The Tude

The Tude - short for Altitude - is just your average eighteen-story high arena, nestled between the spires of the former Xodonbank tower. The 100th-floor courtyard and observation deck has now become the arena floor, with a dizzying drop on either side, and the outer walls of the two spires have been blown out, each providing a sort of terraced spectator gallery with fine views of the performances and contests that go on here nightly.

As well, huge girders and overhead catwalks have been added, surrounding the stage. To these have been lashed and epoxied a fearsome arsenal of lights, speakers and holoprojectors. Combined, they're capable of causing severe damage to those not equipped to handle the punishing sound-wattage and radiation.

Much the same could be said, in fact, of the boisterous crowds that usually attend. Spectators enter very much at their own risk. Hawkers, mostly dented-up former service robots, hover and clamber over the stands, offering food, drink, souvenirs and, depending on the event, objects to hurl at the stage. The noise level rarely drops below deafening.

Behind the spectator galleries, the inner portions of the spires are a little quieter, offering lounges and bars.