Cirque du Soleil's Big Top Arrives in San Francisco

Cirque du Soleil has arrived in San Francisco and is in complete set-up mode in preparation for the November 14th U.S. premiere of its awe-inspiring production KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities, written and directed by Michel Laprise. Cirque's trademark blue-and-yellow Big Top was raised today by a team of approximately 50 men and women, who worked for several hours to pound 1,200 pegs, hoist more than 100 support poles, unfurl the canvas, and finally raise the roof on the acrobatic and theatrical experience that is KURIOS.

KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities will perform at AT&T Park in San Francisco November 14, 2014 - January 18, 2015. Tickets range in price from $53 - $135 and can be purchased online at cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or by calling 1-800-450-1480.

Today's Big Top raising coincides with #LoveLocalSF, a city-wide celebration that honors all of the things that make San Francisco so unique! Residents were invited to come to AT&T Park to witness the Big Top being raised.

About the Big Top and the Cirque du Soleil village:

· The site takes 6 days to completely set up and 2 days to tear down. This includes the installation of the Big Top, entrance and artistic tents, box office, administrative offices, and a kitchen and dining area for cast and crew.

· Approximately 65 trucks transport nearly 2,000 tons of equipment for KURIOS.

· The Big Top stands 62 feet high, is 168 feet in diameter and is supported by 4 masts, each 85 feet tall. It seats around 2,700 people and requires a team of approximately 50 people to raise it. There are over 1200 stakes dug 4 feet into the ground to hold the tents in place.

· Flags posted at the Big Top entrance represent the 19 nationalities of the cast and crew.

· The stage is one of the lowest of all Cirque du Soleil big top shows. It is 24 inches high. This decision was made by director Michel Laprise so that the artists have a closer proximity to the public.

· This is the first time in Cirque du Soleil's history that they have a welcoming act on top of the Big Top before the show starts. Weather permitting, three artists climb the Big Top and welcome guests on-site with live music. It is also the first time that some guests are selected to go backstage and cross the stage on a rope bridge before the show starts.