The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Showmobile is a mobile stage that is used for MPRB events. When the Showmobile is not in use for MPRB programming, it is available to rent to the public. The Showmobile includes a roof/canopy, hydraulic stage, and has side panels that fully open. Rental rates include delivery, set-up, and tear-down. Showmobile staff are not AV technicians. If an AV technician is required for an event, an outside vendor may be brought in to assist.
Applications for Showmobile rentals are made on the MPRB reservation system. Follow the link below to check availability and request the Showmobile for your next event. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the Showmobile is the appropriate stage for the event. For further questions email: mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org
Showmobile Rental ApplicationStage
Showmobile stage dimensions when fully open
- Stage width: 28’
- Stage depth: 14’ 6”
- Stage height off ground: 3’ 6”
- Canopy Height off ground 20’ 10”
Showmobile dimensions while closed for travel
- Length: 33’
- Height: 13’
- Width: 8’ 5”
- Weight: ~16,000 lbs.
- The Showmobile is best used when placed on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt that is rated for the weight of stage and truck. In certain situations, the Showmobile may be placed on a level grass surface. If the grass is wet or muddy, the Showmobile may not be able to be driven on or placed on grass. It is advised to have a backup location available when planning to use the Showmobile on a grass surface. Refunds will not be given if the event site is not accessible due to wet/muddy conditions and a backup location is not offered.
A/V
The Showmobile audio system is ideal for speaking engagements, DJs, or simple band setups. The system can meet many, but not all audio needs. Please review the specs below to ensure that the Showmobile meets the needs for your event.
- Yorkville M810-2 Powered Mixing Board
- 6 mono (microphone/line level) inputs and 2 mono mic or stereo line level inputs
- 400W + 400W rms output amplifiers
- Equalization on inputs and outputs
- American Audio CD player
- Eight (8) Shure SM58 microphones with stands and cables
- One (1) ProCo 50’ 8 channel microphone snake
- Two (2) Electro-Voice Sx250 15”, two-way speakers with stands
- Two (2) Electro-Voice 212/75 speakers
- Two Furman SS-6B power strips
Rules/Guidelines Concerning Operation of Showmobile Sound System
- The mixing board is for use with Showmobile equipment only.
- NO alternate/supplemental speakers may be connected to the mixing board outputs
- NO alternate/supplemental amplifiers may be connected to Showmobile speakers
- If audio needs surpass the capability of the Showmobile sound system, a separate, stand-alone audio system and power supply must be used.
- In general, the Showmobile sound system is not designed for large bands, as the equipment necessary is extremely specialized. The purpose of the Showmobile sound system is to lend general sound reinforcement for basic events.
Power
- Generator (provided by MPRB) -110V 60 Hz, 1-phase, 3-wire, 30-amp circuit, 6000 watts
- Six duplex outlets on stage
Rates
- The Showmobile is available for a flat rate of $1,400 for up to 6 hours and $225 for every additional hour.
- The rental time begins when the Showmobile is set up and applicant has access to the stage.
- The rental time ends when the Showmobile crew can begin tearing down the stage.
- Showmobile set up/tear down may take up to 90 minutes, which is not included in the 6-hour timeframe.
- Example:
- 8:30 am -Showmobile arrives and begins set up
- 10:00 am – Showmobile is set up and ready for applicant to access and start sound checks
- 11:00 am – event start time
- 4:00 pm – event end time – Showmobile crew may begin tear down
- 5:30 pm – Showmobile is packed up and crew leaves site
- In this example – applicant has access to stage from 10am to 4pm, which is within the 6-hour rental rate.
- Applicants must have a representative on site the entire time the Showmobile crew are on site to confirm placement and answer any questions that may arise.
Timeline
- Rental applications are due 30 days prior to the event.
- Once received, staff will approve/deny the application within 5 business days.
- Applicants must send the following to mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org at least 14 days prior to the event date. If the following items are not received the permit will be canceled automatically.
- Final and correct Certificate of Insurance (COI) with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board listed as additional insured
- Map indicating stage placement at event site
- Payment in full
Insurance
- Applicants are required to submit a certificate of insurance (COI) with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board named as an additional insured party. Insurance must cover a minimum of $1,500,000 for bodily injury and $300,000 for property damage.
- This certificate is not required at the initial time of application, as it takes time to process. The applicant must submit the correct and final COI two weeks prior to the event date.
FAQ
Where can the Showmobile travel to?
- The Showmobile can be used within the city of Minneapolis. The applicant must secure permission to use any venue where the Showmobile will be set up.
- Depending on the location, a permit or proof of permission to use the venue may need to be provided to the MPRB.
Where can the Showmobile be set up?
- The Showmobile is best used on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt that is rated for the weight of stage and truck. In certain situations, the Showmobile may be placed on a level grass surface.
- If the grass is wet or muddy, it is possible that the Showmobile may not be able to be driven on or placed on grass. It is advised to have a backup location available when hosting the Showmobile on a grass surface.
- Refunds will not be given if the site is not accessible due to wet/muddy conditions and a backup location is not offered.
- If the Showmobile will be used on a road that is closed for an event, the approved road closure permit must be sent to mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the event date. Road closure must begin at least 90 minutes before the Showmobile reservation time and end at least 90 minutes after the rental time finishes.
- The Showmobile crew will not set up on a road, pathway, alley, or public right-of-way that is not closed to traffic.
Does the Showmobile come with an AV technician?
- Showmobile staff are not AV technicians.
- The Showmobile crew is made up of Mobile Equipment Operators from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The crew are familiar with the equipment on the stage and can help set up equipment for simple use cases.
- If bands require more specialized setups, or audio mixing, it is encouraged to hire or obtain an outside AV technician. Contact mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org for a list of companies that provide this service.
What is the stage capacity?
- The stage dimensions are 28’ x 14’ 6”
- The Showmobile can comfortably fit bands up to 5 performers and choirs up to 10 performers. Additional performers may not work on the Showmobile. Feel free to contact mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org if you have questions.
Is an amplified sound permit needed?
- Depending on the event, an amplified sound permit may be required. It is the responsibly of the applicant to obtain this permit if necessary.
- Refunds will not be given for any event shut down due to not having obtained proper permits.
- For more information, visit the City of Minneapolis – Outdoor Amplified Sound Page
What if it is windy out?
- If the wind gusts up to or over 30 mph, the stage roof must be closed for safety.
What if the Showmobile gets damaged?
- Applicant is responsible for all damage to the Showmobile that occurred during the event.
What is the cancelation policy?
- All cancelations must be made in writing to mobilestage@minneapolisparks.org by the original applicant.
- If canceled more than two weeks before the event, no cancelation fee will be assessed.
- If the Showmobile rental is canceled less than two weeks before the event, a $500 fee will be charged.
- If the Showmobile rental is canceled 48 hours or less before the event, a $1,000 fee will be charged. This includes weather related cancelations if the Showmobile is operational, but the event decides to cancel.
- In the case of severe weather, and the Showmobile staff determine that it is unsafe to operate the Showmobile, a full refund will be given. No rain dates will be held.
What payment formats are accepted?
- Credit cards are the most popular payment method. Fees can be paid online using the same portal that was used to apply
- Cash (exact cash) can be paid in person at 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411- Monday-Friday 8am – 4:30pm
- Check made out to “Minneapolis Finance” – please include the reservation number on the check memo line and allow extra time for processing.
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