In July 2017, Navy Pier completed construction of the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns. Part of Navy Pier’s Centennial Vision to transform the iconic destination into an ever-evolving “People’s Pier” with an array of special programming, the lawns were built to play host to live arts and cultural events. To accommodate the Pier’s new and comprehensive arts and culture plan, the stages needed to feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Familiar with OSA’s live events work and staff, the Pier brought OSA in to install the sound system for the new park.

Towards the project completion, Navy Pier approached OSA for an add-on: a video wall so the lawns could host movie showings. The wall needed to be able to handle typical outdoor elements in addition to the strong winds that Chicago is known for. At the time, OSA was producing the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda, which was an LED-heavy event with similar conditions. The Pier enjoyed seeing some of their own options in reality and ultimately chose a 14′ x 8′ Absen C7 mesh LED wall. The C7 is wind permeable, easy to install and remove, and provides great brightness even in direct sunlight. OSA installed the wall and trained the local staff.

Water Flicks at Navy Pier has become a favorite activity for Chicagoans!