Sound System Upgrades Score Points with Fans
Sportsgoers have embraced the fan experience in a big way, and attendees are used to hearing music playbacks and play-by-play announcers with pristine clarity and intelligibility — all at rock ‘n’ roll levels, of course. Thankfully, the days of underpowered arena center clusters or stadiums ringed by paging horns mounted on 20-foot poles are long behind us. With that in mind, we looked at a number of recent audio projects — each of which met success by applying the right gear in the right situation.
New Stadium of Tizi Ouzou
Tizi Ouzou, Algeria
The recently completed, 50,000-seat New Stadium of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria is home to the JS Kabylie soccer team, and it has been built to exacting Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) standards.
The audio system was designed by Turkish Electro-Voice and Dynacord partner Atempo. “Dynacord power amplifiers and Electro-Voice speakers were chosen to provide quality audio performance and reliability,” explains Atempo’s Onur Metinel. A total of 112 E-V EVH-1152D weatherized cabinets are arrayed in clusters of three and flown from the stadium roof to cover the various bowl seating areas. A further 102 EVID-S5.2T combined with four EVID-S8.2 provide under-balcony fill.
“EVH models are designed to achieve very high output levels of up to 139 dB while maintaining balanced and consistent distribution, making them ideal for covering large outdoor spaces,” says Atempo technical manager Erhan Yılmaz. “In addition, their general durability and weatherized options give them a high level of resilience to harsh climatic conditions.”
The EVH and EVID-S5.2 bowl sound system is driven by 12 Dynacord IPX10:8 power amps, with the EVID-S8.2’s powered by a pair of L1300FD amplifiers. An MXE5 Matrix Mix Engine and SONICUE Sound System Software – the “brains” of the system – were chosen for efficient setup and to create a user-friendly, customized interface.
“The powerful IPX Series amplifiers were our preferred option for driving the bowl system,” says Yılmaz. “For the faultless operation and reliability of the sound system, we created four different amplifier rooms connected by Luminex switches. The system can work redundantly via the Dante network and provides the highest level of performance.”
Atempo chairman of the board Volkan Konuralp is proud of the work: “Our team achieved outstanding audio performance at the New Stadium of Tizi Ouzou. Atempo’s professional approach ensured the successful completion of the project and the seamless integration of the entire system. This ensured that the stadium is a sports event center that complies with international standards.”
New Stadium of Tizi Ouzou
- Capacity: 50,000
- Key Components: Electro-Voice EVH and EVID speakers
- Integrator: Atempo
District E Powered by Ticketmaster
Washington DC
A state-of-the-art esports venue situated in the heart of downtown Washington DC, District E Powered by Ticketmaster is located adjacent to Capital One Arena and spans nearly 14,000 square feet, presenting a hub for esports enthusiasts and fans.
The audio system needed to accommodate diverse programming, from high-stakes esports matches to corporate events and viewing parties, with advanced LED video displays installed throughout the venue. Monumental Sports, an assembly of seven DC-area sports and gaming teams, turned to integrator McCann to design and install the audiovisual integration help to create an elevated esports experience.
For the main gaming space, McCann selected 1 Sound loudspeakers to create an optimal auditory environment. Two Tower LCC84 columns are positioned on each side of the main LED wall, utilizing the Tower Wall Bracket for mounting. These cardioid columns, known for wide 120-degree dispersion and clarity, provide a perfect fit for the space and its varied audio needs. Complementing the Towers are two WSUB45i Wall Subs, positioned below flush onto the wall, enhancing the low-frequency impact and keeping a low profile.
Beyond the main space, McCann incorporated Cannon C5i loudspeakers for sound reinforcement in other areas of the arena. For example, in the dining area, they were hung as pendants using the C-Clamp for the desired angles. The synergy between different audio components ensured a cohesive audio experience throughout the venue.
The entire audiovisual system operates on an AV-over-IP platform, seamlessly connecting various sources, including digital signage, BrightSign media players, and Apple TV 4K players. With 90 individual system sources, the setup provides the versatility needed to accommodate the diverse programming that District E envisions.
Through McCann’s strategic implementation of 1 Sound speakers and creating an advanced AV-over-IP platform, District E has successfully raised the bar for esports venues worldwide. The combination of cutting-edge technology and Monumental Sports’ commitment to innovation shows how a thoughtful and comprehensive audiovisual solution can transform a space into a dynamic hub for entertainment and community engagement.
District E Powered by Ticketmaster
- Capacity: Varies by event
- Key Components: 1-Sound LCC84, Cannon C5i, WSUB45i subs
- Integrator: McCann
KGHM Ślęza Sports Arena
Warsaw, Poland
The recently constructed KGHM Ślęza Arena in Warsaw stands as one of Europe’s premier multi-purpose sports venues, covering over 11,000 square meters of training and competition space. The investment cost 66 million zloty, or about $15.6 million. The titular sponsor of the hall is giant Polish mining company KGHM Polska Miedź. As the home court for the basketball club Ślęza Wrocław and a hub for athletics in Poland’s Lower Silesia province, the arena required a sound system equal to its world-class facilities.
To meet the demanding acoustics across the expansive arena areas, Tommex — RCF’s authorized distributor in Poland — designed and supplied the complete package, including Dante routing and amplifiers tailored to the venue’s needs. The robust sound system is based on RCF’s powerful Compact M Series speakers. Strategically placed Compact M 12 and M 10 loudspeakers deliver pristine audio with thunderous bass to seating areas and courts. Compact M 08 and M 05 monitors placed throughout minor areas supply consistent coverage and voice intelligibility.
The athletes can use a six-lane 200-meter track, an eight-lane 60-meter track, a six-lane warm-up track, a long jump, a high jump, a pole-vaulting area, or a throwing area for shotput, discus and javelin, as well as a unique long-throws zone on a national scale.
For basketball matches and other hardwood court sports, the system adapts to fill 1,500 spectator seats of a mobile basketball court with seamless, balanced sound.
Beyond its core sports applications, the RCF system’s flexible architecture and DSP control readily configure the venue for different modes and zones. With exemplary acoustics being critical to world-class venues, the RCF system optimizes KGHM Ślęza Arena’s audio quality and reliability, while cultural events also benefit from the system’s ample frequency response and power.
KGHM Ślęza Sports Arena
- Capacity: 1,500 max
- Key Components: RCF Compact M Series
- Integrator: Tommex
