![Rockefeller Center NYC lit up with a stage and lights](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d1a1yw91/production/e62bbca75a43e1e5de53b12e2b4e8ebf0c11e8e3-5252x3516.jpg?rect=0,562,5252,2954&w=3840&h=2160&q=95&fit=max&auto=format&width=3840)
![Rockefeller Center NYC lit up with a stage and lights](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d1a1yw91/production/e62bbca75a43e1e5de53b12e2b4e8ebf0c11e8e3-5252x3516.jpg?rect=0,562,5252,2954&w=3840&h=2160&q=95&fit=max&auto=format&width=3840)
Live
NBC Universal Media
Ellen DeGeneres Season Premiere
year
2016
capabilities
Strategy
Project Development
Vendor Management
Technical Direction
Design & Engineering
Event Logistics & Permitting
Ellen DeGeneres wanted to do something magical to kick off the 13th season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her vision was for a live celebration in the heart of New York City, propelled by the energy of the fans of her Emmy Award-winning show. TAIT was brought on board to shape an unforgettable outdoor event that would resonate with live crowds and viewers at home.
![Ellen DeGeneres on stage with guests looking excited](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d1a1yw91/production/50f00ec70fdf4bd148789e0589cadf374b58b310-4019x2679.jpg?rect=0,210,4019,2261&w=3840&h=2160&q=95&fit=max&auto=format&width=3840)
The challenge was to convert Rockefeller Plaza into an outdoor studio for two back-to-back shows jam-packed with stars and surprises. With our in-depth knowledge of the plaza, we were able to pull off a complex stage build with seating for over 500 in just a few days – with minimal disruption to other NBC productions, area businesses, and the visiting crowds of tourists.
The star-studded event featured appearances from Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, and an ice-skating Amy Schumer. P!nk performed Ellen’s peppy new theme song, and Justin Bieber brought things to an electrifying climax with an unforgettable dance-party finale.
![Ellen DeGeneres in center with a crowd of dancing women at the Rockefeller Center](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d1a1yw91/production/a9d88bd06c7335ecfd43cd8dbf63cdb7995610e7-5472x3648.jpg?w=3840&h=2560&q=95&fit=max&auto=format&width=3840)
![Rockefeller Center in the daytime, set up with a stage, blue lights, and screens and surrounded by an audience on risers](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d1a1yw91/production/729be3cdcef44b457ab2768f2e519ce2df7a847d-5406x3604.jpg?rect=0,282,5406,3041&w=3840&h=2160&q=95&fit=max&auto=format&width=3840)