UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2010 -- Universal CityWalk®, L.A.'s premier free music venue, will debut a new concert-grade staging system this week that will feature a sophisticated LED lighting rig, a DJ platform, a massive new "CityVision(SM)" video screen and state-of-the-art sound quality.

The new staging system will serve as the centerpiece of CityWalk's lively Cinema Plaza performance space, combining new sight and sound elements to produce an outstanding outdoor music experience.

Brian Bacica, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Universal CityWalk, said, "The introduction of the new stage and the installation of the new CityVision screen are key elements in our plans to enhance free CityWalk music programs and deliver on our promise to provide 'Always Unexpected' entertainment to our guests. Our stage will host free concerts featuring both top-selling bands and the best local emerging music throughout the entire year."

The new 26x20 stage introduces a new lighting rig utilizing LED lights and moving fixtures to provide superior optics and vivid light shows, as well as a DJ platform extension dedicated to the growing popularity of electronic music.

Looming prominently above CityWalk's outdoor stage is a newly installed 25x13' LED display monitor. The "CityVision" screen, manufactured by Daktronics, the worldwide design leader in large format electronic display systems, is complemented by sophisticated programming technology that will broadcast music videos throughout the day in a "playlist-style" rotation allowing for constantly refreshed material.  The "CityVision" screen is also equipped with light-detecting sensors to allow the screen to recalibrate brightness based on incidental sunlight, producing optimal picture quality throughout the day.  

The launch of the new stage coincides with CityWalk's "Plugged In" series, a program that features free concerts by major artists throughout the year.  Famed pop-punkers Good Charlotte will christen the stage on November 4 during the official unveiling with a free "Plugged In" performance timed to coincide with the release of their latest album, "Cardiology."

More information about Universal CityWalk's upcoming events can be found on www.CityWalkHollywood.com.  Regular updates on CityWalk, including "Plugged In" artist announcements, and meet and greet opportunities can also be found on Twitter@CityWalkLA and Facebook.

Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) The Entertainment Capital of L.A.(SM), includes a movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features the groundbreaking attractions "The Simpsons Ride™," "Revenge of the Mummy(SM) – The Ride," "Shrek 4-D™," "Jurassic Park® - The Ride," and the newly enhanced Studio Tour, which features "King Kong 360 3-D" Created by Peter Jackson, state-of-the-art Hi-Def monitor system and new movie and TV sets on the historic backlot.  Universal CityWalk features over 60 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. The Universal CityWalk Cinemas, which includes one of California's largest IMAX screens, features the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal.  NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world renowned theme parks.  NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric (NYSE: GE), with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

SOURCE Universal Studios Hollywood

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