Challenges and innovation

The vast 98m W x 28m H stage featured Egyptian elements, including an imposing 8 tonne, 9m head of the Egyptian god Anubis protruding 6m out from the stage, 20m above the ground. The stage used a scaffold and truss substructure and was clad with a mix of materials; including ACM, printed plywood, printed banners and polystyrene.

Ensuring the safety of workers, performers and audience members was a top priority. For maximum safety, the stage used 300 tonnes of stabilising concrete ballast in addition to the weight of the stage itself and its features. The prominent polystyrene Anubis head feature was hard-coated and carved by robots, following a Stagekings CAD design and was installed (and removed) by crane to minimise damage, as were many of the stage structures.

The entire stage was constructed on the Giants Stadium football field. A key venue requirement was for the grass to be to be returned to a pristine state for use as a cricket field just a week later. We achieved this through careful planning with venue staff, and Stagekings engineers’ advice that the heaviest, more prominent stage structures only remained on the ground for a limited number of days to minimise lawn damage.

Safety-in-design was another key consideration, to protect our workers, the public and the grounds. The stage featured low-to-ground lifting structures and wherever possible, stage components were craned into position. To minimise waste, modular constructed stage elements were stored in Stagekings’ warehouses for re-use.

Spiralling costs post-Covid challenged the project’s budget. Our forward-thinking early procurement strategy for long-lead items, a reserve of excess warehoused materials and access to national supply chains meant Stagekings could wow the audience yet deliver this high-end event within budget. For example, demonstrating extravagance reminiscent of the Pharaohs, we decorated the venue with live trees, plants and four swimming pools, each trussed, lined, water-filled and complete with fountains – truly a sight to behold.

“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding work you and your team did on the Knockout Outdoor stage this year. The level of expertise and creativity you showcased was truly remarkable. The 3D Anubis head centerpiece was an absolute masterpiece and, left everyone in awe.

The professionalism and commitment demonstrated by your team on a very tight build schedule on a difficult location, was exemplary. The stage build was executed flawlessly, and the final result exceeded all expectations. Thank you once again for your exceptional craftsmanship and creativity. It was a pleasure working with you!” - Arian Yeganeh, Production Manager – Knockout Outdoor

For Knockout Outdoor 2022 attendees, these two October nights totally exceeded expectations of international party goers (as reported by glowing online Reddit reviews):

“HSU absolutely knocked that out of the park, the mainstage was a spectacle – so tall and well designed.”

“Stages: Absolutely amazing, especially the main stage, was world class.”

“Without a doubt the best party I’ve been to in Australia.”