while supporting the demands placed upon the venue.

The stage itself becomes the centerpiece of the experience, but behind that centerpiece is a carefully engineered system working together to provide strength, stability, and safety.

From roof framing that helps protect performers and equipment from the elements to wall systems that support the overall structure, each component plays an important role in the success of the project.

Building Spaces Where Communities Gather

Projects like Stateside Live highlight the broad range of work performed by structural engineers.

While engineering is often associated with bridges, office buildings, or residential construction, it also plays a significant role in creating the spaces where people gather, celebrate, and make memories.

Whether it is a concert venue, community facility, historic structure, commercial building, or residential development, the goal remains the same: deliver practical, efficient solutions that provide long-term performance.

At Ingram Engineering Services, we take pride in helping bring projects to life, even when our work remains largely unseen by the people enjoying the finished product.

Ready to Rock

The next time you attend an outdoor concert, sporting event, or community gathering, take a moment to appreciate what exists behind the scenes.

The stage, roof systems, walls, foundations, and structural framework all work together to create a safe environment for performers and attendees alike.

At Stateside Live, we are proud to have played a role in helping create a venue designed to entertain guests for years to come.

Because long before the first song is played, good engineering is already hard at work.