Adelaide Entertainment Centre: Keith explores the Centre, after its $52 million makeover, in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
The Adelaide Entertainment Centre has undergone a $52 million makeover. The old girl has lifted her skirts and laid out a brand new 21st century welcome mat underneath a massive new dome. Remember the spectacular water cube at the Beijing Olympics? Our new landmark is made from the same stuff and not surprisingly, the centre's CEO, Anthony Kirchner is pretty happy with it.
Antony Kirchner, CEO Adelaide Entertainment Centre: "This amazing structure is called the Orb. It's a large dome and each one of the 140 pillows you can see above us can be lit in more that 16.4 million different colours so it's particularly spectacular at night."
And that's when it really shines. Whether you're heading inside to a theatre performance, a concert or a function you can't escape the glitz and glamour. It's all very showbiz.
Antony Kirchner, CEO: "It's quite amazing how energy efficient this technology is too. The cost of running the lighting on the orb is less than running the dishwasher in one of the kitchens each year so it's very energy efficient."
It's been 20 years since the first sod was turned on the Entertainment Centre, ending years of campaigning for a venue that had to be a step up from a tin basketball stadium. The legendary skate pair, Torvill and Dean christened the new centre in 1991 and since then it's lived up to its name. The billboard of late has included the mega performances from Pink and Beyonce and even lady Gaga. Liza Minnelli played to big houses and the Wiggles came in at the other end of the spectrum. The new entrance isn't all that's new. A giant grey box has gone up along the Port Road frontage - and inside is a brand new theatre space.
Antony Kirchner, CEO: "The new theatre can cater for up to 2,500 concert goers where our main arena holds more than 12,000."
That means the Entertainment Centre can now host a wider range of shows - the new theatre is much more intimate and will attract everyone from orchestra goers to wedding receptions.
Antony Kirchner, CEO: "This space is really about creating a flexible venue which is suitable for people of all ages. There will be times when we'll have floor seating with our motorised retractable seating and there are other times when we'll have mosh pits and people going crazy standing up and having the time of their lives."
And it works - 'Massive Attack' played the first gig in here and it passed with flying colours. With a simple push of a button the motorized retractable seating system folds away 500 chairs and the space is ready for a 'standing room only' concert or perhaps a more gentile ball or what about a formal dinner or banquet? They've got the menu for that covered too with a brand new commercial kitchen. It will serve more than 30,000 people over the next 12 months. While the Entertainment Centre hosts more than 300 functions a year - there's no denying the big ticket items are still the big stars in the big arena.
Antony Kirchner, CEO: "One of the great things l like about this job is that one day you can have Andre Rue in the venue, the next day Phantom of the Opera, the next day motorbikes coming to within half a metre of the roof. And then another day you can have an ice rink or the Wiggles - it's a great, diverse space."
It happens quickly too - sometime's the shows have just 24 hours to 'bump in' and 'bump out' - that means get in, set up and get out again before the next show arrives. And now with the new theatre space and a new look, they're confident Adelaide will continue to punch above its weight by attracting the big names.
So far about 300,000 people a year attend the Entertainment Centre for a concert or a show. Now with an entirely new space, who knows how many will come. One thing is for sure - you can't miss it.
Pop along and have a look yourself sometime - the Orb is lit up every night from 7 o'clock until late. You can't miss it on the corner of Port Road and Adam Street in Hindmarsh. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Cnr Port Rd and Adam St
HindmarshPublished 25th April 2010
