Recognize this place? Yes, it is a bit blurry but that is the Energy Solutions Arena. Looks a bit different doesn't it? No court is visible for it has been replaced by a stage. Half the arena is blocked off and while things looked very similar, there was definitely a different atmosphere. Tonight, there is no basketball game. Tonight there is a performance. Tonight, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in town.
The normal atmosphere in the Energy Solutions Arena is generally excitement. A feeling of competetivness lingers as the Jazz get ready to play. A very different atmosphere permeated the arena when TSO prepared to play. Awe and wonder filled the air, and as soon as TSO stepped out onto the stage music resonated and lasers cut through the fog. A hush fell over the audience that lingered throughout the 2 1/2 hour performance.
What is it that allows for the sudden change of atmosphere in the same building that the night before held an NBA basketball game?Well appearance is most definitely the biggest factor: a huge stage, catwalks that come down from the ceiling, countless flashing lights, and pyrotechnics.
But there is something else that goes unaccounted for and I just can't put my finger on it. Maybe its just a feeling. Either way TSO put on one of the greatest performances I have ever seen.
What an interesting post! The arena space is essentially neutral isn't it until the promoters and organizers get to work and change the lighting, focal point, elevations and so forth. Such spaces are so important to cities--in fact the diversity of events is what makes cities such great places to live. I remember going to ice skating events in the Energy Solutions arena during the Olympics, which was a tremendously different use of the space--the focus was entirely on the ice which was continuos in the same way a carpet might be. i've always been amazed when they haul in dirt for those monster truck events or even the circus. Where does that dirt go afterwards or where does it come from? Isn't that an enormous waste of time or do they make so much money on the event they can afford to do anything? Did you take light rail to the concert? It is so amazing after an event how the crowd spills out onto the plaza. You feel like you are a part of something larger than your own life. I love that.
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