Universal City, CA—It was standing room only at Universal CityWalk as L.A.’s premier free music venue unveiled its newly minted, state-of-the-art concert stage with a free “Plugged In” performance by famed pop punk band, Good Charlotte, accompanied by a drum-line of L.A. high school percussionists, for an enthusiastic group of several thousand fans.

Punctuated by a fireworks and confetti display, the event also debuted CityWalk’s new custom, giant outdoor “CityVision” video screen and state-of-the-art sound quality.

The new stage will serve as the centerpiece of CityWalk’s lively performance space, hosting “Plugged In,” a free music series featuring year-round performances by top-selling bands and new artists that further deliver on CityWalk’s promise of providing outstanding “Always Unexpected” entertainment.

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 26×20 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 13×25’ 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.

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 HollywoodSM 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 – 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, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.