Inspired by the gladiatorial atmosphere of major sporting occasions, the set was designed to create a ‘theatre of sport’ and built to elevate the Sports Personality brand. Filmed live in front of an audience of 11,000 and viewed by a TV audience of 13million, the design incorporated ground-breaking video-compatible lighting effects. Its scale was unprecedented for the show; a massive 79m wide and 13m tall – and built in just 72 hours.

Building on the 2009 ‘theatre of sport’ concept, the design approach for 2010 was intended to surprise and deliver an engaging, theatrical, statement for both live and TV audiences. Inspired by the dynamism, speed and movement of sports stars in action, the result was an intentionally asymmetric and ethereal set which included lit architectural shapes reaching out over the live audience of 12,000 to envelop and draw them into the on-stage action.