MONDO | STADIA - Issue 35 - April | May

SUPER BOWL LVIII

We focus on the design and technological infrastructure at the spectacular Allegiant Stadium - the host of this year’s Big Game.

PRINCIPALITY STADIUM

Cardiff’s 74,500-seat stadium undergoes an audio transformation, with the installation of an impressive NEXO sound system.

SELHURST PARK

Crystal Palace’s home ground receives upgrade, thanks to a new stadium-wide digital platform delivered by ADI.

GEORGE VAUGHAN COLUMN

An intimate gig on a stadium scale - how Co-op Live and partners are rebooting the fan experience.

WELCOME

It’s always a thrill to get one of the genuinely iconic venues on the front cover - and it doesn’t get much more iconic than Twickenham Stadium. Since hearing about the upcoming audio revamp a while back, it’s been one we’ve kept a close eye on, so we’re delighted to be able to cover the impressive project by Vanguardia, Clair Global Integration, and Sound Technology. With JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers now in place, it’s taken the fan experience at the 82,000seat stadium to the next level.

Over in Las Vegas, we’ve taken a closer look at the architectural design and state-of-the-art technology at Allegiant Stadium, detailing just why it was the perfect stage for Super Bowl LVIII.

We’ve also taken a look at the spectacular audio system now in place at Principality Stadium, courtesy of NEXO, as well as Terraplas’ reliable turf protection solutions at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

ADI has also delivered yet another breathtaking digital transformation at Selhurst Park. Definitely one to check out.

ASB GlassFloor continue to make waves in the industry with its unique, innovative technology - and this time we’ve covered the eye-catching project at none other than the NBA All-Star Game 2024. It’s the very first NBA event to be held on a glass floor.

Don’t miss George Vaughan’s column on the new Co-op Live, as well as RenkusHeinz’s profile showcasing the company’s 45th anniversary.

Enjoy ISSUE 35! See you in Mykonos for STADIA | SESSIONS...

Sam Hughes Editorial Director

AT THE HEIGHT OF THE U.S. COLLEGE BASKETBALL SEASON, IPTV ENHANCES MARCH MADNESS VENUE EXPERIENCE

Andy Wagner, NFL & Collegiate Sports Entertainment Markets Lead, VITEC

Images: VITEC

College basketball’s March Madness tournament is one of the United States’ most-watched sporting events, attracting millions of viewers annually. The electric atmosphere within arenas is central to the tournament’s allure, where passionate fans converge to witness high-stakes matchups firsthand.

In this context, internet protocol television (IPTV) technology has emerged as a vital tool for enhancing fan engagement across major sports venues, including those hosting March Madness events. The deployment of IPTV in college sports venues is experiencing rapid growth as the technology has evolved to play a pivotal role in shaping and managing fan experiences that cater to a diverse audience that includes students, alumni, parents, and visiting team supporters.

Unlike television viewers, attendees at these events typically enjoy multifaceted experiences that extend well beyond the games themselves. With venues often hosting various sports and

entertainment events throughout the day, the flexibility offered by IPTV technology has proven invaluable in managing audiovisual assets efficiently.

Indeed, the agility and effectiveness of IPTV systems in addressing the dynamic requirements of collegiate sports venues, especially during high-profile events like March Madness, play a significant role in encouraging physical fan attendance.

IPTV Introduces Speed and Agility

By seamlessly integrating with institutions’ information technology networks, IPTV enables remote management and monitoring of audiovisual infrastructure, empowering venue operators to troubleshoot issues and update content swiftly. This capability represents a significant departure from the cumbersome processes associated with legacy systems that require manual interventions at the screen level.

The platform’s versatility allows venue managers to configure setups tailored to various events throughout the day -- such as pep rallies and concerts -- with the push of a button. This adaptability enhances the fan experience and contributes to operational efficiency and financial viability, encouraging fans to attend events in person rather than watch remotely.

Cases in Point

Two exemplary cases, Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Notre Dame, illustrate the real-world impact of IPTV.

LSU uses IPTV to manage over 1,400 displays across eight different facilities. The technology allows venue managers to make changes and respond to the unique needs of different -- often concurrent -- events in a tailored manner. The centralized control offered by IPTV systems allows them to make changes

at their football facility, basketball arena, baseball stadium, and softball field.

Meanwhile, the University of Notre Dame controls and manages approximately 800 displays across 14 different facilities, including athletic and academic spaces. It has allowed the university to be more dynamic and flexible in controlling, managing and enhancing the experience of many communities within the institution.

Tips and Tactics

While no two institutions are precisely alike in their objectives and requirements, there are key issues on which decision-makers should focus. They include:

- Understanding each institution’s way of operating and finding IPTV solutions that conform and adapt to their specific needs and vision

- Having a clear vision of how the institution will apply the IPTV system. Leaders should carefully consider what role IPTV will play in enhancing campus life. While it is tempting to replicate what other schools are doing, it is not

often possible to drop in an identical system

- Focusing on fan engagement and providing value to fans to encourage them to attend the venue instead of watching from home. One of the main goals in sports today is to enhance the fan experience and provide value so that fans choose to come to the venue rather than watch from the comfort of their homes. IPTV can provide new ways of delivering this value. VITEC collaborates closely with colleges and universities to optimize returns on IPTV investments, continuously refining its products based on customer feedback and evolving technological trends. By empowering institutions with scalable, efficient IPTV solutions, VITEC enables venue managers to meet the demands of large-scale events while enriching the fan experience for all attendees.

Leverage your IT network to harness content, from safety info to ads or live action, via IPTV distribution from a central hub in a secure, reliable environment

Create engaging fan experiences with intuitive flexibility to stream high-quality live and recorded video across any network to any device

Easily deploy content with future proof scalable engineering that provides built-in sustainability components for energy efficient cost savings Learn more about VITEC’s 2024 GreenPEG committment to sustainability at greenpeg.vitec.com

MYKONOS, GREECE | 7-10 MAY 2024

STADIA | SESSIONS brings together venues, clubs, architects, consultants, and suppliers, offering an intimate space to share ideas, specify projects and network.

Venues, Clubs & Architects Enquiries

Sam Hughes

s.hughes@mondiale.co.uk

Supplier Enquiries

Jamie Dixon j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

INTERVIEW

“Successful implementation for the project meant ensuring that the venue’s philosophy and identity permeated every corner, from the highest levels to the smallest details.”

Simon Borg Creative Director & Principal Populous

SIMON BORG, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL, POPULOUS

The Creative Journey Behind LDLC Arena’s Brand Identity

In the dynamic world of sports and entertainment venues, the fusion of spectacular architecture and experiential design is paramount in creating memorable experiences for visitors. At the forefront of this lies meticulous branding and wayfinding strategies, which not only guide audiences, but also deliver a distinct identity for each venue. Simon Borg, Creative Director and Principal at Populous, offered insights into the creative journey behind the vision for the new LDLC Arena in Lyon.

With over two decades of experience in multidisciplinary design, Simon’s tenure at Populous has been marked by his passion for exploring the relationship between experiential design, brand activation, and customer experience within the built environment. His expertise spans venue commercialisation, design management, project delivery, and design research.

Reflecting on his extensive portfolio at Populous, Borg has led experiential activation and wayfinding projects for a wide range of prestigious venues, including the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, O2 Arena, Emirates Stadium, and the London 2012 Olympics, to name just a few.

Simon’s journey with LDLC Arena traces back to the very beginning, collaborating with the architectural team to develop a comprehensive wayfinding system throughout the venue. However, the project’s scope expanded exponentially when Simon and his team were tasked with proposing a brand identity for the new arena.

Simon recalled: “We saw an opportunity to weave LDLC Arena’s identity into every facet of the visitor journey, transcending mere aesthetics. So, drawing inspiration from previous projects, we embarked on developing that from scratch and wanted to use it as a thread throughout the building.

“Successful implementation for the project meant ensuring that the venue’s philosophy and identity permeated every corner, from the highest levels to the smallest details.”

LDLC Arena being a multipurpose venue posed both challenges and opportunities: “We recognised the importance of striking a delicate balance between sporting events and live concerts, ensuring that the venue’s brand resonated with all audiences,” said Simon. By seamlessly integrating branding elements with navigational signage and interior design, Populous crafted an immersive experience that transcended the boundaries of traditional sports arenas.

The branding strategy also had to incorporate LDLC’s identity and that of the city of Lyon, along with the range of the events hosted at the venue.

“We had to give a nod to all the various stakeholders while ensuring that the branding remained authentic to LDLC Arena’s overall design,” added Simon. This approach resulted in a brand identity that not only reflected LDLC’s sponsorship, but also embraced the energy and excitement of the venue. Drawing inspiration from the building’s architecture, Simon and his team meticulously crafted the branding to

symbolise key components of the venue.

“We envisioned LDLC Arena’s brand as a dynamic narrative that would resonate with visitors long after they left the venue,” Simon explained. Inspired by the rhythmic pulse of live events, the team devised a visual language characterised by fluid lines and vibrant hues.

“We looked at the use of bars reminiscent of sound metres in recording studios, symbolising the intensity of atmosphere during basketball games and huge concerts,” Simon added.

The resulting linear structure not only became instantly recognisable, but also lent itself well to various applications.

Maintaining a cohesive colour scheme was of vital importance, too, with the red and blue hues paying homage to both LDLC and the city of Lyon. Introducing gradients and nuanced variations refreshed the traditional palette, infusing it with newfound vibrancy and dynamism. This refreshed colour scheme extended to every aspect of the venue, creating a cohesive visual identity.

Simon added: “In addition to branding, our focus extended to wayfinding, where we seamlessly integrated the brand’s visual elements with navigational signage. By incorporating the linear patterns into wayfinding design, we ensured

that every directional cue reinforced LDLC Arena’s identity, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.”

Furthermore, the interior design was carefully curated to reflect the venue’s identity, with elements such as the bar area and the façade serving as subtle nods to the overarching branding concept.

Simon emphasised the importance of establishing key rules in brand application, while ensuring flexibility across diverse mediums. From cups adorned with the venue’s colourway to staff uniforms designed as an extension of the brand, every touchpoint within LDLC Arena was curated to reflect the venue’s identity and enhance visitor experience.

One of the most gratifying aspects for Simon was witnessing the seamless integration of the branding identity into the venue’s fabric - LDLC Arena’s identity permeates every facet of the visitor experience.

“It’s not just about big-ticket items like the huge LED cube above the court and various LED screens around the bowl; it’s the subtle nuances, like co-branding on merchandise or social media promotion,” furthered Simon.

As LDLC Arena continues to evolve, its identity serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in

shaping how visitors – whether it’s for sport, live music, or other events - interact with venues. Simon and his team’s visionary approach, combining branding and wayfinding, have certainly taken the experience at LDLC Arena to new heights.

Simon concluded: “Seeing the extent to which the team at LDLC Arena have embraced this piece of brand work fills us with a sense of pride and satisfaction – it’s been rolled out across a huge number of touchpoints from the interiors to the exterior of the building, as well as on cups, merchandise and tickets. Their thoughtful execution and creative interpretation of the brand guidelines serve as a testament to their dedication and vision for the venue’s identity. It was a rewarding experience for us all.”

Mykonos 7th-10th May

TWICKENHAM STADIUM

London, England

Images: Ellie Mitchell Photography

Twickenham Stadium recently collaborated with Vanguardia, Clair Global Integration (CGI) and Sound Technology to complete an audio upgrade project designed to enhance the fan experience at the 82,000-seat venue and adhere to modern safety standards with the support of JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers.

Twickenham Stadium has been home to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and England Rugby since 1907, hosting its first match in 1909. The iconic stadium has constantly evolved over its long history and has always had a focus on the fan experience. The stadium’s 20-year-old system was no longer supporting that aim, so the RFU turned to Vanguardia to create a sound system that would offer the high sound pressure levels it required for the entertainment element alongside the intelligibility vital in a life safety PA/VA solution.

“The opening line to the team was that it had to be a

compliant PA/VA system,” explained Steven Carver, Venue Project Manager, RFU. “We had to make sure we were achieving British standard recommendations within the stadium bowl. Without the stadium PA system to actually broadcast those emergency messages, obviously the stadium couldn’t function, so it’s one of the key parts of the stadium.”

“Life safety is absolutely critical,” added Mark Lynch, Executive Director, RFU. “That’s the fundamental part of delivering and running any major stadium. But the fan experience is becoming more and more important. Creating that fan experience through audio is key, and it goes beyond rugby. We do concerts here, we do conferences and events and actually changing this place to make it a really multipurpose stadium is underpinned by a quality audio system.”

Designed by CGI’s UK Director, Eddie Thomas, and Associate Director, Tom Williams, the project was delivered by Jake Miller, Steve Watson, and John Hardy, who secured this

once-in-a-generation installation thanks to their collective and in-depth knowledge of high-end stadia audio.

“I, personally, have been involved with various aspects of the stadium over a number of years, mainly working with the BOH PAVA systems. CGI received an approach from the RFU to be an integration tenderer for a replacement bowl audio system that was being discussed with Vanguardia,” explained Thomas.

“We duly received the tender documents and CGI’s Tom Williams and myself developed a number of loudspeaker, amplification and control network solutions for the new bowl audio system.”

The system recommended for the stadium is based on JBL Professional’s VLA Compact line array solution. This line array benefits from the premium components found in JBL’s renowned touring systems, but in an installation-friendly

package that is IP-rated to remove any worries about damage from water ingress or other weather concerns. The VLA-C clusters are supported by AWC cabinets, which have been used as the under-balcony fills to ensure maximum coverage throughout the space. Finally, PD6322s have also been supplied to cover the pitch when the stadium is hosting events.

Thomas furthered: “The system that was accepted by the RFU and Vanguardia is based upon a Q-Sys redundant core and network architecture, using Crown amplification to drive the JBL loudspeakers. There are two main core Q-Sys servers, located in differing areas of the venue for safety and security, as the system is primarily a life safety and an entertainment system, so we must adhere to clear standards with regards to product use and overall acoustic and network performance criteria.

TRANSFORMING SPACES, ELEVATING EXPERIENCES

Clair Global Integration is dedicated to crafting exceptional experiences through cutting-edge technology. We transform spaces to connect with large, diverse audiences and bring people together to create unforgettable moments.

SOLUTIONS

Acoustics | Audiovisual | Broadcast

IT Services | Life Safety | Lighting

Performance AV | Virtual Environments

MARKETS

Enterprise | Faith | Performance

Sports | Themed & Immersive

Clair Global Integration is proud to partner with:

Twickenham Stadium I SoFi Stadium | O2 Arena I PNC Park I Dodger Stadium

www.clairglobal.com/integration

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA

SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA

Twickenham Stadium, London, UK

“The main loudspeaker system comprises 16 arrays of loudspeakers mounted within the stadium roof, each array is composed of 12 JBL VLA-C2100 array cabinets, supplemented with three JBL VLA-215S Sub Bass cabinets mounted to the rear of the main arrays.”

“For us it was about trying to get a quality audio experience for every single fan in every single seat, that is where JBL came in and the product has been absolutely amazing,” reflected Lynch. “When we heard it for the first time, the smiles on the faces of myself and the entire team were

absolutely brilliant. You can see it from the fans, and the feedback we get now from fans about the overall experience led by those JBL speakers is unbelievable.”

Power for the solution is courtesy of Crown Professional’s DCi series amplifiers utilising the DriveCore which provides high power but very efficient amplification. These have been networked over Dante to provide audio distribution from the centralised DSP solution out into the remote rack rooms. One of the major advantages of the Crown amplifiers has been the support they provide to the life safety element of the

system. The stadium needed to ensure that it had the ability to monitor the integrity of the loudspeaker circuits, and that is one of the key functionalities of the DCi.

CGI also installed a diversely routed and fire-resistant fiber network backbone, which provides essential infrastructure and is ‘Sports Ground Safety Authority Green Guide’ approved. This results in best practices for design, planning, safety, management, and operation.

Tom Williams explained further: “We installed new fire rated fibre-optic cables to support the network for the audio

system. The network itself is dedicated to the PA system and manages audio transport and system control/monitoring between rack locations on the roof, the audio control room, pitch-side connectivity, and the interface with the voice alarm system.

“QSys forms the processing core of this along with networked Crown audio amplifiers and a Yamaha digital mixing console in the control room with Dante connectivity. Everything sits on the network, and this ensures maximum flexibility in terms of usable system configs and audio routing. The

full system is used for match-day entertainment, but, for a concert, any part of the system can be given a feed to augment the stage audio, ensuring better sound across all the seats that have been sold.”

While there were a lot of elements to work through for both the design and installation of the new solution, the end result is a performance that everyone involved is very proud of.

“Everyone has been very enthusiastic about the quality of the system and the improved intelligibility during pre-match entertainment. Twickenham Stadium is a very large venue with acoustics to match, so this just goes to show that good sound can be achieved in challenging environments when you work with the right team,” added Williams.

“It really is a fantastic system,” noted Joe East, Project

Director, Sound Technology. “I’ve been fortunate enough to come to a couple of games and just listening to comments from other spectators along the stands, it is clear that it has made a really significant improvement to that matchday experience.”

“It’s phenomenal, it has a really punchy sound and clear announcements that lead to a great atmosphere,” said Daryl Prasad, Vanguardia.

“To give them that audio experience alongside of everything else that the RFU and Twickenham do so well, it’s fantastic to work alongside them and we’ve very pleased with the end results,” concluded Justin Hankey, Sales Manager, Installed Sound EMEA, HARMAN Professional Solutions.

SUPER BOWL LVIII @ ALLEGIANT STADIUM

Las Vegas, USA

Images: WJHW, PixMob

SPECTACULAR DESIGN & STATE-OF-THE -ART TECHNOLOGY

WIn the heart of Las Vegas, the glitz and glamour combined with the pinnacle of sport, as Allegiant Stadium became the stage for Super Bowl LVIII.

Since opening its doors in 2020, the venue, with its spectacular architectural design and technological innovation, has become a modern marvel of stadia.

Following the Big Game, in which Kansas City Chiefs defeated San Francisco 49ers to become the first team to win backto-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2004, we’ve taken a look back at how cutting-edge technology and visionary design converge to create a stadium of the future that delivers an experience like no other.

Allegiant Stadium is a truly multipurpose venue and global events destination, delivering for both the franchise and the city. As well as being the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and UNLV Football, the fully-enclosed and climatecontrolled venue is able to host a wide variety of events and entertainment, including concerts and sporting events. The state-of-the-art stadium is one of the most technologically advanced, which, combined with a truly striking design, already puts it on the map when it comes to must-visit venues.

The design for Allegiant Stadium came from a partnership

between MANICA and HNTB, with both firms coming together to create a sleek, modern venue that was not just the new home for the Raiders, but perfectly suited to its surroundings in Las Vegas.

The brief for the stadium was developed through comparative analysis of physical attributes, revenue and cost models of other NFL stadiums, which led to a design that would best serve the Las Vegas market. Shortly after this, HNTB led the detailed programming efforts with every department of the Raiders organisation to develop the full comprehensive brief. One key aspect of Allegiant Stadium is the retractable turf, which was something that the Raiders were very keen to have in place when it came to building their new Vegas home. The venue’s designers approached Hellas Construction, who have manufactured, constructed and installed athletic surfaces across the USA for over 10 years to provide maximum flexibility for stadiums.

Allegiant Stadium is the first major stadium in the United States with a synthetic turf field installed on top of a rail system. The rails are embedded into the concrete floor to allow trays of natural grass to be brought in for NFL games.

Hellas was able to create a solution that customised the synthetic turf system and pad to precisely bridge and protect

the rails.

Another interesting element of the stadium that is specifically designed with the fans in mind is the radial seating bowl, as well as the roof design.

As the Allegiant Stadium design began to take shape, JMA Wireless were enlisted to assist with the design for the wireless system throughout the venue. As a leading global innovator, JMA connects the mobile world with high quality solutions that ensure reliability, streamline operations, provide unrivalled cost savings, and maximise wireless performance.

With the JMA system in place providing the backbone, the Raiders team, along with the whole host of partners and companies, were able to look forward to making Allegiant Stadium one of the most technologically-advanced venues in the world.

The broadcast setup is a vital part of the infrastructure at Allegiant Stadium, with Wrightson, Johnson, Hadden & Williams (WJHW) enlisted as a consultant for the production control room design.

The production control centres around a full 2110 IP Evertz EXE video and audio router. The building is outfitted with a 5ME Ross Acuity production switcher with two, four bus

panels. Three Ross Xpression nodes power six key/fill outputs for production graphics, while EVS drives twenty channels of record and eight channels of playback. ChyronHego provided their Virtual 1st Down solution, as well as their tele-strator product called Paint that enhances the graphical capabilities of the facility.

Production control is rounded out by the use of seven Sony HDR cameras, with a mixture of 4300, 3500 and 3100 models. Lenses are all Canon manufactured with three 90x, two 60x, two 24x and one wide angle model.

Kevin Cottom, Vice President - Global Sports & Live Events at Ross Video, explained how the project at Allegiant Stadium started for his team: “Discussions with the team started in 2017. We were aware of the stadium build and began the process of designing a Unified Venue Control System for the stadium, as we knew they would want a powerful flexible production system to engage and entertain their fans when the building opened in 2020.

“The overall plan for the project for Ross was to offer the Raiders production staff a venue production system that combined several components, from the production control room and LED control system, to provide the most flexible and powerful venue control system available on the market

today.”

The Total Venue Control system from Ross Video uses Dashboard Servers - custom-built software control panelsthat trigger Ross and third party products, including Tessera LED control system, Mosaic video processor, production switchers, Ultrix video routers, house video routers, LED lighting and IPTV systems. The Dashboard synchronises the entire production to perform perfectly executed activations within the game day production and facility tours. It’s a scalable system, too, that can be operated by one or multiple people.

“Utilising a Ross Unified Venue Control solution for the game-day production allows users to realise their creative vision and engage fans on every level,” added Kevin. “From simple pre-rendered content playback and real-time data driven graphics, right through to tracking, analysis and interactive games, Ross has a custom solution for any size venue. The Unified Venue Solution is the most powerful and scalable offering for sports venue game-day productions. “The feedback from the ownership group, as well as the operations staff has been very positive. Throughout the deployment and training process, they built a workflow specifically for their production, and, now that they are up and running, they are excited to grow with the system in the future when fans are allowed in the stadium.”

When it came to the visual aspect of Allegiant Stadium, it was Samsung’s displays that were chosen to bring the venue to life. Sporting venues of this size are years in the making and discussions between Samsung and the Raiders started as far back as 2017, with the project officially won in 2018. With future proofing at the forefront of the project, Samsung’s LED display products are used exclusively throughout the venue, including the videoboards, score clocks and multiple ribbon displays within the seating bowls. There are a total of 41 video screens throughout the venue,

totalling 67,000 sq. ft. Beyond the LED displays, there are an additional 2,553 displays throughout the stadium, ranging in size from 27” to 98”.

As a true multipurpose venue, Samsung also made sure that their displays worked for different types of events, all while enhancing the fan experience.

Ephesus Lighting fixtures were the first LED lighting solution to illuminate an NFL stadium and, having installed LED sports lighting solutions at many of the most iconic NFL stadiums, the team at Allegiant Stadium reached out to Ephesus.

The sport lighting system is driven by Ephesus Stadium Pro fixtures, while the seat lighting is taken care of by the Ephesus All Field fixtures. There are also 80 colour-changing Ephesus RGBA fixtures included in the main bowl lighting system. The bowl and back of house lighting system is all controlled under ETC Paradigm, making concert blackouts and other full stadium preset changes quick and easy. The Stadium Pro fixture provide the bulk of the lighting, but, once it was decided to set a new standard in entertainment functionality, 80 of our Prism RGBA fixtures - an unprecedented number of colour fixtures – were added. The lighting plays a hugely important role in allowing Allegiant Stadium to be a true multipurpose venue that caters directly to the fan experience above all else. The lighting system was delivered with an unprecedented number of pre-programmed entertainment scenes in both white light, coloured light and a blend of them both. The combination of fixtures allows the AV team the full capability to build out customised lighting for any event.

A state-of-the-art sound system is something that had to be included at Allegiant Stadium to further enhance the experience - and it was JBL Professional’s revolutionary audio technology and sound intelligibility that made it the ideal choice for the venue.

The bowl audio is a JBL VLA601H line array system consisting of 14, 10-box arrays, with six middle arrays also containing a field fill box on each. Each array contains six PD5125 subs hung directly behind the main array to evenly distribute the lows throughout the building and help with timing. A Yamaha CL5 drives the house system in conjunction with two 3224 Rios and RSIOs for digital transport around the stadium. Away from the main bowl, the audio system throughout the venue utilises JBL technology, too, with control coming via Audio Architect on the DSP side, and Crestron doing the public facing control of clubs and suites.

No stone was left unturned when it came to the facilities at Allegiant Stadium, which is why The Parker Company were enlisted to manage the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) procurement for the project. Parker worked very closely with the stadium development and operations team and coordinated planning and procurement with CAA ICON and Mortenson to determine the items that would be directly purchased.

With the ownership and stadium operations developing their vision and plan for Allegiant Stadium, Parker served as the resource to procure all the items the stadium required to focus on multipurpose and revenue-generating events and programmes.

As mentioned before, the seating, in terms of the

architectural design, is a hugely important part of Allegiant Stadium in a number of ways. However, the actual seats themselves shouldn’t be overlooked - it’s something that can be the key difference between an enjoyable fan experience and a very poor one.

Camatic Seating provided all the bowl seating in the stadium, with a number of different Camatic products used: It is the design and technology that really stand out when it comes to Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas is, of course, well versed in architectural wonders that seem to have come from nowhere, but the venue is breathtaking - and almost intimidating - to look at. With that design, the technology had to match and that was certainly delivered.

Vikrant Bodalia, VP - Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, summed it up perfectly: “Technology at our stadium is what makes almost everything possible. It allows various operational departments to be very flexible and efficient in accomplishing their everyday needs.

“Technology touches everything and enhances not only end user experiences, but wows fans and guests. We live in the digital age and technology is more important than ever for live sports and entertainment venues and I feel our stadium raises the bar when it comes to technology.”

The bar has most certainly been raised. It’s clearly more than just a stadium - it’s a key fixture in the entertainment capital of the world – and a fitting stage for Super Bowl LVIII.

WJHW

WJHW are proud to consider Allegiant Stadium one of our marquee projects. The overall finish of the stadium between the Architectural teams of MANICA and HNTB is simply spectacular - and an incredible place to be.

As the project moved into construction, we were happy to partner with and work under the watchful eye of CAA Icon Venues, as well as a supportive partner to the MortensonMcCarthy contractors joint venture, ensuring they had all information and support they needed. WJHW were there up until the very last punch list item was closed and the owners were fully up to speed in operations.

Fan engagement here begins with ensuring everyone feels like they are having a premium experience, respecting the long history and rich traditions of the Raiders franchise, and carries on from there as one arrives at their seat to take in the bowl. Technology is everywhere, yet seamlessly deployed to support the experience, but not interrupt it.

Work for this project started for WJHW in late 2016, with design efforts beginning in earnest in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the completion and opening of the stadium, but otherwise the project stayed on schedule. For WJHW, we are pleased to call this an end-to-end project. We have many peers in technology consulting who we maintain cordial and collaborative relationships with. As they say, “you can’t win them all”, so we ensure that when we don’t provide some portion of a technology design, we stay close and respectful. In this instance, we earned and were given the responsibility to provide services across our entire portfolio of design services. This included:

Acoustics

- Environmental Acoustics

- Mechanical/Vibration Isolation

- Room and Bowl Acoustics

Audio Visual

- Large format LED bowl displays and scoring systems

- Large format LED and projection throughout the venue

- PA Sound in the bowl

- Sound and AV throughout concourses, clubs, suites, and team areas

- Video production systems producing content for the big screens in support of fan engagement and as key revenue generation from primary marketing partners

- Development of the combined technology Production Data Center (PDC)

- IPTV and digital signage systems

- Production studio technology systems

ICT Services

- Active ICT with design of the converged network, WiFi systems, and DAS infrastructure.

- Passive ICT with development of the venue wide cabling plant, infrastructure, design of technology rooms, data centres, MPOEs etc

- Video Surveillance Systems

- Intrusion Detection Systems

- Access Control Systems

Broadcast/OB Infrastructure

- Full coordinating cabling plant for coaching video, team use, and broadcast partner connection

- Development of the OB compound

- Overall venue-wide OB infrastructure

Exterior Signage

- Design of the 30,000 square foot (2,800 square meter) exterior mesh LED display marquee

We considered this project a significant challenge as we were given the mandate to work with ownership to develop responsible budgets for our design packages and then stay within them. The project also had a shorter design and construction cycle than similar concurrent projects we had been engaged on. However, the end result was a highly collaborative project with a successful commitment to stay on budget and on time. Although you “cannot build the church for Easter Mass”, we did spend a great deal of time evaluating and, ultimately, designing flexible capacity in everything from the OB infrastructure to the capacity of AV systems to expand to meet the needs of events like Super Bowl LVIII.

The entire team consider Allegiant Stadium to be one of our absolute proudest moments and a project that reached the absolute pinnacle of what our firm is capable of. Working so closely with the ownership and key stakeholders was critical to our success and, perhaps, the most rewarding part - and we look forward to supporting them in the future for upgrades to meet the demands of a passionate fan base as technology continues to advance and change.

FEATURED PROJECT: SoFi STADIUM LOS ANGELES

PIXMOB

Fan experience innovator PixMob returned to the Super Bowl for a 5th consecutive year. The entertainment lighting tech experts delivered a crowd-captivating immersive experience during the much-anticipated Half-Time show. Renowned for transforming live events into unforgettable fan moments worldwide, PixMob once again ignited collective joy and deepened fandom during the eagerly-awaited 2024 Super Bowl.

This year’s PixMob activation set out to elevate the Half-Time show to unparalleled heights, electrifying the performance of legendary artist Usher by outfitting performers on stage with their ultrabright X4 Wristbands. PixMob’s signature sustainably-sourced LED wearables lit up the field with synchronised visual effects to match the performance.

In the crowd, 60,000 spectators were equipped with PixMob’s LED badges, the industry’s brightest LED wearable, transforming the audience into a dazzling canvas of light and immersive effects.

With the high of Super Bowl LVIII still lingering, PixMob is enormously proud of its continued partnership with the iconic sporting event.

“PixMob is honoured to mark our 5th consecutive year partnering with the Super Bowl, a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersive lighting technology and continuously innovating the fan experience,” said Jean Olivier Dalphond, CCO & Partner, PixMob.

PixMob’s fan-focused contributions to the Super Bowl have redefined in-crowd activation and engagement, innovating the way that lighting can be integrated into the event’s unique staging and production. In 2014, the Montreal

start-up showed the world the transformative impact their technology could have on the Super Bowl fan experience, immersing 80,000 fans and 500 on-field performers in synchronised light with their wearable LED technology during the legendary Bruno Mars performance. From 2020 onward, PixMob has supercharged every subsequent Super Bowl halftime show with their immersive LED tech.

In 2020, they ignited the electrifying group performances of Shakira, JLO, Bad Bunny and J Balvin. From there, they lit up the Weeknd’s ground-breaking show in 2021, as well as the surprise group performance of Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Eminem, Mary J. BLige, and Kendrick Lamar in 2022. Last year, they activated at Rihanna’s gravity-defying performance, lighting up the floating platforms that carried the artist as she put on her daring, sky-high act. After five years of integration, PixMob’s tech has become a signature staple in the Super Bowl Half-Time Show experience.

PixMob exited the global pandemic’s live event shutdown with a vengeance. The company deployed its fan-favourite LED tech at events that led the charge into a new era of live entertainment; from the legendary tours of Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Karol G, The Weeknd, Imagine Dragons, and more, to igniting fan joy for over 30 NBA, NFL and NHL teams.

PixMob’s unparalleled innovation in lighting technology continues to reshape the landscape of live events, amplifying fan engagement and experience across the globe. The company remains at the forefront of fan-fuelled innovation, ready to bring fans the epic experience they expect and deserve from this larger-than-life event.

BROADBAND DIRECTIVITY

MADE SIMPLE

MADE SIMPLE S3

S3 is a 2.5-way passive multi-purpose speaker featuring Passive End Fire Technology broadband directivity control and multiple user adjustable directivity patterns. S3 can be used as a stage monitor, compact club system, as a single or an arrays and installations ranging from small auditoriums to big sporting venues.

S3 is a 2.5-way passive multi-purpose speaker featuring Passive End Fire Technology broadband directivity control and multiple user adjustable directivity patterns. S3 can be used as a stage monitor, compact club system, as a single or an arrays and installations ranging from small auditoriums to big sporting venues.

NOW FEATURING NEW HIGH-DENSITY MODE

RELIABLE AND SCALABLE PROFESSIONAL WIRELESS INTERCOM

• Now Supports up to 32 Radio Packs on a Single Radio Transceiver.

• Lightweight, Easy-to-Use

• Superior Audio Quality

• Extensive O ine/Online System Management Software

35

VENUE FOCUS

AUDIO

044 Principality Stadium | Cardiff, Wales

050 Inspire Arena | Incheon, South Korea

TURF PROTECTION

056 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London, England

VIDEO

060 Selhurst Park | London, England

SPORTS FLOORING

068 NBA All-Star 2024 | Indianapolis, USA

STADIA | SESSIONS FOCUS

074 Allianz Stadium | Turin, Italy

PRINCIPALITY STADIUM

Cardiff, Wales

Images: NEXO

The Principality Stadium, nestled in the heart of Cardiff, Wales, stands as a testament to innovation and sporting prowess. Formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, this iconic venue has etched its name in sporting history, playing host to the Rugby World Cup, FA Cup Final, Champions League Final, 2012 Olympics, and much more.

Since its inauguration in June 1999, Principality Stadium has become more than just a sporting arena; it’s a symbol of national pride and a beacon for athletic excellence.

Moreover, it also serves as a versatile venue, hosting a diverse range of events, including music concerts, with the likes of Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis, Beyonce, and Madonna, to name but a few, all having played at the stadium. Its adaptability and state-of-the-art facilities make it a go-to destination for entertainment.

Recently, Llanelli-based PAI Group/Vaughan Sound completed the design and installation of a new NEXO sound system at Principality Stadium. Home to the Wales national rugby union team, the 74,500-seat venue is one of just two European sports stadiums with a fully retractable roof and joins a growing number of national stadiums standardising on NEXO sound that already includes the Stade de France in Paris and Croke Park in Dublin.

“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” commented PAI’s Project Manager, Stuart Williams.

PITCH PERFECT SOUND

From local arenas to flagship international stadia, NEXO delivers a thrilling sonic experience for fans along with full safety compliance for stadium operators.

Find out more about pitch perfect sound at nexo.sa.com

Thinking. Inside the box.

PAI is a total service provider, dedicated to offering a full range of design, integration, and installation amenities.

Originally founded in 1964, Vaughan Sound is now part of the PAI Group and boasts almost 60 years of industry expertise and knowledge in providing cost-effective, future proof solutions. The Vaughan Sound team has designed and installed cutting-edge professional audio systems and public address, voice alarm, disabled refuge and induction loop packages to numerous sports stadia, pitches and recreational buildings across the UK.

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 8 x NEXO GEO S1230 with 10 banks of 3 x L18 subs and a delay line of 32 x NEXO P12 and 12 x NEXO P10 speakers.

The pitch coverage is provided by a further four arrays of 4 x GEO S1230 each, with under balconies on level three covered by 44 x NEXO P8s and VIP hospitality boxes around the stadium covered by 75 x NEXO ID24s.

A total of 41 x NEXO NXAMPMk2 powered TD Controllers are spread across six amplifier rooms with a fibre 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.

“Anyone that’s been to a rugby international at Principality Stadium will know all about the unrivalled atmosphere created by Welsh supporters” stated Mark Williams, Stadium Manager at Principality.

“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.

“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.”

Speaking on behalf of NEXO, Sales and Marketing Director Gareth Collyer added: “The team at PAI/Vaughan Sound has done 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.”

INSPIRE ARENA

Incheon, South Korea

The Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, located an hour from Seoul on Yeongjong Island at Incheon International Airport, is South Korea’s premier entertainment destination, featuring a five-star hotel, gaming facilities, an indoor water park, conference spaces, and an immersive “digital entertainment street” offering shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Mohegan INSPIRE aims to attract 3.5 million visitors annually, tapping into the global explosion of K-pop and K-culture. Central to this ambitious plan is the 15,000-seat INSPIRE Arena, which features a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system. INSPIRE Arena is built for a wide array of entertainment, from concerts to e-sports tournaments. From the outset, offering turnkey top-of-the-line AV technologies, anchored by worldclass sound, was the top priority.

Images: Meyer Sound

“We have a sound system, a lighting system, and a rigging system,” explained Kevin Reilly, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s Corporate Director of Entertainment Technical Operations. “We designed it so a Western act can show up basically with backline and I have sound and lights and video and a stage and barricade all here.”

Kevin, a 27-year Mohegan veteran, said that this riderfriendly approach mirrors that at the organization’s flagship Mohegan Sun resort in Connecticut, which features a Meyer Sound LYON® and LEOPARD® system. “For all of the shows that we’ve done at Mohegan Sun, we don’t hear ‘no, I don’t want to use your LYON/LEOPARD rig,’” he laughed.

INSPIRE Arena’s Meyer Sound concert PA includes 50 PANTHER™ large-format linear line array loudspeakers, six LEOPARD compact linear line array loudspeakers, 32 1100LFC™ low-frequency control elements, and 32 MJF™ highpower stage monitors. Meyer Sound LEOPARD compact linear line array loudspeakers serve as front fills. The system offers

MILAN capabilities and is managed by a Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform.

A powerful Meyer Sound announcement PA system, featuring 109 LINA® very compact linear line array loudspeakers and six 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements, adds versatile sound reinforcement support.

“We tuned the Meyer PA for the main concert PA, and they tuned the announcement PA for sports,” added Kevin. “I told the Meyer team, ‘I want to do comedy, and I need to tie these together. Can you help me make that happen?’ So, I essentially have three separate PAs: the concert PA, the sports PA, and a full concert and delay stack system. You have all the tools here to do what you came to do.”

Meyer Sound systems were supplied and installed by Ingang Audio of Seoul, with support from Andrew Poh, Meyer Sound’s Technical Sales Support, Asia; and Charlie Albin, Technical Support Specialist, UK.

“INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, as the name suggests, is a

multifaceted entertainment venue where various forms of entertainment are possible,” explained Ingang Audio Senior Director, Ilwhan Park. “It was crucial to achieve high-quality sound that customers can consistently experience from any space.”

Meyer Sound systems support venues throughout the INSPIRE complex, with a LEOPARD compact linear line array loudspeaker system at the pedestrian mall’s performance stage, LEOPARD and 900-LFC™ low-frequency control elements in the main ballroom, and LINA very compact linear line array loudspeakers and ULTRA-X40™ compact loudspeakers throughout the Splash Bay water park.

“With Meyer Sound speakers installed throughout the INSPIRE Resort, clear and high-quality sound can be experienced in any space, including the arena, the ballroom for events and conferences, Splash Bay, Aurora Bar, and Aurora Street,” said Ilwhan. “Furthermore, by installing the same brand in each space, convenience in overall sound system operation and after-sales service were also anticipated.”

The arena soft-opened in December with the 2023 Melon Music Awards show, which was presented in the round using

supplemental speakers provided by Sound Alliance Korea. “I had the opportunity to attend the first main event at INSPIRE Arena, the 2023 Melon Music Awards,” added Ilwhan. “The sound experienced throughout the event, utilizing Meyer Sound PANTHER, was truly impressive. This was not just my personal impression, but the innovative sound system was widely recognized by the audience and media covering the event.”

Other inaugural events included shows by K-pop stars Taemin, TVXQ, and AKMU. The grand opening was on March 5, followed by performances by the INSPIRE Salute, featuring iconic K-pop artists PSY and Taeyang; a concert by K-pop star Epik High; and the WTT international table tennis championship.

“INSPIRE Arena is truly the venue of the future,” concluded Scott Gledhill, Meyer Sound’s Director of International Sales. “It’s optimal for live entertainment, and for the K-pop market. The project’s success is a testament not only to Meyer Sound’s commitment to delivering unparalleled sonic experiences but to Kevin Reilly’s visionary approach and the standards he sets for leading the way in entertainment venues worldwide.”

How do you light an arena for the NHL, WNBA, concerts and more . . . using net-zero carbon?

That was the goal at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, WNBA’s Seattle Storm, world-class concerts, and possibly a future NBA franchise.

Musco designed a TLC for LED® system with custom mounts that adapt to the arena’s iconic roof structure, tunable white fixtures that adjust color temperature for unique visual settings, and the ability to integrate with in-house and traveling special effects consoles.

And it helped Climate Pledge Arena on its journey to become the first net-zero carbon arena in the world.

“ This shows that, as an arena, you can have professional sports, you can have the big concerts, and you can do it without impacting the environment. And Musco is the industry standard, it’s the go-to for any project of this size and significance.”

– Randy Foster Director of Production, Climate Pledge Arena

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM

London, England

For over three decades, Terraplas has been at the forefront of stadium events, with its innovative turf protection solutions. With an impressive portfolio boasting two million square meters of turf protection across more than 70 stadiums spanning every continent, Terraplas is synonymous with reliability, durability, and cutting-edge design.

Images: Terraplas

One of the company’s most recent projects was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which perfectly highlighted its pivotal role in transforming the venue into a multipurpose space and maximising non-match day revenues, all without compromising the quality of the turf.

Since its opening, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has defined itself by its ability to host a variety of events beyond football matches. However, to fully achieve this for large concerts, a comprehensive pitch protection system was needed.

The project faced several challenges, including a fixed delivery date and complex requirements for protecting both natural and artificial turf.

Terraplas supplied 10,100 sq metres of Terratrak Plus, a cutting-edge turf protection system specifically engineered for stadium and arena environments. This innovative solution features heavy-duty, driveable panels suitable for both natural and hybrid turf. The translucent panels allowed photosynthesis to continue, ensuring the grass remained healthy. Crucially, Terraplas’ system enabled seamless installation and alignment, creating a monolithic floor ideal for diverse events.

Terraplas demonstrated exceptional problem-solving capabilities throughout the project. By maintaining consistent

communication with stakeholders and proactively identifying challenges, the company navigated constraints effectively. Moreover, Terraplas implemented flexible workforce scheduling to optimise manufacturing output, ensuring timely delivery of the solution. The development of custom stillage designs further underscored Terraplas’ commitment to meeting the project’s unique requirements. Thanks to Terraplas’ expertise and innovative solutions, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium successfully transitioned into a versatile venue, capable of hosting huge concerts, such as Guns N’ Roses.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium project exemplifies the Terraplas’ unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in turf protection. By delivering a tailored solution that addresses complex requirements and challenges, the company continues to play a huge role in multipurpose stadium infrastructure. As venues seek to diversify their event offerings, Terraplas remains the go-to choice.

Take your stadium from cost centre to profit centre

With over 30 years experience in the design and manufacture of the world’s most widely used temporary event flooring, Terraplas® products are the ultimate solution.

A wide range of turf protection suitable for heavy duty vehicles to pedestrian use. We can create a customized flooring system to suit your specific site requirements, offering an outstanding floor for concert guests and the ideal work surface for production and operations staff and vehicles.

SELHURST PARK

London, England

Images: ADI

Selhurst Park has been the recipient of a monumental make-over and digital upgrade this season, thanks to a new stadium-wide digital platform delivered by digital venue engagement specialists ADI.

The project has seen ADI deliver a huge digital canvas spanning across three sides of the stadium, providing a vastly expanded platform on which to engage with fans and activate commercial partnerships. In total the screens and signage cover nearly 1,000m2 of space across three stands and around the pitch within Selhurst Park.

Looking to modernise, commercialise and future-proof the fan experience, Crystal Palace FC partnered with ADI to help deliver the best digital solutions to achieve their vision, as well as the content that would bring it to life for the fans and partner brands.

ADI explored commercial modelling with the club and investigated the new revenue opportunities that a refreshed in-venue platform could bring. 3D video renders created by ADI allowed initial discussions to be turned into realistic visualisations for the club to approve. ADI then moved forward with LED screen manufacture and engineering, followed by phased installation and integration at the ground. The huge digital canvas across three sides of the stadium has dramatically revitalized the venue and has been made possible by ADI’s proprietary MT lightweight LED modules. This revolutionary product has an ultra slimline and lightweight design, making it far easier to install than competing products. The features allow venues to digitise spaces that previously would not have been able to support previous generation of LED panels. Gone is the static signage across the front of the stands,

replaced by multiple tiers of sleek LED ribbon that combine with super wide stadium screens and a full TV arc of digiBOARD digital perimeter.

Palace have opted for 6mm pixel pitch across the whole platform, creating a future-proof solution that looks as sharp, rich and vibrant on 4K broadcast cameras as it does from the stadium seats. ADI have designed and provided a powerful content management architecture to drive the millions of pixels across the platform. Whilst the digiBOARD digital perimeter is controlled by ADI’s proprietary digiSOFT - UK football’s leading perimeter software - powerful dedicated media servers sit at the heart of the platform. These allow different elements to be controlled separately whilst also providing the ability to seamlessly co-ordinate content across the whole stadium-wide platform, allowing the club and its commercial partners to create powerful, immersive messaging.

Crystal Palace are known for their pre-match activations and the new screens and signage creates a huge canvas to

ramp-up the club’s capacity to entertain and immerse the audience on a matchday. ADI’s Studios team have created a number of different pre-match shows throughout the season that co-ordinate digital content with music, lighting and pyrotechnics.

Once the match is underway, content management is a collaborative process between the Club and ADI, with Palace’s matchday team managing the video mix onto the 65sq.m. 24:9 screen and ADI taking responsibility for delivering content across the pitchside and ribbon signage platforms.

At various times the platforms combine to delivers what ADI refer to as “Total Stadium Takeover” (TST) which sees all content co-ordinated across every screen - this proves particularly effective for in-match events such as substitutions and goals as well as for delivering high impact, immersive activation for commercial partners.

Geraint Williams, CEO at ADI, added: “Modern, lightweight LED panels are revolutionising the capabilities of large-scale digital technology; we’re now able to install our screens

DIGITAL VENUE TRANSFORMATION

ADI’S NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM HAS REVOLUTIONISED THE SELHURST PARK EXPERIENCE, DELIVERING AN IMPROVED MATCHDAY FOR FANS AND A VAST NEW DYNAMIC ADVERTISING PLATFORM FOR PARTNER BRANDS.

• New super-wide LED screen

• 5 new digital ribbons covering nearly 400m2

• New high resolution digiBOARD digital perimeter

• Upgraded fanzone screen

and signage in far more locations. Just a few years ago, this project wouldn’t have been possible due to the required weight loadings on the stands, our new MT product range has allowed the club to reimagine huge swathes of the stadium as giant dynamic canvases.

“At the same time the cost of large-scale construction has never been more expensive. We’re increasingly seeing that clubs are seeking to modernise their stadium are opting to install LED rather than commit to costly and risky, largescale construction projects. The fact that the space also delivers commercial value only increases its attractiveness to clubs looking to engage with fans and attract and activate brands more effectively.”

“ADI have played an important role, from the conception of this project right through to delivery and ongoing operation.

In addition to upgrading the fan experience, ADI’s huge experience in stadium digital platforms, they were able to help us to effectively model the expected returns, as well as provide visualisations to show our partners, giving us confidence to go ahead with the project,” said Barry Webber, Chief Commercial Officer, Crystal Palace.

“The installation has transformed the stadium - the prematch show has always been an important part of the matchday for us and we’re now able to take this to a new level. It’s also enabled us to remove any static branding, creating a far cleaner stadium with the ability for brands to completely take over the whole platform.”

NBA ALL-STAR 2024

ASB GlassFloor once again took centre stage, illuminating the court for the historic NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event marked a significant milestone as the first NBA event ever to be held on a glass floor, showcasing ASB GlassFloor’s innovative technology and commitment to pushing boundaries in sports and entertainment.

Under the vibrant glow of the digital court, the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game captivated audiences with its blend of innovative challenges and star performances, setting a new standard for sporting spectacles. The evening of February 16th saw Lucas Oil Stadium transformed into a

hub of excitement as athletes, celebrities, and fans gathered to witness history in the making.

In a dazzling display of skill and spectacle, the 3-Point Contest and AT&T Slam Dunk competitions saw Damian Lillard and Mac McClung emerge as back-to-back champions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already exhilarating State Farm All-Star Saturday Night in Indianapolis.

Damian Lillard, now the seventh consecutive Starry 3-Point Contest title defender, clinched the victory with a jawdropping final shot, solidifying his status as one of the premier sharpshooters in the league. Meanwhile, Mac McClung’s gravity-defying performance in the AT&T Slam Dunk competition, culminating in a leap over NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, secured his repeat champion status with a perfect 50 score on his last attempt.

The historic 3-Point Challenge between Stephen Curry and WNBA superstar, Sabrina Ionescu captivated the audience,

with Curry ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling duel of sharpshooting prowess. Adding to the night’s excitement, Team Pacers claimed victory in the Kia Skills Challenge, showcasing their proficiency in various basketball skills.

Beyond the on-court excitement, the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game served as a platform for the convergence of sports, entertainment, and digital fame. The event showcased the evolving landscape of celebrity sporting events, pushing boundaries and redefining the All-Star experience.

The ASB GlassFloor, with its state-of-the-art technology, provided the perfect canvas for these exceptional athletes to showcase their skills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Its dynamic capabilities and multicoloured animations enhanced the visual spectacle, setting a new standard for the All-Star experience and elevating the fan experience.

Enthralled spectators beheld two fans competing on a digital racecourse, conquering virtual obstacles. On another occasion, a dynamic four-point line emerged on the court,

Elevate Your Venue: ASB GlassFloor redefines the Game!

More than a floor, a game-changer. Precision engineered with cutting-edge tech, unlocking endless possibilities for fan engagement, advertising, player tracking, and dynamic event presentation. Transform any space into a vibrant sports arena with ASB GlassFloor.

www.asbglassfloor.com

fluidly adjusting during gameplay. Athletes achieving remarkable feats suddenly ‘burst into flames’, leaving a luminous trail on the court. These instances merely scratch the surface of the ASB GlassFloor’s potential. Beyond entertainment, the court delivered tangible value to fans and players with displayed player statistics and a real-time ghost replay track.

The ASB GlassFloor was operated by GlassCourt OS, an interactive software solution that integrates data from diverse third-party sources, including player and ball tracking systems, sports and health data platforms, and coaching applications. Serving as a central nexus, the software processes real-time data, translating it into stunning and informative graphics showcased directly on the digital playing field. For the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night, these we created by Dandelion & Burdock with the aim to enhance audience engagement and deliver real-time reactions to the action unfolding on the court.

Unsurprisingly, players were exhilarated and shared their reactions to the court with the Indy Star following the events.

“I thought it was pretty cool, and it must have looked great on TV for the fans,” remarked Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner. “It was really cool,” echoed NBA All-Star and Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey. “The NBA really does a good job of entertaining the fans and surprising us players, too.”

“The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night has been a great opportunity to put on a good show and allowed us to showcase a lot of what we can do from a tech point of view,” expressed Christof Babinsky, Managing Director of ASB GlassFloor.

“The level of professionalism when working with the NBA was outstanding and made this event a lot of fun for our whole team. I am very proud that the ASB GlassFloor team is clearly ready to play within the cosmos of the largest indoor sports association and one of the most successful outlets in the sport industry. We are looking forward to growing this relationship.”

VORTIS 2

EN 54- COMPLIANT HIGH PERFORMANCE

With the new SI SERIES HK Audio has unveiled a family of speakers tailored to meet the needs of today’s installation market.

VORTIS 2 is particularly suitable for applications where high-quality music and voice transmission is required in addition to standard-compliant (voice) alerting. All models are certified to EN 54-24:2008 for this purpose.

ALLIANZ STADIUM

Turin, Italy

Juventus’ Allianz Stadium stands tall as not just a football arena but a beacon of technological prowess, architectural brilliance, and unparalleled entertainment. Situated in the heart of Turin, this modern marvel has become a symbol of contemporary excellence, drawing tourists and enthusiasts alike into its captivating embrace.

The Allianz Stadium is more than just a football venue; it’s a testament to inclusivity and innovation. It proudly holds the UEFA Category 4 status and stands as the first Italian football structure without architectural barriers. With a capacity initially set at 41,147 seats, it has continually evolved, adding premium sectors and enhancing spectator experiences over the years. What sets it apart is its open environment and multifunctional design, making it not just a destination for football fans, but a hub for meetings, entertainment, and events.

One of the defining features of the Allianz Stadium is its state-of-the-art lighting system. In a bid to offer spectators an unforgettable experience, Juventus embraced LED technology in 2016. This upgrade not only earned the stadium the prestigious “Elite A” status in UEFA standards but also unlocked the potential for mesmerising light shows. With 396 projectors illuminating the pitch and 192 RGB LED bars adorning the stands, every match becomes a visual spectacle. Furthermore, the addition of 48 RGB rotating head projectors allows for dynamic lighting effects and logo projections, elevating the atmosphere to new heights.

Images: Juventus

The safety and security of fans are paramount at the Allianz Stadium. From handheld electronic reading devices for ticket verification to 46 metal detector gates, every measure is in place to ensure a seamless and secure experience for visitors. The modernised CCTV system, comprising 115 cameras, provides comprehensive surveillance, further enhancing safety protocols.

Sustainability lies at the core of the Allianz Stadium’s ethos. From its inception, the project prioritised eco-friendly practices, minimising its environmental footprint. Materials from the previous stadium were repurposed, significantly reducing waste. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient LED technology underscores the commitment to sustainability. In recognition of these efforts, the stadium obtained ISO 14001 certification, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible management.

Beyond its walls, the Allianz Stadium has been the catalyst for the revitalisation of its surrounding urban landscape. The development of the Juventus Museum, shopping centre, medical facilities, and club headquarters has breathed new life into the area, transforming it into a vibrant hub of activity. With over 200,000 sq. meters rejuvenated, the

stadium serves as the pulsating heart of the community, driving economic growth and cultural enrichment. The entertainment extends far beyond the football pitch at the Allianz Stadium. Pre-match festivities feature a blend of music, videos, and interactive experiences, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere. The inclusion of dedicated spaces for children underscores the stadium’s commitment to providing a all-round experience for families.

Hospitality is paramount at the Allianz Stadium, with over 4,000 seats spread across various exclusive areas. From the prestigious Club Agnelli to the luxurious SkyBox suites, guests are treated to unparalleled service and amenities on match days and beyond. The stadium also offers tailor-made event services, making it a sought-after venue for corporate gatherings, conventions, and special occasions.

In essence, the Allianz Stadium stands as a testament to Juventus’ unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It’s not just a venue; it’s a destination where passion meets technology, and where unforgettable memories are forged, ensuring its place on the global stage of sports and entertainment.

Conference & Exhibition

Global Networking Events

Webinar Series

Elevating the live experience.

www.svblive.com

EXTRA TIME

IN DETAIL

080 WORK PRO | Integra Series

082 Uniguest | Tripleplay 24.1

COLUMN

088 George R Vaughan

FULL TIME

088 Renkus-Heinz

WORK PRO

A Integra Series

new digital signal processing matrix that gives users full control of their audio output across multiple zones has been launched by Equipson under its WORK PRO brand.

Aimed at the professional installation market, the Integra Series offers configurable per-channel DSP architecture, adjust gains, EQ, compression, limiting and much more. Offering unparalleled flexibility, the Integra Series allows users to set parameters and fine-tune every aspect of the sound, thus optimising the listening experience and providing exceptional results in any environment.

There are three different Integra Series products offering 8, 16 or 32 input/output configurations. The flexibility of the range ensures that the right product can be chosen for any application, from the smallest installation with very few areas to process to larger installations with a variety of different areas, such as department stores, supermarkets, gyms, conference rooms and hospitality.

“Our aim with the Integra Series is to give professional installation customers advanced technology that opens up a world of creative possibilities,” says Juan Jose Vila, CEO of Equipson. “These products give users the ability to individually configure and correct audio in multiple zones depending on what audio processing is required to produce the best sound.”

The 8-channel Integra is delivered with Integra 8S, a free and powerful native parameter management software offering function control on inputs and outputs and configurable DSP architecture for each channel. The software includes controls for input and output gains, expander, compressor, parametric equalisation, limiter and antifeedback on each channel. Its visual matrix and automix module

ensure that it is adaptable for many different types of installation.

The more advanced 16-channel Integra 16+ and the 32-channel Integra 32+ both feature DANTE digital inputs. These versions are supported by Integra Plus native parameter management software, which is also free and incorporates all the features of Integra 8S, along with additional functions such as noise gate, parametric equalisation up to 31 bands, Ducker and Voice Tracking for synchronising video cameras.

Both software versions are highly intuitive and easy to use thanks to a highly visual interface that allows user to see configurations in real time.

In addition to a plethora of useful control features, all of the products in the Integra Series have USB ports for play/record, API for third party management and can be controlled from mobile devices via an APP for iOs and Adroid.

The Series is also supported by a WC 3U Wall Control unit with an OLED screen and built-in rotary button/push button, which is designed for simple and complete programming through the INTEGRA 8S and INTEGRA Plus software. Housed in an elegant aluminum casing, the Wall Control unit also features TCP/IP and UDP communication capabilities, making it easy to integrate into a variety of systems.

Additionally, it is powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), which simplifies installation.

workpro.es

UNIGUEST

Tripleplay 24.1

he Tripleplay platform by Uniguest has a new look and feel. Tripleplay 24.1 introduces many new features, including a brand-new digital signage menu board widget and expanded integration support for electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems.

TThe new Digital Menu Board Widget provides users with a simple, easy, and effective solution for creating and managing digital signage-based menus. There is also the added flexibility of full menu customization and integrations with popular EPOS systems. This integration keeps menu content fresh as they are dynamically updated in line with any changes in the connected EPOS system, saving user time and increasing customer satisfaction.

To further enhance this new feature, Uniguest included new EPOS integrations in the Tripleplay 24.1 release, with added support for Oracle MICROS Simphony and MSL Solutions.

Uniguest’s Chief Executive Officer, Matt Goche, said: “It is fantastic

to see the platform enhancements delivered in Tripleplay 24.1. Our customers are still enjoying the benefits of our recent UI and UX update, and these advances now provide them with even more features to utilize and increase engagement.” He added: “Digital Menu Boards and EPOS integrations have been an important factor in our success story within the hospitality, QSR, sports, and entertainment digital signage markets. I am delighted that our development team continues to expand and strengthen our offering in this space, delivering valuable time-saving benefits for customers who prefer a headless approach to digital signage content management.”

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DESIGNED TO BE DIFFERENT

An intimate gig on a stadium scale: How Co-op Live and partners are rebooting the fan experience. By George Vaughan.

Having has some experience of turning venues cashless, I was understandably interested in the plans that were unfolding at the new Co-op Live arena.

When Oak View Group announced towards the end of the last decade that they were expanding their North American empire of owned and operated arenas into Europe with their first to be in Manchester, they had already and rightly predicted the need for a more connected fan experience driven by sustainability and digital technology.

What they couldn’t have predicted (and nor could anyone else) was the chaos and full-on technical revolution that would follow. From a global pandemic leading to a rise in home working, virtual comms and contactless tech to the demand for locally sourced

building supplies while international supply lines stalled.

But fast-forward and Co-op Live has just opened on the Etihad Campus in Manchester as a joint venture with City Football Group, with investment from the likes of Harry Styles, and brand partnerships from Coop to global payments experts Elavon.

With a capacity of 23,500 and a music-first design, Co-op Live is now the largest arena in the UK – all with the fan at its heart. Sustainably focused and entirely cashless, its goal is to pre-empt, create and deliver all that’s needed for modern live events… today and tomorrow.

“Our mission is to be a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries,” says Sam Piccione, President of

Sales, Oak View Group International.

“As part of that, we set out big ambitions in the earliest days to become a 100% cashless venue and couldn’t do that without our official payment partners. Elavon were literally the second partners to come on board after Co-op,” he adds. “We’ll be processing tens of millions of pounds each year and that means the technology has to work.”

Queue busting, security and safety

Being cashless may sound like a meaningless throwaway statement but it has huge and often unexpected impacts, not only for the fan experience but also those who work for and run a business.

“Quite simply queues move faster when you don’t involve cash” says Dave Wheatcroft, Head of European

Image: Co-op Live

Hospitality at global payment experts Elavon.

“As well as quicker transactions from less contact between your staff and customer, digital payments improve hygiene and safety instantly. Contactless payments made through cards, smartphones and smartwatches mean no-one is handling cash that’s gone from a pocket to a till to another pocket,” adds Dave.

“And if you’ve got dozens of tills around a stadium, all collecting cash then you need a central site to store it, someone has to manually count it, securely move it to a bank, and protect it throughout all those stages. Being cashless removes all that instantly and immediately makes your teams feel safer and be safer – from a hygiene, pressure and security point of view!”

While the pandemic saw payment expectations leap

forward generations in no time at all, music and live events have gone through the same revolution. The boom in live music experiences has added the value in building and bringing together a fanbase and connecting directly with those their music touches. The arena is where music gets personal.

Large-scale design for individual impact

Music - like payment technology – is, after all, designed to work at scale, but make a difference at the most personal of levels – to you, as an individual.

While Co-op Live is the UK’s largest arena, it’s uniquely designed to make artists and fans experience performances in an intimate setting. The purposebuilt venue has a so-called ‘black box’ bowl design that brings fans closer to the stage and places the

artist at the centre, improving acoustics and creating intimacy. The ‘black box’ creates a blank canvas for artists to use to great effect and the large standing space means over 9,000 fans could be dancing together.

“There is a stat in North America that the average hockey fan waits in line for 45 minutes from the time they scan their ticket to go in, to buying food and drinks, using the restroom and so on. But we’re in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces – so we want the music to be the focus of the experience, not waiting in line,” says Sam.

“Every second counts, and it only takes sixty of them to make a minute,’ says Dave. “When you tap your card or smartphone, we can authorise a payment in 20 milliseconds. To give that context, it takes between

Image: Co-op Live

Image: Co-op Live Image: Co-op Live

100 and 150 milliseconds for most of us to blink!

He adds: “With the rest of the process involving banks and credit card brands it’s all still done in under half a second. Speeds like that help with queue-busting as there’s no cash transaction that can happen that quickly.”

Creating a sustainable ecosystem

Co-op Live has been the single-largest construction project in Manchester creating a major boost to the regional economy. Over the next 20 years, Oak View Group projects Co-op Live will add around £1.5 billion to the local area.

The construction phase alone supported thousands of jobs, including apprenticeships and the venue now supports over 2,000 on-going roles.

With those and around 23,500 fans when it’s full, Co-op Live effectively has the population of a thriving town in one venue.

Sustainability is at its core for immediate and future operations. The venue is fully electric powered, with a solar-powered roof, rainwater harvesting, heat source technologies and LED lighting to keep energy demands down.

Construction materials were locally sourced where possible and Coop Live has committed to reducing packaging as it aims to add zero waste direct to landfill.

Sustainability for Co-op Live isn’t solely in the environmental sense but also in the business model. It’s brought together a network of partners, each with expertise in their fields, that are working together forging new partnerships and relationships all creating a cohesive

ecosystem for the good of the fan, the artist and the city. “A focus on digital technology helps that ecosystem see what’s going through it, and what’s not,” says Dave. “Rich data and insights on everything from the amount a fan spends on food or drink or merchandise, at which point of their journey around the venue and at what time in the performance. It can help inform staffing decisions, stock deployment, show you which types of payment methods are most popular, and which currencies those travelling from outside the UK are paying in. It all helps to build out a complete picture of the fan’s evening and how it can be made smooth, simple and given that premium feel for the best possible experience.”

“As well as being quicker than an eye blink, the Elavon authorisation system is really robust. We are hugely proud of our 99.99% uptime – and even with that, we aim for and regularly achieve even higher,” Dave adds.

“If a problem should arise, Elavon has a 24/7 technical support that’s available even when a venue is emptying out, and we’re industry leading when it comes to supporting with chargebacks and fraud.

So, we’ll keep your customers’ data safe, your business protected and your payments moving swiftly all times of day and night.”

To see who is coming up soon at Co-op Live, visit www.cooplive. com.

And to see how a modern payments system can help elevate your business, whatever its size or operating model, check out the innovative Elavon solutions at Elavon.co.uk. It’s probably no coincidence that they were named Merchant Acquirer of the Year by the Merchant Payments Ecosystem in 2023/24.

Image: Co-op Live

RENKUS-HEINZ

Founded in 1979, Renkus-Heinz, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of professional loudspeaker technology and the recognised world leader in digitally steerable arrays.

Known for cutting-edge innovations and exceptional customer service, RenkusHeinz delivers premier sound solutions to the world’s most prestigious projects. For over 40 years, our loudspeaker engineers have raised the benchmark for audio performance with innovative technologies and sleek, sophisticated design. From digitally steerable arrays and highpower subwoofers to point-source loudspeakers and passive columns, our versatile product line has the solution for any project — no matter the shape, size or budget.

Renkus-Heinz recognises that audio is an immersive experience, giving attendees memories of events to cherish well beyond the last curtain call. That’s why we constantly pursue the concept of perfect audio and are always looking to the future for new technologies and techniques to enhance the performance and usability of our products. Our sound systems deliver high-quality audio and precise coverage to both everyday environments and architectural marvels. From international airports and corporate boardrooms to marble cathedrals, landmark museums and concert stadiums, RenkusHeinz has The Sound Solution for any space.

Our History

In 1979, Renkus-Heinz began in earnest when Harro Heinz and Algis Renkus registered the corporation in California. A few years later, Heinz bought his partner out of the business and went on to build a visionary organization that changed the way we experience sound.

The Renkus-Heinz philosophy is steeped in Harro’s long history of innovation: the harnessing of technology to solve the most exciting acoustical challenges. An early pioneer in the development of complex beam steering, Renkus-Heinz is now the acknowledged leader in steerable sound, and our flagship ICONYX line of digitally steered arrays has become the first-call sonic solution for diverse audio projects on six continents. Thanks to Heinz’s innovations and inventions, Renkus-Heinz became –and remains – synonymous with premium sound to this day.

Harro’s son, Ralph Heinz, joined the company early on and is credited with developing some of the most advanced digital beam steering solutions on the market today. Renkus-Heinz developed the very first UniBeam – an algorithm that crafts asymmetric beams and utilizes the entire array for all frequencies. This innovation allowed for louder beams that could be cast further in a room as well as a more manageable setup.

These innovations, along with other unique concepts like Complex Conic horns and Reference Point Arrays, are the foundation of Renkus-Heinz’ well-established reputation for sonic excellence today.

Harro’s daughter, Monika Smetona, joined Renkus-Heinz in 1999 as a crucial member of the administrative team. Smetona was named Chief Operating Officer in 2016 and then Chief Financial Officer in 2019.

With Harro Heinz’s retirement in 2022, Monika Smetona was appointed president of the company. Together, she and CTO Ralph Heinz have confidently navigated a new chapter of Renkus-Heinz’s history,

working to lead the company into the best practices of the future.

Our Values and Mission

At Renkus-Heinz, our commitment to our customers, our team and the audio industry is driven by our core values:

- We believe in the transformative power of innovation and will never settle for the status quo.

- Passion for sound is core to who we are and drives our commitment to the audio community.

- Our commitment to customers means we engineer audio solutions to meet real-word needs.

- We always have and always will act with integrity; it is our legacy, present and future.

Our mission is to raise the benchmark for audio performance and engineer the best loudspeakers possible.

It is our promise to ourselves and our partners to continue to lead the industry with the most advanced & innovative technologies and unsurpassed customer service.

No matter the acoustic challenges, Renkus-Heinz will rise to the occasion. We see your needs and raise you: The Sound Solution.

Q&A | Michal Poplawski, Export Marketing Director, Renkus-Heinz

45 years in business is an incredible achievement - how is Renkus-Heinz marking the anniversary?

It is indeed very special year for Renkus-Heinz, celebrating 45 years since the company started. This year, we are focusing on messaging our core values as a company; we want to highlight what drives us and what it feels like to use our product. We’re planning a big, new, presentation in our demo room at InfoComm, which will cement our 20+ years of experience innovating beam-steerable loudspeakers and pushing the technology forward.

Can you tell us more about your latest products? Our core product line is based on beam-steerable technology. We have introduced a paradigm shift in system design and set-up. OmniBeam, our new software algorithm, simplifies the commissioning process to a simple “snap to audience” click, where the algorithm instantly calculates the best coverage, maintaining the same SPL and tonal balance across the audience area, even if it is a mutli-levels venue. What we also pay attention to is off-axis loudspeaker responses. We are obsessed with making sure speakers sound good both on and off-axis, which means thoughtful enclosure design, driver selection and our unique waveguides (like our proprietary Acoustic Source Multiplier used in our ICLive X Series steerable arrays) that help to achieve uniformity. On top of self-powered advanced steerable loudspeakers, we have incorporated our steering philosophy into passive columns, which are also EN 54-certified now. The idea of perfect speaker directivity can also be noticed in our point-source product lines, which feature Complex Conic Horns. These horns address several challenges with traditional rectangular horn designs. Additionally, our VARIA line array series is also gaining popularity. It’s a hybrid product line that allows a device to be customized as either a point source or vertical array depending on a space’s unique needs and challenges.

Can you tell us more about your new, immersive Experience Center?

The Experience Center we established in cooperation with our Dutch distributor in the Netherlands, More

Distribution, is a tool we have been dreaming of for a long time. For us, experience has a special meaning, and exceptional experiences are the driving goal behind our product design; we believe the sound from high-quality loudspeakers can evoke emotions and help create cherished memories. While our loudspeakers sound good for many engineering reasons, it goes beyond the tech specs — they make people smile from ear to ear and give them goosebumps. We showcase that in our Experience Center, and we’re excited to demonstrate it in our demo room at InfoComm as well, where we’ll take visitors on a journey through several acoustical environments to hear and directly compare the difference that beam steering makes in the sound experience. This wouldn’t be possible without strong cooperation with our technology partner Amadeus Acoustics, whose active acoustics system is part of the setup. We launched the Experience Center toward the end of 2023 and are noticing its impact on our European and global business. We invite everyone to visit us at experience@renkus-heinz.com.

What makes Renkus-Heinz products suited to sporting venues?

The mentioned obsession with speaker directivity means that if we say it has a 60x40 pattern, it is indeed 60x40. We mean what we say, and we deliver accordingly. For sports venues, this precision is critical due to the specific zones and sometimes necessary separation between them. Additionally, we have completed several outdoor sports venues using beam-steering technology because of its high directivity. This allows us to focus the sound on the audience and limit the spill outside, which holds significant value for surrounding residential areas due to noise pollution restrictions. This is from an acoustic point of view.

When it comes to IT, our speakers are self-powered, network-based with special features allowing for input or even speaker redundancy. We offer Fiber optics input, which we know can be important in large-scale venues. We also have custom color options and weatherized solutions, which help blend with the design but also allow users to feel safe in the long run.

Do you have any sporting venue projects coming up?

There are a few projects that we hope to finalize soon. One of them is in Switzerland at the Athletics Stadium Letzigrund Zurich. The products used are weatherized versions of our T Series, which feature the mentioned Complex Conic Horns. We also have an exciting case coming up in the UK, where we’re using over 60 UBX passively steered column speakers. These speakers are EN 54-certified and IP64-rated right out of the box.

What do you feel is the next big development in terms of audio in sporting venues?

We understand the importance of high-quality audio, which means equal SPL distribution, similar tonal balance, and, most importantly, superb audio quality. These principles will drive more and more sporting venue markets. Additionally, networkable solutions will aid mostly in large scales and distributed systems. We also hope for better integrations between visual and audio, where large line-arrays hanging everywhere will be replaced with more discreet solutions that will allow for an even better experience (visual and audio) for show participants.

What does the future hold for Renkus-Heinz?

Our product roadmap is so intriguing that we can’t wait to unveil some of its highlights in the coming months. We certainly prioritize what we excel at: crafting intelligent loudspeaker solutions that consume as little energy as possible, providing immersive experiences (which can have various meanings), and taking listeners on an emotional journey desired by artists and sporting venues. For some, loudspeakers are the “endpoints”; for us, they’re our entire life as they’re a cornerstone of delivering unforgettable memories.

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