Steve Mattson, Vice President & General Manager of Target Center, states "AEG and Target Center believe that the artists and fans always come first. This acoustic upgrade was imperative for the fan experience and for our community. We are thrilled with the positive feedback we are already receiving. The best is yet to come!"
Target Center’s acoustic upgrade project began in August 2008 and was completed on October 30th. Over 3,000 acoustical baffles have already been hung throughout the ceiling of the arena. In addition, fiberglass acoustical sheets which are four to six inches thick will be fastened to the exposed steel canted roof areas connecting the flat roof to the side walls of the arena, the undersides of exposed steel surfaces of the catwalk and platform areas and the exposed concrete surfaces on the areas at the top of the side walls of the arena.
Why is an acoustic upgrade being implemented at Target Center?
Improving acoustics inside the arena bowl will provide Target Center with the most state-of-the-art technology to create the best acoustics and sound reproduction available to arenas today.
How will these changes affect the sound at non-music events?
General voice intelligibility will improve thus making the sound of announcements, speech and canned music more distinct.
How is this project being funded?
The funding source for this project is the City of Minneapolis’ established Target Center Capital Reserve fund, originally funded from tax-increment dollars that could otherwise only be used for debt service of the arena.
The City’s General Fund was not used to fund this project.
What is the timeline for the project from beginning to end?
The project will begin as soon as product can be ordered and delivered to the arena.
While working around Target Center’s active event schedule, final project completion will occur in late October in time for the busy fall/winter concert calendar and upcoming NBA season.
What acoustical treatments will be used and where?
Acoustical baffles made of fiberglass and covered with fabric will be hung from roof joists running east and west across the ceiling of the arena.
In addition, fiberglass acoustical sheets which are four to six inches thick will be fastened to any exposed steel canted roof areas connecting the flat roof to the side walls of the arena, the undersides of exposed steel surfaces of the catwalk and platform areas and the exposed concrete surfaces on the areas at the top of the side walls of the arena.
Will the acoustical treatments be visible?
The treatments are black so they will blend into their surroundings. They will have virtually no visual impact in the arena bowl.
Who was consulted on the design and installation of the acoustical upgrades?
Most recently, Leo A Daly, the firm hired by the City for Architecture and Engineering services at Target Center, secured the acoustic consulting firm of Kvernstoen, Ronnhölm & Associates to test the existing space, analyze the test results, and make recommendations for improving the arena’s acoustical environment.
The City also hired Hughes Associates, Inc. to evaluate the proposed acoustics improvements to make sure that the improvements would not require changing the existing smoke control system and existing sprinkler protection system and to make sure that they would not add combustible loading to the arena.
Will these upgrades have an effect on event bookings?
Target Center has already been in touch with tour managers, promoters and artist representatives to advise them about the upgrade plans and have received very positive responses. The venue manager anticipates attracting an even larger majority of the best tours coming to the Twin Cities.