Glitz, glam and a big ol' tent

Universities usually don't hold black-tie galas in empty parking lots.

But that's exactly where hundreds of Penn alumni will be celebrating the kick-off of Penn's multi-billion dollar Capital Campaign this Saturday.

Most of them, though, may not even notice, thanks to the 220,000-pound tent standing over their heads.

Over the last two weeks, officials have erected a series of massive tents on the newly-acquired postal lands around 31st and Walnut Streets. The structures, which cover over 100,000 square feet of space, will host the black-tie gala event for Penn dignitaries and officials Saturday night.

Expected to hold nearly 2,000 people, the structure features a 26-foot-tall tri-span tent for registration and valet service, a 34-foot-tall tent for a cocktail reception, and a 40-foot-tall tent for dining and entertainment.

Additional smaller tents will house catering services and portable bathrooms with running water.

Officials picked the location to commemorate Penn's eastward expansion efforts, said Ellen Overholt, director of Programs and Special Events.

There will be "a glass wall facing the city and a nice roof so people can see Center City during the gala," she said. "The decorations will also reflect all aspects of the campaign."

But the site also came with challenges, including the nearby freight railway line that may cause noise disturbances during the soiree.

Overholt said that Penn has reviewed the Amtrak schedule of trains in order to avoid any major disruptions, and officials hope music or speeches will cover up any ambient noise.

"We'll just have to deal with it," Overholt said.

Facilities officials spent around $410,000 preparing the site not only for the event, but also for future construction of new athletic fields, as a part of the University's expansion plans, said Facilities Vice President Anne Papageorge.

Preparation included clearing any trees, putting down gravel, and leveling the site to create an even base for the tent and future fields, she said.

Officials also had to secure several permits from the city and get permission to operate electrical generators, said Project Manager Michelle McCulloch of Regal Tent Productions, the company that is setting up the tents.

Actual construction of the tent took 24 days and included the installation of a steel-enforced foundation for flooring and carpeting, said Lara McCulloch, Director of Marketing for Regal Tent Productions, in an e-mail.

The end result is a waterproof, self-contained environment that can withstand up to 70 mph winds.

And with two days left, Penn officials are filling the space with "video screens, cables, chairs and linens to set up for the party," Overholt said.

The gala itself will feature student performances, remarks by Penn officials, and the presentation of the campaign video, "along with other surprises," she added.

"It'll be a very entertaining evening."

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