VIDEO: Bi-Center Capital Improvement Plan Phase 1 Complete

Ceiling tile demolition, sound and light removal and installation of new sound and light systems make up the completed first phase of the Capital Improvement Plan approved by the Salina City Commission for the Global Spectrum-managed Salina Bicentennial Center in December of 2012.

The original sound system, consisting of one central cluster of directional speakers, has been replaced with an eight station distributed system with 28 speakers and six subwoofers. Distributed systems are more economical to install and provide uniform sound quality and volume throughout the arena.

Fans will hear higher sound levels at events like the Professional Roughstock (PRS) Midwest Classic this Saturday, Kansas State High School Activities Association state tournaments, NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball National Championship and Salina Bombers home games.

“Global Spectrum did a super job of quickly getting a high quality sound system for the Bicentennial Center ordered, installed and ready for prime time” said City of Salina’s City Manager, Jason Gage. “This system is second to none and will provide the facility’s patrons with an unforgettable audio experience!”

In addition to better audio levels and sound clarity, fans can literally see the Bicentennial Center arena in a new light. The new light system is made up of 68 LED High Bay fixtures that replaced the equipment installed when the building was constructed. The new system offers instantaneous on/off and dimming capability where the previous system took over ten minutes to reach full illumination. The fixtures, containing 216 LED bulbs each, combine to produce 61,121 lumens and use 727 watts. The new system is estimated to save 40% in annual energy costs over the original light fixtures.

“New sound and lights are going to go a long way for our fans, clients and internal operations” said Global Spectrum’s General Manager of the Bicentennial Center, Chris Bird. “Our fans will now be able to see and hear events better than ever before and our clients will be able to present a higher quality product by incorporating lighting elements to events like game introductions. Couple those benefits with saving annual utility expenses and it’s a win-win for all involved with the Salina Bicentennial Center.”

The new sound and light systems will not be the only attraction to the Bicentennial Center this weekend. Fans are in for a treat when two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride makes his return to rodeo in the Midwest Classic this Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, $20 and $30 for Gold Buckle. The first 1,000 kids (2-12) get in for $5. Fans should buy early as prices will increase $2 day of show.