Melbourne & Olympic Parks invests in new rolling house stage technology

Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) has invested in new innovative rolling house stages technology for some of the biggest acts from Australia and internationally to now perform on.

M&OP’s deployment of the rolling house stages (RHS) marks the first technology of its kind in Australian arenas.

M&OP has invested in rolling house stages at its three arena venues – Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena. The investment comes off the back of a record-breaking year for the precinct, where over 3.8 million guests attended nearly 500 events across 2023–24. And with M&OP continuing to grow its diverse calendar of events, the stages are slated to play an important role in ensuring the precinct maintains its reputation as Victoria’s live events epicentre.

The rolling house stages (RHS) were produced in England by TAIT Towers, the world leaders in touring staging who are responsible for all 20 of the highest grossing concert tours in history, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Beyonce.

The RHS is a revolution for global touring and allows crews to install overheard rigging at one end of the venue safely on the ground while the stage is built at the other end. Once it is complete, the rigging is raised, and the pre-loaded stage is rolled into place – saving time for the hirer and improving safety.

In the age of modern touring, where a show might be in one city one night, and another the next, it will prove a game changer.

Danielle Bleazby, Director of Venues at M&OP said the new rolling stages were a major draw card for the precinct and put M&OP at the cutting edge of the industry, both in Australia, and globally.

Bleazby advised “in the past, international acts had to bring their own custom-built stages but if the stage needed to roll to meet touring deadlines, the promoter had to hire and transport a rolling stage around the country.

“Having premium rolling stages at each of our venues provides performers, crew and other workers with a safer and more efficient set up and pack down.

“Shows are getting bigger and more complex. Not having a rolling stage that can carry the equipment, lights and backdrops will eventually hold venues back. M&OP is excited to be taking the lead while other venues play catch-up."

Travis Hogan, Chief Production Officer at Mushroom Group said the stages would be revolutionary for major touring acts travelling through Melbourne.

Hogan added “any time saved on an international tour is a big deal for promoters. From the moment an act enters the venue, the clock is ticking for the stage to arrive and get set up. Once the show is over, the stage and equipment needs to hit the road overnight to the next city on the tour.

“For the next major show at Rod Laver Arena, The Killers, you’re going to see a full- size show with all the bits and pyrotechnics which is made so much easier to set up because of this investment by Melbourne & Olympic Parks.”