Rhino Colorado marked 25 years of service at Denver’s Ball Arena in August. It was on Aug. 28, 1999 that they went out on their first call to the then Pepsi Center. Since that day, Ball Arena owner/operator Kronke Sports & Entertainment have been outstanding partners to Rhino, providing us many work and training opportunities there and at other KSE venues such as Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and the Paramount Theatre in the Denver area, and So. Cal’s Sofi Stadium and YouTube Theater. Thank you, KSE!
Rhino DC conducted a fall rescue training event for several members of its rigging team in August. The training was done on the campus of George Mason University in the EagleBank Arena, home to the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and a venue for concerts and other shows. Pictured from left to the right in the photo below are Danya Gilmore, Christopher Skiba, Tristan Gerald-Myles, Joshua Byrd. Danya, Rhino DC’s Rigging Manager, led the training.
Thank you to all who participated for your dedication to safety, training and professionalism.
Rhino Florida held its largest ever training for Riggers over three days in August. The sessions were conducted at our Orlando training center and at client venue the Kia Center. There were 16 total trainees present for each of the three days and they were kept busy with classroom work and plenty of practical exercises.
Venues the trainees may now work in as Riggers include Amalie Arena, Kia Center, Raymond James Stadium, Camping World Stadium, Yuengling Center, Hard Rock Live and the Tampa Convention Center.
Leading the training were Brent Foltz and Anton Koshkarev, Director of Rigging and Rigging Manager for Rhino Florida, respectively. They were variously assisted over the three days by Florida Riggers Andrew Buis, Matt Calhoun, Roxanna Castillero, Faith Francois and Blake Williams.
Well done to trainers and trainees for this truly impressive effort!
Rhino Nevada has a trio of promotions to report. Director of Rigging Johnny Stebbing was recently elevated to National Director of Rigging; Jim Webb was promoted from Assistant Director of Rigging to follow Johnny as Director of Rigging; and Rigger Don Mundorff will now fill Jim’s shoes as Assistant Director of Rigging. Congratulations Johnny, Jim and Don!
Rhino Northern California would like to give a shout-out to the entire Bill Graham Civic Auditorium house crew. Nor Cal Director of Operations Jessica Saling notes that “They are small, but mighty and can cover a large area with a few experienced individuals. These crew members represent Rhino with their eye for detail and consistent attendance.” Way to represent, Rhinos!
Rhino Northwest was on hand for the August Foo Fighters date in Portland to help break the nearly 20 year dry spell of concerts at Providence Park. Northwest’s Director of Operations Sarah Buol told us “the show was a huge success for us.” We love to hear that, of course, and here is hoping for more and more regular shows at the Park. In the meantime, enjoy here their niftily done time-lapse video of the job (with thanks to Northwest’s Allen Lint for bringing it to our attention) for proof positive of just how smoothly all the work came off. Welcome back, Providence Park, and well done, Rhino Northwest!
Rhino Texas had an incredible run of summer stadium shows across the Lone Star State peaking with 5 back-to-back stadium events in August. We are extremely grateful for the dedicated Rhinos that plowed right through. Thank you for all you do!