SUPER BOWL LIX HALFTIME SHOW

Behind the Build: The Staging of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

The Super Bowl LIX halftime show, held on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was a groundbreaking spectacle featuring Kendrick Lamar as the headliner. The stage design, conceptualized and executed by All Access Staging in collaboration with Bruce Rodgers of Tribe, Inc., and Mike Carson from pgLang, incorporated a unique visual reference to PlayStation. Each stage element was modeled after the shapes of the iconic PlayStation controller buttons—triangle, circle, cross, and square—symbolizing Lamar’s life as a video game.

A Massive Set in Motion

The halftime show’s staging spanned nearly the entire field, incorporating multiple interconnected elements designed for rapid deployment and removal within the constraints of a commercial break. The key set pieces included:

• Square Stage (44’ wide): Constructed on 11 carts with an open framing structure, allowing for concealed performer movements beneath the stage. A modified Buick Grand National was integrated into the stage, serving as a hidden entry point.

• Triangle Stage: Built on six carts, featuring a sloped top achieved through custom ramped boxes rather than sloping the entire frame.

• Circle Stage: Comprised of ten carts, incorporating a curved ramp leading up to a staircase, requiring meticulous craftsmanship.

• The “X” Structure: A modular, jigsaw-like interactive element assembled live on the field by performers. Each of its 48 wall panels was crafted from lightweight polycarbonate with red-tinted vinyl and precisely aligned through a self-aligning guide system.

Beyond the main stage structures, other key scenic elements included:

• Aerialist Lamp Posts: Eight 21-foot-tall lamp post carts served as platforms for aerial performers. These were designed with stabilizing jacks and a folding mechanism for transport under stadium goalposts.

• Ground Cloth: An 8,800 ft² heavy-duty cloth with a reinforced backing was deployed to cover existing field graphics, providing a seamless visual surface for choreography.

The PlayStation Reference & Lamar’s Statement

One of the most talked-about aspects of the performance was Lamar’s subtle yet striking nod to PlayStation. Fans quickly noticed that the stage resembled the signature PlayStation controller buttons, an element pointed out by gaming enthusiasts online. During the show, Lamar also declared “game over,” a phrase many believe referenced his long-standing feud with Canadian rapper Drake. Whether PlayStation was directly involved in the concept or simply acknowledged post-performance remains uncertain, but the reference added an unexpected crossover between the gaming world and one of the biggest musical performances of the year.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

The engineering challenges for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show required exceptional precision and speed to achieve a flawless performance. One of the primary hurdles was the rapid setup and breakdown of the stage, which was designed to fit into 35 carts and be transported by 20 trucks. This complexity required specialized teams for each stage element to ensure that everything could be assembled within minutes, meeting the tight deadlines dictated by the commercial break.

A key factor in the visual impact of the performance was the integration of lighting. Over 1,340 feet of tunable RGBW LED lighting were carefully embedded within the stage structures and the X base, creating an immersive experience that enhanced both the ambiance and the energy of the show. The use of digital printing on vinyl for the stage surfaces was another thoughtful engineering decision. The vinyl mimicked the look of monolithic concrete textures but kept the materials lightweight and durable enough to handle the fast-paced nature of the production.

Ensuring performer safety was also a top priority. The area under the stage was carpeted to provide comfort and stability, reducing the risk of injury during the show’s high-intensity moments. Additionally, the X structure, a centerpiece of the design, underwent rigorous stability tests to ensure it could safely support the interactive elements, which were crucial to the performance’s dynamic execution. Every aspect of the setup was meticulously engineered to ensure both visual spectacle and a safe, smooth experience for the performers and the audience alike.

Precision Execution Under Pressure

Given the scale and complexity of the production, flawless execution was paramount. The staging team worked against logistical challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions and tight time constraints. Each component had to be meticulously prepped and tested to ensure a smooth rollout during the live event.

This year’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show set a new standard in stage design and execution, showcasing the expertise and innovation of All Access Staging and its collaborators. The seamless blend of engineering, aesthetics, and rapid deployment underscored the incredible craftsmanship that goes into creating an unforgettable live entertainment experience.

Credits

Stage Design & Production: All Access Staging, Bruce Rodgers (Tribe, Inc.), Mike Carson (pgLang)

Associate Stage Design: Jack Headford / Space Broth

Lighting Design: Al Gurdon

Scenic Fabrication: Diversified Production Services (DPS)

Set Construction: All Access Staging

Engineering & Logistics: All Access Staging

Technical Direction: Jesse Collins, Jay-Z (Roc Nation), pgLang

Broadcast Director: Hamish Hamilton

Lighting Crew: Cory FitzGerald

Guest Performers: Serena Williams, SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, DJ Mustard

Photography Credits: Getty Images, Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images, AP, Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock

Design Drawings: All Access Staging, Tribe Inc.