Altrex suspendend platforms in renovated Ahoy Arena Rotterdam (the Netherlands)

Altrex recently installed unique suspended platforms in Ahoy Arena Rotterdam for the famous “Friends of Amstel LIVE” concerts. The construction was a rectangle with a total length of 280 metres, which descended from the roof construction. The suspended platforms could be reached via an ‘Altrex lift’ at a height of 15 metres, following which it was lowered another metre. This was unique because it meant that shows could be held at the same height as the second ring.

The 280-metre construction was hung from 45 special suspension points attached to the roof before the show. As the show started, four separate sections descended two metres. These four sections were connected in the air using a unique bridge construction design. The artist arrived at the suspended platforms in a special ‘Altrex lift’, 15 metres above the stage and out of the audience's sight. After the bridge construction had descended another metre, the artist appeared from the midst of beer foam. Needless to say, what followed was a spectacular performance that the audience in the second ring could enjoy at eye level.

The construction previously consisted of standard components from the Altrex Modular suspended platform system. Only the 45 special suspension points, the corner sections, the bridge constructions and the ‘lift’ were specially designed. The big challenges in this project were the length of the construction and the assembly location, in the arena. Working together with the project organisers of Friends of Amstel LIVE, Altrex designed this construction in a very short space of time. Nevertheless, the entire construction was worked out, drawn and tested in accordance with regulations. The sturdy and stable construction of the construction is unique and enabled the artist, together with a cameraman, to walk easily through the construction. Good preparations also meant that the suspended platforms in Ahoy Arena could be assembled easily by Altrex technicians.

“The Friends of Amstel LIVE” has been an inherent part of Dutch culture for the past 13 years. Every year, almost 100,000 friends come together in January to enjoy this unparalleled festival.