A new steel rigging system inside WesBanco Arena is expected to be installed next month and be in place well before the start of the next hockey season for the Wheeling Nailers.

Officials with the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority gathered for their monthly meeting this past week to discuss the latest developments at the arena and at the Capitol Theatre.

In May, Wheeling City Council agreed to transfer $210,962 to the GWSEA from the Arena Restricted Capital Improvement Project fund to install the new steel rigging system. The new infrastructure will help accommodate shows with large arrays of production equipment that need to be suspended.

Show promoters that require this infrastructure either have to use rented, temporary systems or simply avoid booking shows at the arena, officials have indicated.

“We have received funding for the steel rigging for the arena from the city special revenue account, thanks to city council and (City Manager Robert Herron, chairman of the GWSEA),” reported fiscal officer Nancy Hughes.

Kelly Tucker, executive director of the GWSEA, said the installation of the new steel rigging system will begin next month and should only take a few weeks to complete. Officials noted that the flurry of indoor shows that took place this past spring has slowed down significantly now that summer has arrived and outdoor events have returned for the season.

“The third week in July, it will start,” Tucker said of the rigging installation. “It will be complete before we put ice in. It will take four to six weeks. We want to make sure it’s accomplished before ice gets here.”

During the down time, new surveillance cameras have been installed outside of WesBanco Arena for security measures, Tucker added.

“This month has marked kind of our slower time, with fewer events,” she said.

One of the recent events that was deemed a big “winner” in terms of revenues vs. expenditures was the Travis Tritt concert that took place on May 31 at the Capitol Theatre, officials said. Another popular event on June 5 at the theater was the heavy metal show Static X: Machine vs. Monsters Tour featuring GWAR and dope.

At WesBanco Arena, the GWSEA’s debut First Friday event was a big success that was well attended. On the first Friday of each month, a free event will take place on the patio at the arena above the splash pad. The event features food and beverages available for purchase as well as live music.

“We’re going to do that again on July 4,” Tucker said, noting that the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will perform next door at Heritage Port later that evening, with fireworks over the river to celebrate Independence Day. “It will be a little different because July 4 is the symphony’s event as well, and we’re just a part of it. We’re going to focus on kids that day and start it earlier in the day from 4-8 p.m.”

Tucker said there will be a DJ and a foam party at the upcoming First Friday event, which is being sponsored by Grandpa Joe’s. There will also be a balloon drop contest in which participants can win tickets to children’s shows that are coming to the theater in the fall. Following the activities on the patio, the fun will shift to the symphony’s performance and the fireworks.

Officials from the GWSEA are not expected to hold a meeting in July and will return to regular monthly meetings at the end of August.