How Two Tennessee High Schools Use StageTek®

Graduation day is a milestone moment; and for two high schools just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, it’s a celebration that happens rain or shine. To prepare for unpredictable May weather, William Blount High School and Heritage High School have found a reliable, professional solution with the StageTek® Outdoor Staging System from Wenger Corporation.

The Challenge: Unpredictable Weather, Limited Setup Time

In East Tennessee, graduation ceremonies are often held on athletic fields or stadium turf. With weather that can shift quickly from sunny skies to heavy rain, both William Blount and Heritage High Schools needed an outdoor staging system that could be:

• Set up in advance

• Withstand the elements

• Offer safe, accessible entry and exit for students

• Be quick to move and store

That’s why both schools chose Wenger’s StageTek Outdoor Staging System, which is specifically designed for flexibility, durability, and ease of use.

Their Setup: Functional, Safe, and Efficient

Both schools use a 12′ x 24′ platform, configured as a flat stage of uniform height. On either side, a StageTek accessibility ramp allows for smooth entrance and exit, ensuring safety and ADA compliance for all graduates.

The configuration provides:

• Plenty of room for students and staff

• Simple layout for directing foot traffic

• Reliable structural integrity, even on soft or uneven ground

Why StageTek?

Here’s why this system stands out for outdoor ceremonies:

Weather-Resistant by Design

StageTek decks are made of extruded aluminum planks with built-in drainage spaces and textured surfaces. This  helps water drain quickly during rain and also reduces slipping, which is an essential safety feature.

Strong and Stable

With a uniform live load rating of up to 150 lb/ft², these decks can handle the full weight of a graduation party, even with risers or heavy equipment. The structure is resistant to rain, snow, heat, and cold, and it won’t rot, peel, or warp over time.

Tool-Free Setup

The legs attach without tools, thanks to Wenger’s smart hand-tightening knob system. The legs are available in multiple fixed or telescoping heights, making it easy to adapt the stage to any environment.

Easy Storage and Mobility

When not in use, the stage is stored on the StageTek Universal Deck and Rail Cart, which both schools use. This rugged cart holds six platforms or guardrails and fits through standard 32″ doorways. It allows for:

• Easy rolling from storage to the field

• Organized, compact storage that protects equipment

Wenger’s StageTek system is a professional-grade, high-performance outdoor staging solution. It’s built for schools, communities, and organizations that need dependable staging that sets up quickly and withstands the elements.

Learn more about StageTek Outdoor Staging

For schools like William Blount and Heritage High, StageTek isn’t just a stage, it’s peace of mind on graduation day.