SM&W Contribution
Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W) provided acoustics, information technology infrastructure and security consulting services for the SURGE esports Arena in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood near the notable McCormick Place. The arena serves professional gamers and hosts gaming events, with a capacity of over 1,000 gamers and spectators. This new facility includes a restaurant, player’s lounge, and IMAX-style screen within the building’s façade, private event space, office and support spaces.
In arenas, our acoustics team had the unique challenge of designing for sound isolation between the main event space(s) and adjacent associate spaces. Additionally, our IT consultants coordinated closely with the design team to ensure broadcast and data room services were integrated seamlessly on the project.
The project was approved by Chicago Zoning in early 2021 and intends to start construction in late 2021. When completed, the arena will be the first of its kind in the city of Chicago.
*Rendering Courtesy of KOO LLC