State Fair findings point to stage designer, stage assembler

It is a moment just eight months old, but still very much in the minds of Hoosiers. The structure that was supposed to host a concert, instead was home to catastrophe.

Thursday, April 12, the engineering company Thornton Tomasetti presented why they think the stage rigging fell.

The company took what was left of the stage, roughly 2,500 pieces, put them back together, and ran the rebuilt stage through rigorous testing. The company said the structure was lacking in a major way.

"It no longer has the ability to self-support itself and support its own weight," said Scott Nacheman of Thornton Tomasetti. "It eventually begins its free fall type position and ultimately collapses."

Nacheman said it all goes back to stage designer James Thomas Engineering, and stage assembler Mid-America Sound. Mid-America Spokesperson Myra Borshoff was there to hear the report's findings. She said there are many questions still left unanswered.

"There is more to the report than what was discussed today," said Borshoff. "The lawyers need time to carefully review that. When that happens we will make a comment, but until that time it is premature at this point."

Up until the Aug. 13 show, four large speakers were used. The weight added by Sugarland's equipment further compromised the structure's integrity.

"This consisted of six lighting trusses, an LED scrim curtain that sat behind," said Nacheman. "In addition to a larger LED that sat behind the band. It was all suspended from the Perlin Trusses. All these loads being supported by the ISF(Indiana State Fair) structure."

State Fair Commission Chairman Andre Lacy said the Tomasetti report helped give some answers into what was a painful and unforgettable night.

"So that we can learn all that we can and apply that learning to avoid a tragedy like August 13 from ever happening again," said Lacy.