Vortek made its first presence in Western Canada with the recent installation of 18 Pro Series Hoists in Living Sky Casino's Sky Centre theatre.
Living Sky Casino is southwest Saskatchewan's newest entertainment attraction. The entertainment facility, Sky Centre, is a joint First Nations economic development project between the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). Located on the Trans-Canada highway, the casino offers excellent accessibility to the million plus vehicles which pass through the area each year.
Rick Schick of Schick Shiner and Associates, the consulting firm responsible for the theatre design of Living Sky Casino's Sky Centre, said, “After a cost analysis of the available rigging options, we elected to go with Vortek's automated Pro Series Hoists. SIGA balanced the additional cost of an automated rigging system with its increased safety and ease of operation.”
Sky Centre, a key entertainment component of the Living Sky Casino, opened February 14 with the performance of Wayne Newton.
The Sky Centre features 576 retractable theatre style seats for performances and 200 banquet seats. Though designed primarily for musical performances, the Sky Centre also has the capabilities to host banquets, dinner theatre, video projections as well as providing as a temporary gaming room.
Installation of the 18 Vortek Pro Series Hoists occurred in October 2008. Joel Theatrical Rigging Contractors Limited of Mississauga, Ontario finished installation weeks ahead of schedule.
Vortek Installation Supervisor, Pat Grenfell said, “It was the quietest and most flawless installation I've experienced. I didn't even hear the hoists moving at full speed.”
Vortek's introduction into the Canadian market presents future opportunities. Mike Cooper, Vortek Sales Manager, said “We are encouraged by the efforts of Joel Theatrical Rigging Contractors Ltd. and our company to enter into the Canadian market. It's especially encouraging to see us cross markets by finding applications for Vortek's hoists in entertainment facilities.”
Schick said, “We are seeing increased interest in automated rigging in Canada for their safety and ease of operation, especially schools with students operating the rigging equipment.”
For more information on Vortek, a division of Daktronics, visit: http://www.vortekrigging.com