The Super Bowl LIX halftime show showcased one of the largest set footprints in its history, spanning nearly the entire length of the Caesars Superdome field. All Access delivered an array of custom set pieces, including four key elements—the square stage, triangle stage, circle stage, and the X—alongside eight aerialist lamp posts and a massive ground cloth. This ambitious undertaking was a seamless collaboration with Bruce Rodgers from Tribe, Inc., and Mike Carson from Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang creative team.
The Stats
- 35 carts
- 20 trucks
- 314 wheels
- 4225 ft²+ of staging
- 10,000 ft²+ of scenic vinyl wrap
- 1340' RGB+tunable white LED product
- 431 field crew
- 15,408+ man hours (CAD and FAB)
Square, Triangle, and Circle Stages
The 44' square stage, built on 11 carts, featured a unique open framing structure. The cart framing was built with wide aluminum verticals with generous spacing to give clearance between carts. This design allowed more than 30 performers concealed beneath the stage to move freely between carts before emerging from the Buick Grand National.
To fit show requirements, a genuine Grand National was stripped down from 3,500 to 1,500 lbs. An angled mirror effect reflected the floor texture to visually conceal the access point where performers emerged between the cart and the car. Additional features of the square stage included hidden doors in the upstage area and carpeted floors in the 50" tall under-stage area for added comfort.
Comprised of six carts, the triangle stage featured a ramped design. Instead of sloping the cart frames, sloped boxes were added to the tops, streamlining the woodworking process. The lowest point of the triangle hinged up during transport for ground clearance and then hinged down during setup to rest flat on the field during the show.
The circle stage consisted of ten carts and included a curved ramp leading up to a staircase. The curved design required meticulous planning and craftsmanship to ensure seamless integration.
The X
The X was an interactive element of the performance. Constructed using a jigsaw puzzle-like design, the base was precisely aligned on the field prior to showtime with a plywood guide. During the show, performers assembled the wall panels (48 in total!) into the base, guided by a self-aligning system.
The wall panels required perfect placement; the solution was tapered receivers on the base and a numbering system. To keep the panels light for easy handling, they were made from lightweight polycarbonate (with red tinted vinyl) on aluminum frames, each weighing 23 lbs.
Extensive testing was conducted to perfect the X. Multiple panel prototypes were developed to find the ideal material and aesthetic. Additionally, five different connection systems were evaluated to achieve the optimal balance of weight, precision, and alignment. (Fun fact: a second X base and extra panels were created for rehearsals.)
Final Touches
The square, triangle, and circle stages were wrapped in digitally printed vinyl to replicate the look of monolithic concrete structures. Additionally, LED was integrated into the three stages and X base, with tunable RGBW LEDs in the channels along the perimeters, casting dynamic light upward to highlight the performers.
Lamp Posts
All Access fabricated eight 21’ lamp post carts that provided aerial platforms for performers. Each base was constructed from heavy steel and equipped with stabilizing jacks on all four corners. To fit under the goalposts during transport, the lamp posts were designed to fold down and then raise into position during setup.
For authenticity, real lamp post poles and heads were used. Additionally, lighting fixtures were disguised inside fabricated transformer boxes and concrete blocks. Grating was incorporated into the base as part of a fog effect for hazers and fans housed inside the base. Facing was applied after the lamp posts were in position to conceal the wheels.
Ground Cloth
The heavy-duty 8,800 ft² ground cloth was designed to stay in place during dance routines while easily rolling on and off the field. To achieve this, the cloth was reinforced with a stiff backing material and divided into eight panels for manageable transport and rapid deployment. Two of the sections covered existing field graphics, providing a seamless visual presentation.
Precise Execution
A production of this magnitude demanded flawless precision. Every set piece had to be deployed with split-second accuracy within a tight commercial break. Specialized teams were assigned to individual elements to ensure smooth and efficient placement, guaranteeing perfect alignment for lighting effects and choreography.
A Team Effort
Despite challenges such as wildfires in Los Angeles and inclement weather in New Orleans, the All Access team rose to the occasion.
When combined with a custom multi-purpose field stage system for other Super Bowl events, this year’s halftime demanded the highest level of technical design involvement in the company’s history. From initial designs to final execution, this project exemplified the expertise, creativity, and adaptability the entire All Access team brings to every event.
Thank You!
- Bruce Rodgers, Shelley Rodgers, Tribe, Inc.
- Desiree Perez, Roc Nation
- Dave Meyers, DPS
- Mike Carson, Dave Free and pgLang/Kendrick Lamar’s creative team
- Valtteri Laihanen, Kendrick Lamar’s creative team
- Cory Fitzgerald, Kendrick Lamar’s creative team
- Bryan Scheckel, Kendrick Lamar’s creative team
- Local 1 production carpenters and staging coordinators
- Local 39 cart leaders