A 2-Minute Read with E&I Contract Partner, Anthony James Partners
3 Athletic Venues that Installed New Audio Systems in the Past Year
Stadiums and arenas are enhancing fan experience with new audio. Volume used to be key, but now stadiums and arenas are worried about audio coverage. Athletics venues are upgrading, so the top of the upper deck hears as well as on the sidelines. This increases fan engagement, at a time when game attendance may be slipping.
An E&I 2-Minute Read, Featuring Anthony James Partners
Better audio can help transform the stadium experience. Loud volume used to be the priority, but now schools have to compete with big screen TVs, and convince fans that the high price of admission is worth it. Big screens and Jumbotrons have been common fixtures for some time, but sound quality is the new evolution of stadium experience. Advancements in technology allow for theatre-like experiences, and fans are looking for clear, audible sound throughout the facility. Sound can help your institution connect with fans, maintain high energy, and complement LED and screen experiences. Outfitting each facility is different, each stadium has its unique quirks and issues with sound distribution. Schools look for proper consulting, design, and installation of the best audio experience possible. Anthony James Partners, an E&I partner, installed these three sound systems, and can at your facility too. Contact your E&I rep. to learn more about your contract with Anthony James Partners.
See the 3 stadiums/arena below:
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Venue 1
The Granddaddy of Them All.... The Rose Bowl. A New Sound, for a Facility Built in 1902.
Anthony James Partners was called in by Rose Bowl operations staff to evaluate and address issues with the Rose Bowl stadium’s aging sound system, and in particular, issues for events requiring public address and program audio. A complete sound system evaluation and assessment was performed to discover the performance issues, observe the City’s special noise ordinance requirements, and to figure out how to comply with the historical registration rules.
The new system was completed in August of 2024 and the results are simply amazing. The audio for speech intelligibility, program music reproduction, and especially acceptable containment of the audio in the bowl have all exceeded expectations of the Owner.
The most daunting task was to provide clear, intelligible speech at all of the bowl seating locations, support program audio in the stadium and, equally importantly, contain the audio within the bowl to the greatest extent possible out of consideration for the surrounding neighborhoods in Pasadena.
Anthony James Partners discovered that the existing loudspeaker mounting locations had to be reused to meet the aforementioned regulations, so a careful selection of delivery devices was necessary. Fulcrum Acoustic was selected as the loudspeaker manufacturer based on positive experiences using their Horn-Loaded loudspeakers and Passive-Cardiod and Sub-Cardiod technologies in similar demanding applications. Specifically, the CCX, CS, and FH models were chosen for their exceptional pattern control, predictable throw distances, and overall quality of sound and build.
Scope included the new bowl loudspeaker system, new sound system for the Court of Champions (two small line arrays suspended from the supports above the Court of Champions, below the upper deck, to cover the Court of Champions space for dedicated events that will take place in this area, independent of the stadium system). A stadium audio feed is included so this area may be combined with the main stadium sound system. Design also includes sound coverage for the event area beyond Gate A for independent use during specific events (swap meets, flea markets, etc.), and a small, dedicated sound system designed for use to cover the area outside of Gate A to be used independently from the main stadium system or combined with the stadium audio feed as needed. Independent background audio coverage of the Wine Garden area was included (a small system for low-level bowl audio and audio for local video during games). Anthony James Partners is also currently engaged in LED Display System / Scoreboard technology design for the Rose Bowl Stadium. When the......
See The Rose Bowl's full case study
Venue 2
Purdue Basketball Updates the Mackey Arena; is this the Loudest, Most Intimidating Arena in The Big Ten? Or U.S.?
Anthony James Partners that the Mackey Arena was a challenge, and at first glance it looked like there was no way to get a decent audio system in there. But Anthony James figured it out, and now Purdue has one of the best arena systems in the country.
“(Mackey Arena) is actually the loudest venue in the Big Ten, as voted on by players,” said Ben Jones, Purdue Athletics facilities superintendent. “We are now the loudest and most intelligible venue in the Big Ten. The sound no longer hits you in the face; it surrounds you. It’s maintained the intensity of Mackey Arena but with a really nice clarity. You could tell we had a world-class sound system being installed.”
CVLAV was selected by Anthony James Partners and Purdue University to assist in executing AJP’s new arena sound system design that would not only match the intensity of the Purdue Boilermakers’ fans, but also deliver uncompromised and intelligible sound to all seats in the bowl. The challenge involved finding a way to accomplish this without adding extra weight to the catwalk. Challenge accepted and met!
Mackey Arena’s new sound system consists of:
- (6) Array Systems comprised of (2) Fulcrum CS121 Subwoofers and (10) Fulcrum FL283T Dual 8″ Subcardioid Arrays.
- (4) Court Fill Pairs comprised of (1) Fulcrum CS118 Subwoofer and (1) Fulcrum CCX1577 15” Subcardioid.
- (12) Stagemaker SR10.
- (6) Applied Truss and Electronics 12″x12″x8′ Truss.
- (7) Powersoft X8 8-Channel Benchmark Amplifiers.
- (2) QSC TSC-70-G3 7″ Touch Panel.
Purdue also updated the LED scoreboard, corner boards, ribbon boards and hoists to accompany the......
See Purdue's full case study
Venue 3
Clemson's Memorial Stadium Upgrades Audio Technology; Death Valley is a Scary Place to Play
Clemson had already upgraded its massive new LEDE scoreboard in Death Valley’s East end zone, with over 7,000 square feet and 6.7 million pixels.
To turn up the fan experience even more, supporters will be introduced to a highly advanced, new point-source audio system designed for serious acoustical impact in every seat (designed by Anthony James Partners and installed by C.V. Lloyd Audiovisual). The new scoreboard will house some of the most powerful speaker technology available in the industry, specifically the Adamson loudspeaker system, a staple for North America’s largest touring acts. With a new point-source audio system will also look to deliver “serious acoustical impact” in every seat. Anthony James Partners said the scoreboard will house some of the most powerful speaker technology available in the industry, specifically the Adamson loudspeaker system. New auxiliary displays have also been fitted in the west end zone, while hundreds of feet of LED ribbon boards have been installed in the north, south and west. Stadium signage has been updated and replaced to highlight the history of Clemson University, which is based in Clemson, South Carolina. Additionally, a custom-designed lift system will see Clemson’s iconic tiger rise from the top of the scoreboard to ensure the continuation of a game-day tradition.
To round out the facility upgrades, two new auxiliary displays in the West end zone and hundreds of feet of LED ribbon boards have been installed in the north, south, and west. To highlight Clemson’s proud history and tradition, stadium signage has been updated and replaced, including the Ring of Honor, and with the help of a custom-designed lift system, Clemson’s iconic tiger (with fiery red eyes and a moving tail) can rise from the top of the scoreboard, to ensure to ensure gameday traditions are never forgotten. The project also includes backlit seals of each of the branches of the military. The video board’s height and re-shaped entry will allow for 365-day connections with campus and the adjacent Scroll of Honor Memorial. Then the......
See Clemson's full case study
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