IMEG provided architectural lighting design and MEP services for the conversion of a New York landmark theatre interior into a Pelé Soccer Store, breathing new life into the Times Square historic building.

The fan experience begins as shoppers enter a stadium tunnel and walk through a hall where posters once hung announcing coming attractions, now displaying namesake sports memorabilia. As they emerge onto center field, shoppers find AstroTurf and goalposts have replaced the original seating for moviegoers, yet spectators can still line the tiered stands to catch the big show on a sports Jumbotron above a stage once home to the silver screen.

Luminaires were mounted on custom freestanding pylons and trusses that echo stadium lighting structures, leaving the French-inspired decorated surfaces and historic fabric untouched. This created armatures to mount lighting, speakers, exit signs, and emergency lighting, reinforcing
the stadium concept. The original sloping floor was used in consort with a central raised area to create a soccer field as a sales floor, complete with tiered “stadium” seating to reflect the fan experience.