Stage inspections already changed

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Construction crews are busy building a stage on Monument Circle for Saturday night’s free 500 Festival concert.

For the first time, the construction crews are under watchful eyes from both state and city code enforcement inspectors.

"When they come out here, they sign off on the fact that they didn't note any violations at the time of the inspection," said Code Enforcement spokesperson Kate Johnson.

In the past, city code inspectors weren't involved with this project because Monument Circle is state property. That has now changed, due to tighter inspection codes put in place after last August’s deadly stage roof collapse at the State Fair.

The state will soon require all temporary structures to be inspected.

"Anything larger than a pup tent," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

The new law doesn't kick in until July 1. But inspectors aren't waiting. Daniels ordered the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to start working closely with the city and inspect temporary structures right away.

"Right now we are operating similarly to how we did during the Super Bowl-related events. We are out performing inspections on stages that are on state property, when previously we hadn't been doing those things,” said Johnson.

Johnson said by having the city and state work together to inspect the temporary stage, concert-goers can feel comfortable everything has been checked out.

And that should be a comfort not just for the fans, but also for the band members, who will be performing on stage as well.

Mike Skill plays and sings with The Romantics. His band will be center stage Saturday night.

"Indy is a great city for us,” he said. “We've done the Vogue in the past. We did the Convention Center with the Kinks and Adam Ant in the past. It should be a great night and a great weekend."