AEG, owner and operator of Microsoft Theater, along with naming rights partner, Microsoft, made a multimillion-dollar investment to upgrade the overall artist and guest experience of the theater in 2016-2017. Through design and technology, the upgrades include a new state-of-the-art curtaining system and new seating inside the theater, as well as a transformation of all three lobby levels, two VIP areas, and 14 backstage rooms contributing to the guest and artist experience. The investment includes a full upgrade and redesign to Microsoft Theater’s Lower Level Lobby, which will be completed by the end of May 2017.
A brand new state-of-the-art curtaining system was modernized which offers the ability for artists and guests to experience the venue at full capacity or quickly close off sections with the push of a button for a more intimate feel using the reduction curtain. All 7,000 square yards of fabric were changed from blue to a deep red color to keep with the overall feel of an opulent space.
Renovations to the backstage and dressing room hallway include all ten dressing rooms, artists green room, game room, promoter room, and catering. Each space has updated paint, furniture, floors, lighting, décor, art, and technology, including 20 large televisions and 15 XBOX ONEs courtesy of Microsoft. The rooms pay homage to Los Angeles with the focus on making every artist and promoter feel comfortable and at home with the use of color and light to help convert these areas.
Microsoft Theater transformed the original backstage catering space into an entertaining new game room featuring a mixture of classic games, including two retro pinball machines, two vintage arcade games, one pool table, one foosball table, and darts, along with cutting-edge technology, including a golf simulator, three 60-inch televisions, and a 10-foot screen to project movies or games on, as well as a state-of-the-art sound system and entertainment center.
Inside of the theater bowl, renovations were made with every seat being replaced to a modern red color and softer pattern, creating warmth inside the venue and maximum comfort for all the guests to enjoy. On all three levels of the theater, including Orchestra, Loge, and Mezzanine, over 7,500 pieces of furniture were updated. More than 140,000 square feet of carpet has been replaced throughout the theater and over 200,000 square feet of walls and ceilings have been painted using more than 1,000 gallons of paint. Additionally, both the north and south lobby hallways of the theater have added 260 custom-framed images to celebrate the history of the theater and the over 1,000 events the venue has hosted since opening in October of 2007.
The upper and lower VIP Rooms have been upgraded with floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains, new carpet, paint, furniture, décor, and art by local downtown Los Angeles artist Ashleigh Sumner. When first entering the lower VIP room, guests will immediately notice the luxurious colors and bold carpet which creates movement throughout the entire space.
The final stage of the renovation is almost completed in the theater’s Lower Lobby Level located directly below the main entrance. This 6,350-square-foot space will be open during all events to ticketed guests and will undergo a complete upgrade and redesign that will be spearheaded by Microsoft’s design team to include best-in-class platforms and technology for guests to enjoy.