What is EECO?
EECO stands for Ecosystem Exploration Craft & Observatory. In its former life, it was the stage for U2’s renowned 360° Tour, one of the largest traveling stages in rock history, and now has a permanent home at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. EECO and the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza provide new opportunities to explore and learn, as well as space for private parties and special events such as Nights Under Lights, where EECO lights up the night sky as guests look on.
An Engineering Feat
The Aquarium recycled the stage, reusing 200 tons of steel and transforming EECO into a permanent art installation, saving building materials, resources, and energy. At its full height, EECO stands at 16 stories tall. To make the structure safe, sound, and permanent, it was installed gradually in stages. EECO and the new plaza opened to guests in July 2020.
Science Learning Campus
EECO is part of our Science Learning Campus, which also includes the plaza and a future Science Learning Center.
Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza
EECO crowns the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza, which encompasses community gathering space, peaceful gardens, and interactive play areas.
Custom Bricks
You can purchase a brick or plaque to go in front of or on the EECO stage! Limited quantities available.
EECO’s Future
EECO serves as a majestic symbol of our dedication to educating people about how we are all interconnected as one global ecosystem, the Living Planet. Not only does it serve as a community gathering space, but EECO comes alive during special events with programmed light shows that leave guests in awe. In the future, we will add the EECO Command Center, which will offer ecology-themed, interactive experiences that encourage guests to learn about our natural world.
FAQs
The Living Planet Aquarium Science Learning Campus provides immersive, educational experiences that help guests gain a broader understanding of Earth’s diverse ecosystems. The Campus will be connected to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium on a 17-acre lot and includes The Living Planet Aquarium Science Learning Center, EECO, outdoor exhibits and community gathering space, and the EECO Command Center.
The Aquarium believes investing in art like this functional sculpture, much like investing in science, offers invaluable long-term benefits for our community. EECO, along with the Science Learning Campus, will allow the aquarium to increase educational offerings and engage in more conservation initiatives.
The Science Learning Center will be a 90,000-square-foot facility featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, high-tech laboratories, a five-story Asian Cloud Forest gallery, an Endangered Species Conservation Center, new animal and interactive exhibits, banquet and conference spaces, and more.
The Campus will be a community resource serving the general public. The Science Learning Center will also be an educational resource benefitting K-12 students and university students.
The Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza, part of the Science Learning Campus, is now open! Fundraising and planning is ongoing for the Science Learning Center.
The EECO Command Center will combine the best elements from virtual reality, simulators, and team-building experiences into a highly-detailed, thematic experience. Guests will embark on challenging eco-missions around the world, ranging from deep oceans to rainforests, deserts, and arctic regions, to solve real-world problems and successfully accomplish their mission.
Please contact development@thelivingplanet.com for more information.
