Sound System Upgrades Score Points with Fans
Sports goers 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.
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Home to the NHL Predators, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena recently took delivery of its third DiGiCo audio console, a Quantum338, purchased and installed through Nashville-based Spectrum Sound.
The Quantum338 joins two existing and upgraded DiGiCo SD12-96 desks, along with an SD-Rack, SD-MiNi Rack, D-Rack and three SD-Nano Racks. The Quantum338 is used for FOH duties at the venue, while one SD12 is used a router/hub/mixer for the broadcast control room and the other is deployed as needed as a utility mixer, including for mixing monitors at the band/stage platform. Two Orange Box MADI interfaces are also on the same very busy Optocore loop as the consoles and racks.
Bridgestone’s sound is a big part of its allure for show and events, and DiGiCo is an integral part of that. “We’ve had DiGiCo consoles here since 2018; they’ve become the standard for concerts everywhere and Nashville is the ultimate music town,” says Jacob Lutz, director of technical operations for both the arena and Nashville Predators. “The Quantum338 is a game-changer for live music. And the SD12 consoles, which we upgraded to 96 inputs last year, have proven great at broadcast applications as well. They’re all on the same fiber loop, giving us a high level of redundancy and unmatched connectivity if that’s ever needed,” he adds.
“One Orange Box lives in the Technical Operations Center, and the other is our tie-in to the broadcast-truck docks, and through that we can give the OB trucks any outputs they need at a moment’s notice,” Lutz continues. “And when the broadcast is analog, as it is for Regional Sports Networks, the SD-MiNi Rack at our dock gives us plenty of connectivity. For larger shows, such as the NHL Draft, we can just hand off a MADI stream and they can take any audio sources they need from the house, including being able to route the intercom through that. The flexibility that the DiGiCo infrastructure offers us and our partners is incredible.”
The new Quantum338 is used for every Predators game. Since the sports venue is in Music City, not surprisingly, halftime periods and other intermissions tend to feature mini-concerts by artists including Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Scott Stapp, Riley Green and The Shepherds.
“An SD-Rack on the band stage connects to the optical loop. Everything plugs into that, and it connects all the way back to front-of-house, broadcast, and anybody else who may need either a mix or individual stems,” says Lutz. “The Quantum338 gives us the functionality that we need to handle anything that the busiest arena in the world throws at us.”
Bridgestone Arena
- Capacity: 17,000-19,000
- Key Components: DiGiCo Quantum338
- Integrator: Spectrum Sound
Tyson Events Center, Sioux City, IA
Fleet Farm Arena (formerly Gateway Arena) at Sioux City’s Tyson Events Center is known for hosting PRCA rodeo events, but the venue is hardly a one-trick pony. One week might find the facility welcoming the basketball antics of the Harlem Globetrotters, while the next might be a Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live extravaganza. Add to that lineup Disney on Ice, concerts, corporate events, and lots of sports including 30 Sioux City Musketeers ice hockey games each year, plus half a dozen Bandits indoor football games. The versatile arena is a busy place.
Although Tyson Events Center has successfully entertained countless visitors over the past two decades, its original sound system needed a serious refresh. “Installed when the building was constructed in 2003, their distributed point-source system had multiple failing components. Intelligibility was lacking and the volume was being pushed to compensate, which wasn’t good,” says Matt Bauer, senior integration project manager at Denver-based Brown Note Productions (BNP). “It was time for something new.”
Tyson Events Center is managed by Oak View Group (OVG), which also manages Loveland, CO’s Blue Arena, formerly known as Budweiser Events Center. Three years ago, Brown Note installed an L-Acoustics A10 loudspeaker system at that facility. OVG was impressed with the results, leading them to turn to BNP and L-Acoustics again for a similar solution.
“Based on our success at Blue Arena, we were convinced that A Series would also be a great fit for Tyson Events Center,” says Bauer, “A10i strikes a perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and proven L-Acoustics performance, giving us incredible results from a compact, budget-friendly package. We also knew that adding LA7.16i amplified controllers would let us power every enclosure on individual circuits and to leverage Soundvision’s Autofilter tool to ensure even SPL and tonal balance throughout the arena.”
The center’s new L-Acoustics system features nine arrays of A10i enclosures addressing the arena’s raked, U-shaped seating geometry. Six arrays of three A10i Focus over one A10i Wide cover the floor-side seats, and three arrays of three A10i Focus over two A10i Wide cover the end-zone audience area. Three additional A10i arrays — two dual-enclosure hangs on the left and right, plus a single-enclosure central hang — are flown over the opposite end-zone area, which sports a massive wall-mounted video screen. A dozen SB18 IIi subs are center-flown over the arena’s floor, with a six-box A10i waterfall array suspended below for floor-fill coverage.
Three L-Acoustics LA7.16i and two LA12X amplified controllers drive the entire P.A. system blanketing the 10,000-capacity arena. A P1 processor handles all audio traffic via a Milan-AVB signal path, with an analog fallback. BNP added a QSC Q-SYS control system to give the center’s staff easy system configuration, recall and monitoring.
“A10i’s ability to tailor both horizontal coverage via Panflex and vertical coverage with the Wide and Focus model options enabled us to provide tight dispersion to exactly where we wanted it, ensuring excellent coverage of all audience areas,” says Bauer. “Also, Panflex was especially helpful during the system commissioning to eliminate some reflections on an untreated wall. Tyson Events Center now experiences exactly what we expect from an L-Acoustics system; it sounds the same in every seat. Intelligibility has greatly increased throughout every listening area and everyone at the center has been very happy.”
Tyson Events Center
- Capacity: 10,000
- Key Components: L-Acoustics A-Series Speakers
- Integrator: Brown Note Productions
Orlen Stadium, Plock, Poland
The Orlen Stadium in Plock, Poland (formerly known as the Kazimierza Górskiego stadium) meets UEFA Category 3 criteria and is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including advanced lighting, LED screens and a full suite of technical, broadcasting, culinary, sanitation, and parking services. A standout feature is its sound system, anchored by 76 RCF P 6215 speakers. Renowned for their durability and superior sound quality, these speakers are tactically positioned to ensure crisp, clear audio throughout the 15,000-seat venue.
Designed for large-scale indoor and outdoor environments, IP55-rated P Series speakers promise concert-level performance in a compact form. These 15” coaxial modules are designed to offer intelligibility and sound clarity, with uniform coverage across all seating areas.
Each speaker’s single-piece rotomolded cabinet is UV resistant, fitted with multiple brass inserts, and supported by a corrosion-resistant stainless steel U-bracket. Connection to amplifiers is facilitated through a waterproof multi-pole connector. The front aluminum grille has a powder coating with a water-repellent backing material. The stadium has also implemented an induction loop system for attendees with hearing impairments.
TOMMEX, the official distributor of RCF’s installed sound products in Poland, was responsible for the audio system’s delivery, installation, tuning and user training. The installation also features radio mics, digital mixers and a fully-featured PAVA system.
Orlen Stadium
- Capacity: 15,000
- Key Components: RCF P Series
- Integrator: TOMMEX
Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Llanelli, Wales-based PAI Group/Vaughan Sound has completed the design and installation of a new Nexo sound system at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Home to Welsh rugby, the 74,500-seat venue joins a growing number of stadiums standardizing on Nexo sound, following such venues as Stade de France in Paris and Dublin’s Croke Park.
“We’ve been involved in maintaining and upgrading the original system at the stadium for many years and welcomed the opportunity to propose a new system which would both enhance the match day experience for fans and keep them safe with the clear intelligibility and uniform coverage of every seat necessary for effective public address and voice alarm functions,” comments PAI project manager Stuart Williams.
Designed in conjunction with the Nexo Engineering Support team and drawing on Nexo line array and point source technology, the main system at Principality Stadium comprises 18 arrays of eight Nexo GEO S1230 with 10 banks of three L18 subs and a delay line of 32 Nexo P12 and 12 Nexo P10 speakers. Pitch coverage is provided by a further four arrays of four GEO S1230 each, with under-balconies on Level 3 covered by 44 Nexo P8s and VIP hospitality boxes around the stadium covered by 75 Nexo ID24s.
A total of 41 Nexo NXAMP Mk2 powered TD Controllers are spread across six amplifier rooms with a fiber ring connecting Dante and Q-LAN distribution networks, with remote control and monitoring from Nexo’s NeMo app together with system control and matrix routing from Q-SYS Core 610 processors. The Baldwin Boxall VIGIL3 integrates seamlessly for PAVA announcements, and external sources are bridged into the system at locations including pitch side, the video studio and at the stadium bowl access area known as the Dragon’s Mouth.
“The addition of a clear and powerful new Nexo sound system will enhance our renowned stadium experience, as well as helping keep the crowd safe throughout all of our world-class events, from major concerts to sporting events,” states stadium manager Mark Williams. “Alongside the clarity of the sound, what’s particularly impressive is the coverage; from the back of every seating tier to the hospitality boxes and lounges, every seat in the stadium will get to experience the same outstanding sound this new system provides.”
Nexo’s Gareth Collyer credited the team at PAI/Vaughan Sound for doing “a great job at Principality Stadium, and it’s good to see yet another national stadium choosing Nexo sound to ensure crowd safety and enhance the experience for fans.”
Principality Stadium
- Capacity: 74,500
- Key Components: Nexo GEO S1230
- Integrator: PAI Group/Vaughan Sound
Viola Park, Florence, Italy
Viola Park, a new state-of-the-art sports center and home to ACF Fiorentina football club, recently underwent a full AV system integration that included K-array audio systems.
Spread across 64 acres, Viola Park is the largest sports center in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The facilities at the site include two stadiums, 10 practice fields and gyms along with medical, media and wellness centers.
Viola Park’s management opted to partner with systems integrator Professional Show after a demo at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, the former home of the ACF Fiorentina team. The project included providing audio support for other spaces across the site, taking advantage of the impressive audio quality of K-array equipment and the brand’s impressive size-to-performance ratio.
In the Media Center, home to a modern press room and digital museum, Professional Show and K-array collaborated to design a system that would meet the architect’s request for a discreet, modular audio solution that could ensure clarity of speech during live interviews. Four Kobra loudspeakers, four Rumble subwoofers and a pair of two linear meters of Anakonda seamlessly blend high-quality audio technology with aesthetics.
The sports complex also features bars named Maglia Viola and Il Giglio. Both have been equipped with custom audio systems that include K-array’s ultra-flat Vyper loudspeakers and Rumble subwoofers, and they are seamlessly integrated through a QSC Audio control system.
In the 3,000-seat Curva Fiesole stadium, Professional Show opted for a KGEAR solution comprising a total of 21 GH12 loudspeakers and seven GS18 subwoofers in each bleacher, rigged discreetly to harmonize with the stadium’s architecture while providing high SPL for matches and events.
“Drawing from our previous experience with the K-array Mugello system and leveraging the DSP capability of KGEAR GA46 amplifiers, we designed an unconventional loudspeaker reinforcement system that matches the aesthetics of the stadium and guarantees an even coverage of the stands with moderately high SPL,” explains Professional Show’s Giovanni Beoni.
As the shiny new home of ACF Fiorentina, Viola Park continues to raise the bar in a number of sports facility standards. “K-array has proved to be a winning solution for Fiorentina and yet another great project where we were able to collaborate and work together with the K-array team to deliver the highest-quality solution,” Beoni concludes.
Viola Park
- Capacity: 3,000 (Curva Fiesole)
- Key Components: K-array and KGEAR
- Integrator: Professional Show
Randall Reed Stadium, New Caney, TX
Operated by the New Caney Independent School District (ISD) in Montgomery County, TX (30 miles north of Houston), the 8,200-seat Randall Reed Stadium is the home of the New Caney High School Eagles, the West Fork High School Gators and the Porter High School Spartans football teams.
After 10 years of Texas heat, the stadium’s previous sound system was showing its age. Integrated along with a new LED scoreboard display, Southwest Building Systems — specialists in high-school stadium AV solutions — installed a new sound system featuring Electro-Voice MTS long-throw extreme SPL loudspeakers and Dynacord IPX20:4 amplifiers and MXE5 Matrix Mix Engine.
The weatherized MTS-4153-64FWBs selected for New Caney ISD are three-way speakers with 60°x40° coverage that’s ideal for large-scale applications like sports stadiums. Each unit combines four 15” woofers with dual coaxial mid/high compression drivers via a single waveguide, in a design focused on cohesive output with a strong bass response. The system can generate more than 151 dB peak SPL with exact directivity for long-throw applications. The loudspeakers are supported by three weatherized X12-128-FGB dual-18” subwoofers.
MTS’ superior pattern control solved problems with echo and reflection and enabled the use of live microphones on the field, effectively turning a football-specific venue into a multi-purpose entertainment and community venue.
“One of the most pleasant surprises was the coverage,” says New Caney ISD AV coordinator Brandon Harvey. “We could position the speakers to provide coverage exactly where it was needed. As a result, we have addressed the acoustic challenges. We used to have significant slap-back from the homestand to the community room — not anymore. It’s terrific.”
The speakers are powered, monitored and controlled utilizing electronics and software from Dynacord, combining a compact form, energy-efficient operation and high sound quality. The system is driven by three Dynacord IPX20:4 (4x 5000 W) DSP Class-D amps in the press room, and they include OMNEO IP networking architecture, enabling Dante and OCA/AES70.
The team at New Caney ISD are very pleased with the audio experience the new system provides. “When it was fully installed, Electro-Voice sent a technician to tune and EQ the system,” notes Harvey. “That was the icing on the cake. It was hard to believe he could make it sound better than it already did. The entire experience was terrific from start to finish.”
Randall Reed Stadium
- Capacity 8,200
- Key Components: Electro-Voice MTS; Dynacord IPX20:4
- Integrator: Southwest Building Systems
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Von Braun Center, located in the heart of historic Huntsville, AL, has undergone extensive renovations over the past two years. The upgrades included replacing the aging audio system at the 10,000-seat Propst Arena, home to the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Huntsville Havoc. This was in addition to EAW ADAPTive being deployed in the 1,300-capacity Mars Music Hall and the 2,000-seat Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, showcasing the flexibility and range of EAW’s ADAPTive products. While Propst Arena is primarily used for hockey, all three of the Von Braun Center’s venues can host touring productions of any scale.
After extensive research, Von Braun Center officials chose EAW’s ADAPTive system for the arena, with Anya selected as the main speakers to meet the venue’s specific aesthetic and electroacoustic requirements. The space offers a unique “hub-and-spoke” ceiling structure, where the primary load bearing beams meet in the center compared to the typical rectangular grid structure in most arenas. Considering this, the installation included a variety of hangs ranging from three to seven boxes in length, with a total 12 of the loudspeaker clusters deployed around the bowl.
Each configuration leverages ADAPTive’s ability to easily expand horizontal coverage by simply adding another column to the array. Otto subs are centrally located in the hub providing seamless horizontal coverage of the sub band, with EAW QX 566 speakers for ice fills and a QSC Q-Sys backbone for DSP and control.
“Using EAW’s Resolution software, we were able to steer the audio precisely to the audience from the first row all the way to the back row, so that every seat sounds exactly the same, from a frequency standpoint,” says Verta principal Christian Tuttle. “We could also expand the horizontal coverage from a single rigging location. The EAW ADAPTive system ensures everyone in the venue gets the same experience.”
Von Braun Center design engineer and production manager Doug Collingsworth, who was integral to the project from the beginning, was pleased with the outcome. “It’s always satisfying when the naysayers leave with a smile on their faces,” he says. “The decision to go with EAW was an excellent one. The system sounds great.”
Von Braun Center
- Capacity: 10,000 (Propst Arena)
- Key Components: EAW ADAPTive Arrays
- Integrator: Verta Technologies
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) recently announced its $350 million renovation for the Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and Toronto Raptors (NBA). This included the Mastercard Executive Suites, Theatre Suites and the Mastercard Lounge.
In the design for these premium spaces, WJHW spec’d 1 Sound’s Cannon C4i loudspeakers to meet the challenge of providing high-fidelity sound quality along with extended low frequencies, also while fitting in with the rooms’ high-end finishes and feel. Taking up a footprint on the wall of just a 6-inch box, the Cannon C4i’s fit the bill exactly.
Branch Audiovisual was contracted for the audio installation and worked with 1 Sound’s Custom Shop to match the 100 Cannons with the same paint color used for the walls where the speakers were mounted. Custom-colored Cannon C5i’s were utilized in the larger Mastercard Lounge shared-members dining space.
“We have been thoroughly impressed with the exceptional performance of 1 Sound’s products,” said Branch Audiovisual partner Bob Guy and anticipate incorporating their outstanding products into our future projects.”
Based on the success of this project and the experience working with 1 Sound products, MLSE upgraded the Raptors’ practice court’s audio system with Branch AV and went on to utilize 1 Sound’s line of larger loudspeakers for the basketball court’s system.
Scotiabank Arena (Executive Suites)
- Key Components: 1 Sound Cannon C4i
- Integrator: WJHW, Branch Audiovisual
