MONDO | STADIA - ISSUE 23 - April | May

SUPER BOWL LVI

A closer look at the companies that helped deliver The Big Game and Half Time Show at SoFi Stadium.

TEAM TALK

ADI’s Thomas Taylor discusses designing modular LED solutions for live sport.

FULL TIME

Pioneer Group look back on over a decade of providing support to stadia and focus on what the future holds.

AUDIO FOCUS

We showcase sporting venue projects and state-of-the-art technology from the audio industry.

Re-defining durability in professional audio products, the IS-Series Weatherized delivers pristine audio in every extreme environmental condition. With full corrosion resistance and an IP55 rating, a long lifespan is ensured.

Visit: ADAMSONSYSTEMS.COM

WELCOME

We’re delighted to feature the spectacular TQL Stadium on our cover for ISSUE 23, particularly as it’s a venue we’ve kept a close eye on from the very beginning. Combining a Europeanstyle atmosphere with American hospitality, the home of FC Cincinnati offers the best of both worlds - and really puts the city on the map when it comes to sporting events. It’s a stadium that’s left no stone unturned, from architectural design and state-of-the-art technology, right through to the impressive fan experience. Definitely one to check out. We couldn’t go without covering The Big Game, either... Super Bowl LVI @ SoFi Stadium was a breathtaking global event that lived up to every expectation. We’ve taken a closer look at those involved in making it happen, from the comapnies who delivered SoFi Stadium itself to the brilliant Half Time Show that had everyone talking.

Our Team Talk guest column is from ADI, who discuss designing modular LED solutions for live sport. An interesting read, with a look at past and future projects.

We’ve also covered the audio in our Kick Off section, which includes some fantastic projects and new products.

We’ll be at tradeshows and events for the next couple of months, so we’ll hopefully see you out in Barcelona for ISE or Las Vegas for InfoComm. Not a bad return to travelling with those in the diary!

We hope you enjoy ISSUE 23...

Sam Hughes Editorial Director

Editorial

Commercial

Jamie Dixon j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

Design & Production

Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Dave Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Finance Director

Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Credit Control ar@mondiale.co.uk

Group

Damian Walsh

Cover Image:

THOMAS TAYLOR, HEAD OF SALES, LIVE DIVISION, ADI

Designing Modular LED Solutions for Live Sport

Live sports events the world-over are utilising modular LED to take engagement and activation to the next level. Sophisticated and creative applications in the technology are proving effective in shaping production values, enhancing spectator experience and elevating sponsors in front of broadcast and local audiences.

Watching televised or high-level sports events you may see a variety of LED assets integrated into the event infrastructure, and this supertransformative and versatile tech is being used in ever-bolder and more immersive ways.

Giant LED canvases in various shapes and aspect ratios can form showpiece main stages, dazzling podium backdrops and eye-catching athlete entrances. Combined with vibrant, wellexecuted content, custom lighting and perhaps SFX, audiences will be blown away by the visual experience. But it isn’t just about the size of screens and installing huge, high-resolution displays; modular LED can be used just about anywhere to deliver key event messaging or data to spectators, alongside targeted exposure for brand partners.

Working with some of the highest profile sports events in the world – including Le Tour de France, Formula E and Extreme E - ADI have

seamlessly and creatively integrated modular LED into a variety of spaces and infrastructure; including start lines and over-track gantries, car garages and broadcast studio furniture, to name just a few.

As a manufacturer of LED displays for over twenty years, we’ve developed specialist products for live sport and event production, including our digiBOARD perimeter solutions, commonly seen in arenas and stadium sports across Europe.

Given the range of resolutions and compact tile design available in modular LED the scale or complexity of a project rarely challenges our teams, instead we’re keen to push innovation and creativity to enhance sports presentation and event production for our clients, while amplifying brands in new and exciting ways. ADI’s skilled specialists design and visualise LED event concepts through 3D motion graphics, video and VR applications, allowing clients to develop and test their ideas, and helping our experts bring spectacular visual experiences to life.

Creative Applications at the Diriyah E-Prix

A wealth of new LED concepts and creative digital canvases supported the sleek

presentation and spectacular live production achieved at the Diriyah E-Prix (28th & 29th January), which served as the opener to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 8. As long-term event delivery partners to the electric racing series, ADI provided their expertise in technical production, LED screens and creative content; ensuring Formula E stand-out in the world of live sport experience as they launched a new season.

Live sports events in KSA are always a glittering affair on a massive scale, so it was crucial that the 2022 Diriyah double-header delivered lots of dynamic visual experiences for both local and remote audiences. The ADI team integrated the latest LED display hardware with event site infrastructure, resulting in over 700sqm of vibrant, eye-catching digital displays and content-driven experiences at the trackside, Allianz E-Village and Boss Emotion Club.

“Before the start of each season the ADI team conceptualise and develop a variety of new applications combining LED technologies with creative video, supported by technical production and operation,” said Mark Kimber, Special Events Project Manager, ADI. “We’re driven by innovation just like Formula E, and work with the client to devise unique event concepts that offer greater visual impact for

Images: ADI, Extreme E

fans at the venue and via broadcast, but also valuable versatility for Formula E and its brand partners.”

At the Boss Emotion Club, our team helped achieve an ultra-modern, luxurious feel for this premium hospitality experience; integrating fine pitch LED hardware within the open spaces, and producing custom Boss content to bring them to life.

From the entrance of the Boss Emotion Club a sleek digital experience was created for visitors, with a large curve of 3mm LED welcoming guests at the front desk, with ambient branded video featuring desert landscapes and famous KSA landmarks.

The theme continued inside the Club, including dual-sided LED columns showing giant Bossclad FE drivers, and a super-wider 48:9 aspect ratio display with live races feeds and data. Outside a selection of large-format screens kept guests tuned into the action, while a new architectural feature incorporated five columns of LED, displaying bold 3D patterns and cityscapes incorporating the Boss brand. The seamless application of LED continued across the venue, particularly at the dedicated fan festival hosted in the Allianz E-Village. A new edition from ADI included a 20-metrewide strip of LED on the welcome arch, supporting a variety of race-day messages and animations created by our Studios Division. Also greeting fans were towering three-metre-high totems, clad in LED on two sides, and bringing a source of fun and infotainment with the digital FE mascot and driver profiles. Even the track has digital elements, and following the successful delivery of the

innovative finish line gantry last year – with content driven automatically by the car’s telemetry system – this season we’ve increased the over-track LED assets to encompass both a start and finish gantry, in addition to dedicated LED gantries for key partners ABB and Michelin elsewhere on the track. These creative applications deliver dynamic sports presentation for fans watching via TV or live streams, while elevating race sponsors in front of global broadcast audiences. From the provision of a few mobile LED screens at Battersea Park in 2015 for the first London E-Prix, ADI have evolved to become a vital partner for Formula E’s worldwide event delivery. Our solutions feature across the entire event site, and we act as a specialist provider who is not only at the forefront of immersive LED, but also connectivity, sports presentation and digital content. Our ability to support Formula E with new event concepts and future fan engagement assists in the Championship’s continued growth, and their huge worldwide appeal into Season 8 and beyond.

Upcoming Projects: Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

This summer, ADI will be involved in delivering the official Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Festival Live Sites, having formed a collaborative enterprise with JA Productions and Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), called Outdoor Digital Productions (ODP). Combining expertise in live production, innovative event technology and cultural programming, ODP will create unique and

inclusive Live Site experiences that inspire and amaze spectators during the Games, fusing cultural, sporting and digital elements.

ODP will transform multiple city locations from large capacity venues, such as Birmingham’s Smithfield, through to civic and community green spaces. This aim is to deliver accessible hubs for cultural placemaking and collective celebration during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the Festival Live Sites will include showpiece creative staging, participatory activations and live arts performances with a focus on locality and sustainability.

“We’re excited to have the Outdoor Digital Productions team on-board to facilitate our Live Sites during a momentous occasion for Birmingham and the surrounding area. With strong links to the city and its local talent, ODP will bring their vast experience in live events and culture to the project, helping us promote Birmingham to global audiences, whilst actively engaging spectators and visitors for the duration of the Games,” said Emily Muirhead, Live Sites Project Manager at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.To achieve the vision of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, ADI have conceptualized a range of highimpact, creative applications in LED displays and AV that will amaze visitors, while offering distinctive, inclusive and engaging event staging at each Live Site location. Through ODP’s collaboration, we’ll be helping showcase Birmingham, its creative talent and vibrant culture to the rest of the world this summer.

www.adi.tv

KICK OFF | AUDIO

A closer look at products and projects from the world of audio...

There aren’t many sporting venues that can lay claim to such a rich history as Ascot Racecourse. Since opening in 1711, the renowned racecourse has been the home of horse racing in the United Kingdom. While founded on a bedrock of tradition, the venue has a vision to enhance the race-day experience with innovation and technology. Audio plays a significant role in this for the 75,000 race-goers, as they move around the many areas of the site, including numerous private boxes, which led to SSE Audio, part of the Solotech UK Group, upgrading the audio and PAVA systems.

Despite its prestigious reputation and traditional charm, Ascot Racecourse hasn’t shied away from embracing the modern era, with the £220 million redevelopment of the Ascot Grandstand, opened in 2006, being evidence of that.

Audio is extremely important throughout the duration of an event at Ascot; the racing commentary is played through the audio system, music is featured heavily, and a famous sing-along session takes place at the end of each day at Ascot Royal, with 25,000

people congregating around the bandstand. Solotech was commissioned to design and install the large-scale audio system that would suit Ascot Racecourse’s specific needs. On major race days the audio has to cater for some 75,000 visitors, who spend the day on site, moving between the various interior and exterior areas. The ambition was to achieve extensive audio coverage across the site, with high vocal clarity and at levels that match the particular location and circumstance. The audio system is also central to the emergency alarm and evacuation system (PAVA) for the racecourse, placing considerable demands on the resilience of its infrastructure. Following extensive initial site visits, Solotech developed a ‘design bible’, identifying loudspeaker zones and the amplifiers, power and circuits required to serve each zone.

The final detailed designs included the control and amplification rack in each of five main equipment locations, together with a routing schedule and a control matrix. A new redundant, fire rated, fibre-based network infrastructure was installed, with

SOLOTECH ASCOT RACECOURSE

control locations based in the East, Central and West rack rooms, along with the Pavilion, Security Control Room, Radio Room and the Broadcast control room.

An electro-acoustic design model was developed by Solotech using Bose Modeller software, evolving into a 3D acoustic model to enable the design, selection and location of loudspeakers across the site. The main focus of the design was to achieve improved coverage of the main public areas, covering the front racecourse-facing and rear-facing public areas of the main stand. From the outset, Solotech worked closely with Bose Professional and identified the Bose ArenaMatch as the main loudspeaker system for the site. It can be configured with different horizontal and vertical coverage patterns, meaning that loudspeakers can be finely focussed to where the sound is needed. Each ArenaMatch compact cabinet delivers a full range, high SPL performance, without the need for sub bass units, meaning the Solotech team had more choice on where and how to position them. The installation took 12 months to complete, working around race days and other events. The completed system comprises 995 Bose loudspeakers, powered by 140 amplifiers. The system meets with the relevant standards for Emergency Sound systems and is designed to be completely open and flexible for expansion or changes as the venue evolves. For race days, supplementary rented audio is fully integrated to provide coverage across the entire racecourse.

On the racetrack side of the grandstand, there was a specific audio challenge. During a race, the commentary needs to be clear from front to back of this densely populated area. Placement of loudspeakers along the racetrack perimeter would have severely restricted sightlines, so loudspeakers are mounted on the grandstand. These need to deliver sufficient level up to the racetrack perimeter, without being too loud near to the grandstand.

Solotech’s solution was to use pairs of ArenaMatch loudspeakers - one set up for nearfield coverage at a lower audio level, with the second covering the far field area up to the edge of the racecourse. A similar design concept is used on the other side of

the grandstand using ArenaMatch in arrays of three to provide even coverage across the full width of the public area. The extensive upgrade of the hospitality areas, including 250 private boxes, includes a cat-5 infrastructure serving all boxes, together with fully fire-rated A/B loudspeaker circuits using 32 Bose PM amplifiers, so each box can be addressed as part of the safety design. The user experience is also enhanced with each box becoming an autonomous AV zone. This offers guests the scope to listen to their own music selection, host presentations and deliver a unique aural experience for each box, with additional Bluetooth/wireless connectivity. At the same time, public messages can still override the local settings. With such a vast network of loudspeakers across the site, system control, zoning and remote accessing are vital. Solotech favoured using the QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem, enabling complex network control to be achieved. It was essential to develop a ‘plug-in’ enabling the Q-Sys system to communicate with the Bose components. Solotech successfully developed the plug-in in association with Bose.

Using Q-Sys, the whole audio system can be controlled from multiple control positions, via customised graphical touch screens that makes audio control intuitive for the operator. The simplicity of audio control across numerous zones from a variety of positions belies the complexity of the network management behind the scenes. In line with Ascot Racecourse’s vision, the audio system is completely flexible and open for future expansion as the venue continues to evolve.

George Vaughan, Head of Technology at Ascot Racecourse, concluded: “We are incredibly excited by the audio improvements this collaboration has brought to the venue. Solotech have implemented this system perfectly - the two companies have worked brilliantly together to deliver an impressive solution.”

solotech.com

The Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium, in Barranquilla, Colombia, seats 47,000 eager football fans for each of Atlético Junior football team’s home games. Colloquially known as the Metro Stadium, the facility opened in 1986 to host regional and international sporting events in Barranquilla, the third-largest city in Colombia. The Metro Stadium remains the largest venue in Colombia to this day.

With the stadium’s popularity, management spent many years of the venue’s life needing to rent audio equipment for important events – a cumbersome process costing both time and money for the stadium. To remedy this, Metro Stadium management collaborated with local Barranquilla-based AV systems integrator Schaller Tech and audio manufacturer Renkus-Heinz to upgrade the stadium sound system.

Greg Schaller, Owner and Systems Engineer at Schaller Tech, worked closely with Metro Stadium to design and install a stateof-the-art sound system that met the location’s requirements. “The Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan Stadium worked to update and refurbish the stadium with a goal of hosting South American Cup events,” said Greg. “To do so, a good, well-designed, installed sound system is a big necessity. As the South American distributor of Renkus-Heinz, we knew if we showcased the technology to the stadium team, they would be blown away by the quality and intelligibility of the sound.”

In early 2020, the Schaller Tech team used Ease Acoustic Simulation software to model the stadium and begin the design process; however, the COVID-19 pandemic put the stadium audio upgrade on standby. Upon returning to the project, Schaller and his team installed more than 80 TX151, TX82 and TX62 weatherized loudspeakers from Renkus-Heinz.

The Renkus-Heinz T Series loudspeakers are a two-way speaker system utilising advanced technology and application-driven engineering to deliver excellent, realistic live sound. Cutting-edge driver technology and unique innovations like the Complex Conic horns deliver natural-sounding music and intelligible speech. Versatile enclosure designs, combined with a wide range of mounting options and associated hardware, provide unrestricted flexibility for portable and installed applications.

“We are very passionate about sound and Renkus-Heinz offers excellent sound quality and coverage,” said Greg. “The TX Series helps us achieve a balanced sound for the entire stadium. There are speakers installed throughout both the top and bottom rings of the stadium, and we can deliver consistent coverage to every seat — and they sound great!”

Greg added that the Metro Stadium opted for passive, nonpowered versions of the TX Series loudspeakers to reduce weight as some speakers mount as high as 20 meters. A set of four amplifier racks with Linea Research high-power amplifiers are fixed on the stadium’s roof and connect via fiber and a Dante audio network.

“The stadium hosted their first game in September 2021, and the Renkus-Heinz audio system was the sound solution,” said Greg. “A few of our team members were there, and we received great feedback from stadium management, spectators, event sponsors and other vendors. Everyone was very happy with the sound.”

renkus-heinz.com

RENKUS-HEINZ ROBERTO MELÉNDEZ METROPOLITAN STADIUM

Established in 1973, TG Baker (Sound) has a proven track record in designing and installing stadium sound systems that provide full compliance with Green Guide PAVA standards, while delivering a thrilling sonic experience that builds excitement for the fans and makes them part of the matchday action.

So, when Premiership rugby club Harlequins decided that the sound system at their iconic south-west London ground The Twickenham Stoop needed an upgrade, they approached a trusted industry leader.

“We’d recently installed a NEXO system using PS-R15 point source speakers at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux ground, where Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple was involved in upgrading their sound system” explained TG Baker Regional Director, Jason Longworth. “Harlequins were keen to replicate the enhanced fan experience at The Twickenham Stoop, while addressing an immediate requirement to bring the system into compliance with the latest Green Guide codes”.

In the intervening time, NEXO had replaced the PS-R2 Series with the new P+ Series. Working in partnership with Carole Marsaud of the NEXO Engineering Support team using the company’s NS-1 system configuration and performance prediction software, TG Baker was able to propose a system using P12 cabinets and NXAMPMK2 networked powered processors that met fully the brief from The Twickenham Stoop, and the budget.

In a configuration successfully deployed by TG Baker at other stadium installations, the NXAMPMK2s connect to a Baldwin Boxall voice alarm system via their GPIO outputs, monitoring and reporting the data necessary to ensure that the system

performance remains in compliance with the strict criteria set out in the BS 7827 Code of Practice for emergency sound systems at sporting venues. “It’s a simple interface that we developed in conjunction with the team at NEXO and it works really well” confirmed Jason.

The full system at The Stoop comprises thirty-two P12 cabinets flown in the stands, powered by four NXAMP4X2MK2 and one NXAMP4X1MK2 powered controllers, fitted with Dante network cards. Operational control is provided by a Q-Sys system, configured for different users with appropriate levels of access. And to ensure the most efficient use of the available budget, some of the existing speakers were re-tasked for use in the turnstile and fan zone areas.

“This is the latest in a series of installations at sports venues where we’ve used NEXO speakers” said Jason. “There’s a speaker for most every job, the balance of performance and price is perfect for these types of application, and the support we receive from the NEXO team really helps, both before and after the installation.”

Commenting on the new sound system at The Twickenham Stoop, Head of Operations, Peter Cooper added: “Obviously, the safety of our fans is our first priority, but we also want to give them the best possible matchday experience, building their excitement so they really get behind the team. The new sound system helps us do both. It sounds fantastic!”

www.nexo.fr

NEXO THE TWICKENHAM STOOP

DANLEY J8-94 LOUDSPEAKER

Danley Sound Labs is expanding its popular Jericho Series of loudspeakers for stadiums, sports venues, and large live music festivals and venues with the new full-range, single-source J8-94 loudspeaker.

“The J8-94 was developed right after the J7-95. Where the J7 was about getting as much sound out of a very compact package, the J8 is about utilizing that same technology to gain more SPL with slightly less size constraints” said Skip Welch, Director of Sales & Marketing at Danley Sound Labs. “The J8 utilizes the same fifth generation mid/high combiner as the J7 but with an even higher driver density.”

Originally conceived and introduced with the J1-94 in 2010, the Jericho Family of loudspeakers stands atop the loudspeaker industry when it comes to single source possibilities. Each Jericho Horn™ utilizes multiple Danley patents including the Synergy Horn™, Layered Combiner™ and Tapped Horn™ as well as other mid and high frequency combining technologies.

“We always engineer our loudspeakers to meet the needs of our customers,” said Mike Hedden, Chief Steward in Charge

at Danley Sound Labs. “The increasing desire for more sound pressure levels at longer distances keeps pushing Danley further than anyone in our industry.”

The J8-94 has been engineered to be powered by a single or dual Danley DNA20K4-Pro amplifiers. The use of the second DNA20K4-Pro allows for system redundancy, in the case an amplifier goes down during the event/show, at that point only half the loudspeaker goes down and the show goes on.

“The J8 is the perfect compliment to any of our high output subwoofers including those in the BC Family of subwoofers,” said Skip. “If you’re interested in experiencing the J8, feel free to attend one of our road show events this year or contact one of our dealers in the United States or around the world.”

www.danleysoundlabs.com

AUDIOTECHNIK T-MOBILE PARK

The large-scale stadium/arena is vastly different now then 10 years ago,” explained Jeff Sanderson, Senior Design Engineer – large venue sound for Diversified U.S. “With a 40,000+ seat stadium like T-Mobile Park, the biggest consideration is speaker placement for coverage, throw distance, building structure, HVAC; a lot of areas come into play. The fan experience was key. Baseball and even football have pre-recorded music, but major outdoor sporting events and tours need to tie into a rig to support the venue and achieve high sound quality for both the venue, fans, and Diversified clients. Even for events that are beyond baseball, concert and corporate events, consideration needs to be given to the full system, concourse, announcements.”

A sound system upgrade at T-Mobile Park was in discussion for about eight years. “Most stadiums are 10-15 years on a sound system. With a focus on creating the best fan experience, the Mariners decided in 2020 to transfer to a new system. The system we chose was the d&b audiotechnik xS-Series,” Jeff added.

“We did an upgrade for the Anaheim Angels which is all d&b, so we took the Mariners crew down in 2018 to give them a demo during a game time experience. We were demoing systems, head-to-head between two companies but in the end, the client really leaned toward d&b. During the demo process, the quality differences blew the client away providing an unmatched fan experience, which was our ultimate goal. Musically, it required very little adjustment. More fine-tuning with the roof open and closed was required, and to maximise quality throughout the space. Over the years, the biggest change is on the audio network side via Ethernet, control, etc. Now we have a fiber backbone to control systems, with no hums, etc. which is nice. Using the Q-Sys plugin, all the tuning and adjustments for system EQ is controlled through the Q-Sys.”

Upper deck arrays are comprised of an 18S-SUB mounted together with 24S point source loudspeakers for the front, 12S-D down and 12S-D rear-firing cabinets. There are 35 total positions in the upper deck layout, and over twice number of subwoofers compared to the previous system. A VLAN carrying Q-LAN and Dante are on the same network. 24S and 12S-D point source loudspeakers support the lower seating area. We were really excited to see it in action once baseball opened back up.”

“The original system, which was installed when T-Mobile Park opened in 1999, had served its purpose and it was time to upgrade to something that would enhance the fan experience and give us more control over the sound profile for ballpark events,” said Ben Mertens, Seattle Mariners Senior Director, Productions. “Working with Jeff Sanderson and his team at Diversified, we were able to use the existing footprint and add speakers without impacting sightlines. The upgrade in the audio experience has helped T-Mobile Park stay current with more recently constructed venues and provide the kind of experience our fans expect.”

With their unobtrusive cabinet design the d&b xS-Series of installation loudspeakers are ideally positioned within a variety of venues including restaurants, bars, lounges, conference and meeting facilities, assembly halls, lecture theatres as well as clubs, houses of worship and multipurpose venues. For added flexibility, rotatable horns enable the loudspeakers to be deployed in either orientation, while the cardioid subwoofer technology delivers low frequencies exactly where needed and not behind the system.

High quality sound should not be limited to indoor, temperaturecontrolled environments. d&b has solutions for weatherisation, saltwater conditions, as well as any aesthetic needs including color, texture or other custom solutions. Furthermore, the 12S and 24S loudspeaker enclosures are Ball Impact Resistant, according to DIN 18032-3 for sports and multipurpose venues. Diversified installed brand-new fiber everywhere. They worked directly with the Mariners IS department for a separate network island that is not part of a conversion network, which is critical on the audio side. For servicing, the user can remotely access the computer and core to address any issues if necessary. SMAART was used for time alignment.

“The d&b DS10 Dante based interface provides AES outputs for the amplifiers to receive signal,” said Jeff. “Q-Sys is being used by the front of house engineer for game time operations and troubleshooting. Should there be an issue, we have ways to get into the guts of the system to diagnose the problem. Pattern control is especially important in stadiums. The retractable roof at T-Mobile Park can be highly reverberant so we developed a high-density system, getting speakers as close to listeners as possible.” All d&b subwoofers are in the upper canopy, and it gives a nice full frequency response to the system but is not intended to be case specific.

“The experience working with d&b audiotechnik was incredible from my standpoint; we collaborated together even with the time difference between Germany and the West Coast,” concluded Jeff.

www.dbaudio.com

D&B

To outfit the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium with the latest in sound system technology, TechDataPS Co. Ltd. selected and installed a range of dynamic HARMAN Professional audio solutions.

Built to host the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium is a 43,544-seat venue at the heart of the Ulsan Sports Park. With three stories and two basement floors, the stadium features a roof covering 87% of the four-sided stands supported by steel trusses designed to emulate the whale skeleton found in the hemisphere petroglyphs at Daegok-ri, Ulju. Additional pillars allude to the Silla Gold Crown, which inspired the stadium’s nickname, “Big Crown.”

A spokesperson for TechDataPS Co. Ltd. reported that the client requested a comprehensive revamp of the stadium’s 20-yearold audio system, but the venue’s unique structure left the installation team with limited placement options. To meet these challenges, the installation team selected versatile and intuitive JBL Professional, Crown, BSS and Soundcraft audio solutions for clear output and even coverage across every seat in the stadium. The installation team implemented JBL VTX A8 line array loudspeakers as the system’s primary solution thanks to its innovative auto-locking rigging mechanism and comprehensive set of mounting accessories for numerous placement options. Additionally, the IP55-rated JBL AWC129 and VLA-C2100 durable loudspeakers reinforce the sound and coverage for the first floor and upper levels, respectively. Crown DCi 4|1250N and DCi 4|1250DA amplifiers offer efficient power for the second and third floors while the DCi 2|600N and DCi 4|600N models do the same for the ground floor.

For the central control area, Soundcraft Vi2000 audio mixers with Vi Stageboxes and a JBL 308P MKII monitor, powered by a Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifier, offer intuitive controls and mixing tools for consistent, studio-quality sound. Finally, BSS BLU-100 and BLU-DAN signal processors ensure low-latency and responsive audio throughout the entire stadium.

A spokesperson for the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium said that after the much-needed audio system renewal, the stadium has now achieved the best sound quality among the ten World Cup stadiums in Korea, and is now one of the superior stadiums in the world. Given the stadium’s historical significance as the center of the 2002 World Cup, it is the pride of the Ulsan Facilities Corporation and will continue to thrive thanks to this installation. They also thanked TechData PS and HARMAN for their efforts and dedication to the project.

“Apart from delivering world-class performance, the new audio setup at Munsu Football Stadium had to meet great standards of reliability, durability and safety,” said Amar Subash, Director, Channel Management and Audio Solutions, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We would like to thank our partner TechData PS for delivering on all those fronts, meeting the unique demands of the space so articulately and creating an immersive space for the audience and visitors of the stadium.”

pro.harman.com

HARMAN ULSAN MUNSU FOOTBALL STADIUM

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TQL STADIUM

Cincinnati, USA

Images: Tom Harris, Populous, Daktronics, FC Cincinnati

OOfficially opened in May 2021, FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, with its capacity of 26,000, registers as one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the United States. The new, state-of-the-art venue boasts a striking presence, connecting two historic neighbourhoods - Over-the-Rhine and West End – and honouring the legacy of soccer in the Queen City through a progressive design and ambitious interpretation of a Cincinnati on the rise. MONDO | STADIA spoke to FC Cincinnati’s Co-CEO, Jeff Berding about the long-term plan behind TQL Stadium: “When Carl H. Lindner III (CEO) and I founded FC Cincinnati as a USL club, the goal was always to be the city’s third professional sports team, so, getting to Major League Soccer was always our ambition. We visited the MLS office to confirm with the commissioner that we would have that opportunity if we were successful in the USL. So, from the beginning, we understood that building a soccerspecific stadium was going to be a requirement of promotion to the MLS.”

The design of TQL Stadium intentionally harnesses the energy of a dedicated fan base to bring a world-class soccer experience to Cincinnati, which is something that was mapped out very early on.

Jeff explained further: “I’ve been fortunate to be involved in professional sports for over 25 years – and I’ve just about visited every NFL stadium and what are considered to be the best soccer venues in the United States. But, I suppose, the biggest impact in terms of what we wanted for our stadium came after I was invited to attend a Crystal Palace match after our first season in 2016.

“During that trip, I had the chance to visit a whole host of

stadiums and training facilities – I went to Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and St. George’s Park, then I flew over to Amsterdam and visited Ajax, PSV and Vitesse. So, there definitely wasn’t just one stadium that we looked to replicate – there were certain elements from each of those visits that turned into journal of ideas that we looked to incorporate.”

Designed by global architectural firm, Populous, TQL Stadium has the influence of the city and the club’s passionate fanbase throughout its journey, which Jonathan Mallie, Senior Principal at Populous, explained to MONDO | STADIA in more detail: “We were approached in February 2019 and one of my first interactions was with Jeff Berding, who shared an incredible photo with me, which showed 13,000 FC Cincinatti fans marching to their then-home of Nippert Stadium.

“With that image, we were captivated by the fanbase and how much pride they had in their club and city. It consistently informed our thinking on the design. How do you handle that amount of people? How are they going to come down Central Parkway? How would they ascend onto a grand staircase and enter the venue? Every design move went back to that photo.”

The experience at TQL Stadium begins with the façade, which was inspired by the kinetic energy of the club’s fans. More than 500 vertical fins wrap the exterior, each one connected to a one-of-a-kind LED lighting system that produces dazzling motion sequences. By night, the exterior comes alive, offering a dynamic video display that showcases the club’s brand, atmospheric graphics and match-day messaging to energise fans on their approach to the stadium.

Jonathan Mallie added: “The architectural fins create a fluid,

singular twisting motion for the façade across the length of the building. In our way of thinking, the twist represents the tension between the two teams about to take the pitch. As individual architectural elements, the fins allow for visual porosity into the stadium - they perform like a glowing veil that draws people inside.

“It also gave us an opportunity, using a real state-of-the-art product from SACO, to think of lighting as a building material.” Jonathan Labbee, Co-CEO of SACO, takes up the story: “We got involved in the TQL Stadium project when Populous came on board. We’ve worked with them in the past, so we were invited to show demos and mock ups of what we could achieve using our technology.

“Populous had a certain vision for the project, with the architectural fins being a huge part of the identity of the building and we felt we could enhance that in line with their plans. We were there as Populous designed it, so we were able to offer our input, which was really important for the integration side of things.”

The façade-integrated media lighting serves as the club’s communication to the city and its fans, igniting its passion and support for the team. TQL Stadium is actually the very first stadium in the world to use the SACO V-STICK S video lighting technology - the same technology used to light up the awardwinning, tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa. “Our brief, from an artistic side, was to allow the whole building to transition from a daytime identity to a nighttime identity. We had to be concealable, too – essentially, we had to not exist until

we had to exist. So, during the day, if the lights are off, then you shouldn’t see the lights. That was paramount, so we had to be fully integrated into those fins,” added Jonathan Labbee. Tailor-made for exterior use, the SACO V-STICK S performs in both hot and cold weather conditions. A total of 14,370 feet (8,715 units) of V-STICK S was integrated within the façade fins, designed with space allocation for cable management and easy maintenance access. Every pixel of the V-STICK S can be individually controlled and synchronised; so all elements work together seamlessly, using the ultra-fast and robust SACO NANO 4K Video Processor control system. The whole installation was powered by the SACO V-BRAIN 600, an innovation in power and data delivery. This modular, exterior-rated system provides flexibility and reliability for outdoor high-performance projects like TQL Stadium.

“Our background is in video screens, but, for us, pixels and lights are one and the same – and, essentially, the V-STICK is a deconstructed video screen. The idea for the FC Cincinnati project was to have a vertical video screen that was deconstructed into these fins, with a very interesting geometry,” furthered Jonathan Labbee.

“One of the things that we did that was unique was to weatherproof the V-STICKs using a grey silicone material. With the fins being a brushed aluminium, it was not only to weather proof the technology, but also in part to achieve that concealed aspect of the display.”

SACO’s in-house Media Collective team also create a range of dynamic media content to be played on a daily basis and during

various events at the stadium, including the fins inauguration light show. Bringing the architecture alive in a very unique way, the light content boosts the atmosphere on event days and carefully highlights the impressive shape of the architecture in a selection of creative approaches.

“The club’s feedback has been great - they’ve really embraced the technology, too. We made them an initial start-up package for the content as we have experience in dealing with these odd geometries for video. They liked it so much that they hired our Media Collective team to design more and we’ve done certain shows for them,” said Jonathan Labbee.

“They’re really involved in what they’d like to see and have really taken the time to understand what it’s capable of, so they’re always challenging us to do more, which is great.”

The spectacular façade was engineered, fabricated and installed by Jones Architectural Creations, with Jones Sports having managed the project, including upfront design and marketing.

Rich Ongirski, Senior Vice President at Jones Sports, spoke to MONDO | STADIA about his team’s involvement in the FC Cincinnati project: “The architectural fins and the steel structure, along with the lighting within those fins, were all part of our scope of work. The project began with Turner Construction, who was the general contractor, asking our opinion. From there, our design engineers developed a concept to share with the stadium project team.

“We started collaborating with Turner and Populous, modelling and refining a structure to the best way to build it to achieve that beautiful contour and flow that TQL Stadium has. It was the

substructure design that enabled us to get that right.”

The stadium cladding is a series of specially-shaped aluminum fins, which create a geometric shape connecting the roof to the side concourse enclosure around the stadium’s perimeter. Each of the fins is fitted with programmable LED lighting from SACO that is controlled with a graphic operating system. When lit and operating, the stadium’s exterior lighting produces nearly infinite hues, graphics and messages and creates a stunning visual experience.

The structure is supported by 46 custom steel trusses, which range from 50-to-80 feet tall. The structural steel was fabricated at the Jones plant in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jones sourced the oversized aluminum extrusions from Qatar, which has the only extrusion line capable of handling the size.

“Our lead designer modelled the project for quite a while, developing how the various shapes worked together. We went through that process with Populous and Turner to create a budget that worked for them, then they contracted us to finish the design work and begin construction. It was hard work, but a lot of fun – there was a tremendous amount of intellectual energy shared between the various parties,” Rich added.

“We actually created a custom profile for the fins, as the option they originally found weren’t as wide or contoured as they’d wished for. So, we worked on individual fins in unique shapes and sizes – no two are the same!”

Due to the scale of the project, much of the fabrication was done on-site and encompassed 60,000 labour hours over a six-month span. There were no safety incidents on the job, despite most of

the work done at heights, and there were no reported COVID-19 infections even though construction occurred during the height of the pandemic. Jones completed all work within budget and ahead of schedule.

Rich furthered: “There were over 10,000 parts for the project, so our project manager was absolutely integral in ensuring that everything was shipped efficiently. Each part was numbered to give as much clarity when it came to the installation process on the ground.

“It was certainly all worth it – we’re thrilled and very proud of the project that we helped deliver.”

FC Cincinnati were delighted with the façade, as Jeff Berding explained: “This is something really unique. It’s not been used on a soccer stadium before – it’s not something that the soccer world has seen. We want to promote Cincinnati to the world and this incredible façade, with the design enhanced by the lighting, is the final jewel in the crown.

“We always knew the stadium was going to stand on its own and be brilliant, but that brilliance is really highlighted with the exterior design and lighting.”

The site for TQL Stadium was selected for its urban location that provides connections to all corners of Cincinnati. The West End and the nearby Over-The-Rhine (OTR) districts are two of Cincinnati’s most historic neighbourhoods, each with their own distinct flavour and energy. While engaging and energising the city, it was always a priority to be a good neighbour throughout the design process. The height and orientation of the venue were designed to minimise shadows cast on the surrounding areas, while the LED façade primarily faces east to respect nearby residents to the west.

Jonathan Mallie added: “There was another architect prior to our involvement, so certain things were already in place, such as the structural gridlines of the stadium and the location of the foundations. We worked off that as a starting point, then developed the seating bowl, the exterior design and the amenities, which enabled us to push the design.”

Buro Happold provided structural engineering services for TQL Stadium. The structural design of the stadium is intrinsically tied to the goal of fostering an atmosphere of excitement for FC Cincinnati fans. This represented a significant design imperative for the Buro Happold team, who devise a structural programme that would offer the best comfort and safety for fans, while engineering an iconic stadium for a growing fanbase. Additionally, the Buro Happold team had to work within a fast-tracked schedule with an array of different consultants.

Phil Skellorn, Senior Structural Project Designer at Buro Happold, explained how the team adapted to changes: “The stadium concept and philosophy behind the design was similar – it was the same size, had a full roof and so on – but when Populous came in, they moved the bowl geometry and tweaked a few different things that did have an impact on the structure. So, we needed to make sure the new superstructure of the new design actually fit the foundations that had already been installed – and that led to what was essentially as parallel construction design on our part.

“We worked directly with the steel fabricators to find out the requirements, limitations and how we were going to ship everything. They gave us an erection schedule detailing how they were going to build it and we, in coordination with the architects and engineers, designed the stadium to be one step ahead of the steel fabricators.”

The stadium is mindful of both day-to-day activity and the match day pageantry that take place outside its gates. Among the many considerations informing its orientation has been the club’s passionate base of supporters with their traditional march-to-thematch that attracts thousands and arrives from the east. As a result, the stadium features an expansive East Plaza with a grand staircase that faces the Over the Rhine neighbourhood and serves as a front porch and a means to channel fan energy. It’s an entry sequence unlike any other in the MLS.

“For us, it was about creating anticipation and energy prior to the match. By having the staircase elevate the fanbase up onto the

CHANGING

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plaza, there’s a pre-match sense of arrival. Combined with the façade, a real sense of atmosphere is generated for the march,”

Jonathan Mallie added. Once the fans have ascended onto the plaza, they can see the pitch, creating more excitement before they get to their seats and become captivated by the 360-degree seating bowl.”

Inside, fans enjoy a 360-degree continuous seating bowl, similar in design to iconic European stadiums. To the north, there’s The Bailey, an intimidating safe-standing section housing over 3,000 of the club’s supporters standing on a 34-degree slope, among the steepest in the league, create an imposing wall of sound over the pitch below and increase the intimacy of this vital seating section.

Fans are also treated to a canopy that encloses the entire seating bowl and covers every seat in the house. Not only does the canopy bottle up their energy, it shields them from the elements.

Buro Happold designed the roof structure as a cantilevered system for its efficiency, simplicity of construction, and alignment with the architectural intent. The roof provides all seats with protection from environmental elements, such as sun exposure, without obstructing sightlines to the field. The cantilevered roof also allows sunlight onto the field, which is vital for the grass field.

Phil explained further: “We had to design the roof within a shipping limit, as we looked to keep to a tight construction schedule and prefabricate as much steel as we could. We actually kept the depth down to a shipping limit that we could get through the streets of Cincinnati, which was around 16 feet.

“We worked with the contractor directly to understand the best way of creating all the connections. So, the roof that comes down the back of the stadium and ties into level three is only three pieces that were bolted together in the field. As it was only three, pre-fabricated pieces, it was a much faster process.

“With the scale of TQL Stadium, we were allowed to design on the grid. Each of those grid lines are designed separately, so that meant we could install it separately, reducing the amount of temporary works for the construction schedule. It all came

together well for a fast install.”

Continuing inward, a mix of premium spaces offer a modern slate of amenities, with each club inspired by a different theme authentic to Cincinnati. Rounding out a total package that combines tradition, community and innovation, the premium spaces at TQL Stadium reflect the city’s rich architectural heritage. The Tunnel Club uses elegant materials such as teak wood and warm tones reminiscent of institutions like the Cincinnati Music Hall. The back shelving of the club’s bar was inspired by the jaw-dropping five-story stacks of the Old Cincinnati Library.

The First Financial Club, inspired by Over-The-Rhine and the city’s brewing traditions, is designed with a fresh take on the conventional beer hall. A massive two-story, 1,000-square-foot brick feature wall anchors the space, reminiscent of the labyrinth of 19th-century beer vaults that lies beneath the city.

In a nod to the team orange and blue colour palette, the design team programmed a contemporary interpretation to express the bold hues. Copper and brass materials take the place of orange, creating warm tones while paying homage to the city’s industrial history. The thematic overlay of the Cincinnatus Club, named after the city’s Roman emperor namesake, exemplifies this approach. In place of the team’s blue, a muted dark navy hue is seen throughout the stadium from common areas to the suites to the seating bowl.

“We created an experience at TQL Stadium that transcends the functional and technical aspects the building,” said Isabelle Rijnties, Populous Associate Principal and Lead Interior Designer for the project. “By carefully considering how users will experience the space, we created an emotional connection to the event, building and city through interior details. While the seating bowl is where fans experience the raw energy of the live event, and considerable attention is paid to that element, the aesthetic of premium and public spaces further enriches the experience of every fan.”

With such an iconic, eye-catching design, the technology within TQL Stadium had to match. The club sought the help

of numerous parties to achieve that, with Wrightson Johnson Haddon & Williams inc. (WJHW) coming on board as consultants and designers for the game day entertainment technologies throughout the venue as well as AV technology throughout.

Todd Semple, WJHW Principal for MLS projects, explained: “We maintain relationships with many architectural firms who rely on our wide breadth of experience and design scopes. We also carefully maintain working relationships with the technology and executive staffs throughout the various professional leagues and their teams as well as technology vendors serving this market to ensure a design of modern systems with longevity in mind. As such, we were proud to be a part of the architect’s team that was awarded the project. During the execution of design and construction documentation phase a change in architect took place – and we proudly remained part of the new team to see the project through completion.”

As consultants and designers, WJHW provided services for the audio systems, broadcast cabling, IPTV, LED displays, structured cabling systems, video surveillance, access control, and video production systems.

Clair Global Integration was enlisted to provide and install the audio and broadcast cabling package for the stadium. For the audio system in the main seating bowl, a distributed system of horn-loaded loudspeakers to is used to cover the majority of the fixed seating, with support from smaller fill loudspeakers for hard-to-reach areas.

Stuart Schatz, the PA designer from WJHW, added: “Horn-loaded loudspeakers were chosen to provide the best intelligibility and highest SPL capability possible within the available budget. Rigging frames were built with the ability to add subwoofers, and conduit infrastructure is in place for subwoofers to be added when future plans dictate.

“The system was tightly coordinated with other design disciplines and the architectural design of the space as well. Control of the system includes the usual audio operations equipment, as well as connections to other systems in the building, such as the video production system.”

Christian Hugener, CTO at Clair Global Integration, explained further: “For the main bowl, the FH15 Series from Fulcrum Acoustic was chosen for a number of reasons. First of all, the fidelity - they sound great. Also, the form factor, they are a single amplified 15-inch coaxial loudspeaker that provides the ability to build relatively small two-to-three-box arrays.

“They work really well in small arrays and provide precise pattern control to below 400 Hz. The FH15s also have extended bass response down to 54hz and, as they are single amplified, it saves considerably in amplifier and facility infrastructure.

“We also used the One Systems 106 Series loudspeakers for the under-balcony fill due to the small form factor, excellent weatherproofing and performance. Elsewhere, the AWC Series from JBL was used for the Back of House spaces – this was down to the variety of models and size available. The JBL loudspeakers are cost effective and sound good, too.”

The amplifiers used for the main bowl were Dynacord’s IPX10:4’s.

Christian added: “We often use these for the bowl speakers, because the bowl system is used to augment the life safety system. The Dynacord amps provide high output power that will keep the internal DSP running during switch over to emergency power; this means the amps come back online faster than any other amp on the market. By code, the emergency power circuits must switch over to generator power within 10 seconds of a power outage. This way, the bowl system is back online within 15-20 seconds and can be used for mass notification in required. An added bonus is that the Dynacord amps will stand up to any amp on the market for fidelity and features.”

The BOH amplifiers were QSC Q-Sys CX-Q 4K4 and 8K4 fourchannel amplifiers.

Christian furthered: “We used a Yamaha CL5 for the main PA mixing console. The Yamaha’s are well known in the industry, so generally an A1 will know how to operate and patch the console. In stadium systems, we tend to use Yamaha consoles because of the vast inventory of Dante-based available I/O units. We can provide permanent installed and portable I/O throughout the venue that can be expanded by moving two network jacks to the

Dante VLAN.

“We also provide a Waves WSG-Y16 V2 interface card for integration of a Waves Sound Grid server. The Waves plug-ins are configured to assist the audio staff to automate and control the mix.”

The feedback on the audio system has been hugely positive, from the club and fans alike. However, the PMAV team made sure that it was the best it could possibly be, as Christian explained: “Once the system was up and running, the house audio team were running the system much louder than necessary initially. To give them additional confidence in mixing and running the shows from the isolated audio booth environment, we added calibrated SPL microphones in the bowl and used a Q-Sys plugin from Forward Thinking Designs (SPL Logger) to provide graphic feedback of the SPL levels in the bowl.

“Once installed, we walked the bowl with the audio operators and SPL meter to set operating levels throughout the match. Once this was completed, the audio team had greater confidence in mixing the show and were assured that the audio levels were optimal for the fan experience.”

Christian added: “Often the biggest challenge in engineering and installing a system for a sports venue is time, however, this is mitigated because of the extensive experience that our designers, engineers and project manager have in design and building of large sports systems.

“We also have a great relationship with the designers at WJHW, which assists us in the streamlining of the engineering and construction of these systems.”

The visual experience at TQL Stadium was of huge importance when it came to the design, which led to Daktronics being selected to provide four LED displays totalling more than 6,200 sq ft. A pitch-level display was also moved to the FC Cincinnati’s home to provide a combined total of 8,000 sq ft. of LED signage.

“The main video board is a key element to our fan experience,” said FC Cincinnati’s Senior Director of Marketing, Bobby Straka.

“It is not only the widest screen in MLS, but it is also the most dynamic. Our partnership with Daktronics allows us to develop immersive fan experiences with unique content that runs on their platform. We’re excited to showcase this technology with Cincinnati and MLS.”

Video displays at each end of the stadium and ribbon displays along each sideline’s seating fascia surround fans in a visual experience only available inside the stadium. The main video display measures 23 ft high by 151 ft wide – the longest main video display at a soccer-specific stadium – and the auxiliary display will measure 23 ft high by 50.5 ft wide. Both displays feature 13HD pixel layouts, delivering excellent image clarity and contrast to all imagery shown for fans to enjoy.

Daryl Mihal, Daktronics Regional Manager, added: “The amazing new venue with the latest technology in displays and control systems delivers an unforgettable fan experience. We’re grateful and excited to be part of this new chapter for FC Cincinnati.”

Two LED ribbon displays supplement the main displays with information and graphics, while also allowing the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events. One ribbon display measures 2.5 ft high by 332.5 ft long, with the other being 2.5 ft high by 366 ft long. Both feature 16-millimeter pixel spacing, too. Additionally, pitch level displays provided in 2019 were moved to the new stadium to continue surrounding the playing field in LED technology, offering digital space for sponsors advertisements and dynamic graphics to elevate the game-day experience.

WJHW’s Nick Dornford, who provided the LED design, added: “Daktronics Show Control is the LED display content management and control solution integrated with the video production system to ensure seamless content production and real time game, video, and statistical content display. The displays are all connected with fiber optic cabling to the video production equipment core to centrally locate all processing equipment and are powered by transformers with remote control breakers at each display to ensure remote power control.”

The main and auxiliary displays are capable of variable content zoning allowing each to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones. These zones can show live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

“The IPTV system deployed at TQL Stadium is a state-of-theart VITEC EZ TV solution providing ingest, content creation, management and distribution supporting live game feeds, locally originated programming, plus ingest of municipal cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and over-the-air broadcast,” explained WJHW’s Senior Consultant, Don Baughman.

“In addition, the IPTV system supports digital signage, including information, wayfinding, and menu board displays. The VITEC EZ TV system is future proof, too, with its ability to support 4K video ingest, while maintaining low latency performance. Westend Ventures LLC / Alpha Video provided system integration of VITEC’s IPTV system.

Christian added: “We wrote a custom plug-in to control the IPTV system to select channels for local television. We used Q-Sys media stream receivers to decode the IPTV audio, too.”

VITEC’s IPTV and Digital Signage provides TQL Stadium with a platform to engage fans from entry to exit, with over 375 display screens in concourses, suites, clubs, and concession stands.

“VITEC’s IPTV and Digital Signage platform was a very good fit for the TQL Stadium deployment. The system met the requirements for the video and signage when the stadium hosted their first match, plus it is capable of scaling to support future video workflows and displays,” said Jeff Volk, VP of Sports & Entertainment at Alpha Video & Audio. “TQL Stadium is a state of the art facility for FC Cincinnati that it includes some unique video applications, like a video wall embedded into a beverage cooler. The VITEC team worked closely with the sponsor, cooler manufacturer, and venue to create a one-of-a-kind video experience for MLS fans.”

Musco Lighting provided the lighting at TQL Stadium, with 364 state-of-the-art TLC for LED® fixtures used for their pinpoint precision, instant on/off controls, varying light levels for different needs and sports presentation theatrics. 40 TLC-RGBW fixtures were also utilised to allow for an enhanced experience for spectators, while the Show-Light+™ Entertainment Package allows for choreographed light shows that can be precisely timed to music

Jeff Rogers, President & CEO, Musco Lighting added: “We were

excited to be a part of this state-of-the-art soccer stadium, home of FC Cincinnati. With the RGBW fixtures in place and the customisation capabilities to allow for integration with music, the spectators are in for an incredible experience.”

TQL Stadium was provided with a complete, pre-wired broadcast cabling system to eliminate remote broadcasters from having to fly cabling across the pristine concourses, media workspaces and clubs.

“The base concept of the cabling system was designed around guidance provided by Major League Soccer, with enhancements from our combined experience working on previous venues and our broadcast network television engineering relationships,” said WJHW’s Andrew Silvia, who designed both the broadcast infrastructure and the video production systems. “The numerous camera locations are equipped with SMPTE Hybrid Fiber, Triax, Single Mode Fiber, Audio, Data Cabling and coordination of power. All of the cabling originates at the various camera location interconnect box with home runs to a central television head end room. The head end equipment racks are organised by cable type and camera location with vertical and horizontal cable organisers at the front of each rack for dressing temporary cable mults to connect truck to venue. Power is also provided at the front of each equipment rack for miscellaneous device convenience.”

The broadcast cable plant, provided by PMAV, allows TQL Stadium to reduce broadcasting costs due to truck setups being complete within hours, thus not relying on a dedicated set day and associated costs to the broadcaster. This puts the venue in a position to receive a higher number of televised events due to lower labour costs, while also allowing larger shows to deploy more technology to enhance the event further without the burden of routing temporary cabling within the facility.

“This gives the stadium operations team confidence that the broadcasters and stadium event can coincide with no disruption to the event and stadium operations. This cabling plant also supports connections for in-venue production of video content, as well with connections from the typical camera locations to the in-house video production system.

From its conception, FC Cincinnati strived to make TQL Stadium the best MLS venue – and the broadcast technology provided is a vital part of that aim. With the spectacular Daktronics LED displays in place, the venue aimed to deliver the best in-stadium content to the fans.

“To fuel this, there are five manned Sony broadcast cameras and a Sony / Wave Central Wireless handheld camera, as well as numerous PTZ cameras to make up the facilities fleet. These cameras connect to multiple locations throughout the facility using the video production cable plant and link to a primary production core located on the press level,” said Andrew.

Production staff has a dedicated production suite, with many bowl-facing operational positions allowing operators to react to the game through sight and not just relying on video displays.

Andrew furthered: “At the core of the system is the latest Ross Ultrix Routing and Ross Carbonite Ultra production switcher. These devices allow the stadium team to route any video signal to anywhere and process it for any screen within the facility. Additionally, the stadium deployed a building-wide RTS ODIN/ROAMEO intercom solution, allowing operators in the control room to communicate with remote staff throughout the vast majority of the facility. Additional technology, such as the Evertz Dreamcatcher DCOne replay, Ross Xpression Graphics System and Daktronics Show Control is used to execute the creative vision of the team to provide the best in-stadium fan experience in Major League Soccer.”

The design and technology has given FC Cincinnati a home that the fans can really make their own, however, it’s a truly multipurpose stadium, too, which is huge for the city itself. It’s perhaps the perfect hybrid of European matchday atmosphere and American hospitality.

“TQL Stadium serves not only as a home for FC Cincinnati but a canvas to express its evolving identity on a global stage,” said Jonathan Mallie. “We worked closely with ownership to create a truly remarkable, one-of-a-kind stadium experience that will serve to raise the profile of the team, the league and the city. From the bold graphics of the programmable LED integrated façade to the continuity of the seating bowl and the wall of sound created by the safe standing supporters’ section on game day, the iconic experience of TQL Stadium will be unrivalled as it serves its electric fan base.”

“We have a proper soccer stadium that you would see in Europe, but we have all of the premium seating, clubs and amenities that you would expect from an American venue. The American hospitality is what your premium clients have come to expect, particularly as many of them are supporters of American Football,” said Jeff. “And, let’s be honest, in the United States, soccer teams have to drive on their own fuel – there’s no big television revenue that comes in. You’ve got to generate it yourself and you do that primarily around your stadium.

“Whether that’s the match-day experience, the premium hospitality, the sponsors, or even using it for other events, such as the USA – Mexico game that we hosted. We have the potential to host college football and we’ve also announced the return of The Who, so concerts are an option, too. Our stadium is designed to enable us to do all those things, as well as be the home of FC Cincinnati.”

It doesn’t just end there for TQL Stadium, though, with the club having a bold, exciting plan for mixed-use development on the site around the venue over the next five years.

“I think people are very proud of the stadium and that we’ve done this in Cincinnati. And I believe that people may even be surprised at how much Carl Lindner and our ownership group delivered in terms of the stadium. Anyone who has been to TQL Stadium can see what the venue can represent and I think that gives people belief that we’ll get the soccer side turned around in a similar way in which we created the best soccer stadium in the country,” Jeff added.

“We got into soccer as we felt it was a sport with global currency. We always said that we are going to bring the world to Cincinnati and promote Cincinnati to the world. We had those same values when we went about designing our new stadium – we wanted it to be world class. We wanted to show the world that Cincinnati is an ambitious city and that we can deliver with excellence – and that means having the best soccer-specific stadium in the United States. That was our ambition and we certainly feel like we’ve delivered on that.”

ARCHITECTS: Populous | STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Buro Happold | GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Turner Construction | CONSULTANT / DESIGNER: WJHW | INSTALLER: Clair Global Integration / Alpha Video | FAÇADE: SACO, Jones Architectural Creations / Jones Sports | BRANDS: JBL, Fulcrum Acoustic, One Systems, Dynacord, QSC, Yamaha, Waves, Daktronics, VITEC, Musco Lighting, Sony, Marshall Electronics, Ross Video, RTS, Riedel Communications, Evertz

SUPER BOWL LVI @ SOFI STADIUM

California, USA

Images: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation, PixMob, Henderson Engineers, Pliant Technologies, SACO

The state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, the largest indoor-outdoor stadium in the NFL, takes the game-day experience to new heights, with its spectacular design, impressive facilities and incredible technology. So, it’s no surprise to see Super Bowl LVI held at the Los Angleles venue.

SoFi Stadium was a collaborative project, with the likes of HKS Architects, Walter P Moore, Samsung, HARMAN and Pro Media Audio Video, to name but a few, fully enhancing the fan experience to firmly set it on the map as one of the best stadiums in the world.

The big game itself saw the Los Angeles Rams score a late touchdown to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20, making the Rams only the second team to win a Super Bowl in their own stadium.

As ever, there was much anticipation for the Halftime Show, with Dr. Dre leading a breathtaking tribute to the city of Los Angeles, with support from a star-studded line-up, including Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Anderson.Paak.

The Pepsi Halftime Show has always been associated with PRG technical and logistical expertise, and this year was no exception. Along with lighting, rigging, networking, camera, broadcast equipment, and truss, PRG also contributed tested proprietary workflows, a passion for excellence and their team spirit to 2022’s big game coverage.

MONDO | STADIA takes a closer look at those involved in the success of Super Bowl LVI @ SoFi Stadium...

HENDERSON ENGINEERS

Henderson Engineers celebrates the hosting of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, the palatial 70,000-seat NFL stadium in Inglewood, California, that is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Henderson served as the lead engineer for the multifaceted stadium, providing acoustics, audio-video, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, security, and telecom design services while working with project partners HKS Architects, the Turner-AECOM Hunt Joint Venture, and Walter P Moore.

The stadium serves as the centerpiece of the 298-acre mixeduse Hollywood Park development that is part of redevelopment efforts in Inglewood and features retail and workplace space, a hotel, residential units, and outdoor park spaces. The development includes the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater, 2,500 residential spaces, 2 million square feet of retail and office space, an open-air plaza, and 25 acres of public parks. As a multipurpose stadium, the engineering and technology systems are designed to create an enjoyable environment for up to 100,000 fans while allowing for flexibility in the venue. Henderson led the building systems design for the stadium’s club spaces, suites and VIP areas, press box, concessions, locker rooms, and underground parking.

In addition to this year’s Super Bowl, SoFi Stadium will be the

site of the College Football National Championship Game in 2023, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028.

The American Airlines Plaza is a 2½-acre covered centerpiece area between the stadium and performance venue, which also serves as public space on non-event days and is open yearround.

Lake Park was created adjacent to the plaza and features roughly 25 acres of greenspace and carries through the heart of the complex. Three waterfall features create numerous entertaining spots for patrons of the Inglewood community all throughout the year. The lake was created to replicate the previous lake located on the Hollywood Park site, which was a popular gathering spot for the Inglewood community. This also serves as a primary entry point for fans on game days. Nearby, a hotel will be constructed and the retail and entertainment district with nearly 600,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and entertainment options for residents to be utilized and enjoyed 365 days a year.

As the first ever indoor-outdoor stadium, our Henderson systems support a translucent canopy that shelters fans from the elements while also allowing natural sunlight to wash

across the field during games. The canopy is made from durable and sustainable fluorine-based plastic to minimize environmental impact.

The canopy is also made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) paneling, a creative and lightweight alternative to glass with high corrosion resistance and ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It is ideal for outdoor-indoor spaces. According to TheRams.com, the roof is supported by the largest double cable-net system in the world, which includes a 75,000-foot cable net system that weighs 1,450 tons, the equivalent to 2.9 million pounds. Opening or closing the roof panels allows for vertical ventilation and temperature control of the building.

From throughout the stadium and including the 50-yard line, outdoor palm trees are visible, which is a nod to the Southern California climate. Providing some of the greatest views in all of sports, palm trees and the beach provide scenery on one side of the stadium while snow-covered mountaintops can be seen on the opposite side, something few if any other venues can claim.

Additional unique aspects of the stadium include its field lighting, seismic moat, and passively ventilated seating bowl. Due to the curvature of the roof and oculus scoreboard, the field lights are on an operable grid system that lowers to the seat level for easy maintenance. This is only the third instance where this type of system has been installed in the United States, joining NRG Stadium, home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, and Crypto.com Arena, home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

Because of the extreme seismic requirements on the project site, the underground stadium structure is separated from the adjacent soil pressures with an alternate wall system. The structural anomaly caused challenges to exhaust air out of the facility without using valuable floor space, and Henderson worked closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for a determination to use as a plenum for the exhaust air, which is constantly exhausted at two locations to discharge above grade. This strategy helps keep the façade clean without requiring additional interior shaft space.

The location of the stadium allowed the design team to take advantage of the consistent Southern California climate in the passively ventilated seating bowl, saving energy while creating a fan-friendly environment. The stadium bowl canopy is not enclosed and is considered an outdoor venue. Henderson worked with HKS and RWDI to analyze the environmental conditions and architecture to create a bowl that benefits from natural winds helping to ventilate the stadium, taking advantage of ocean breezes.

SoFi Stadium features leading indoor-outdoor premium seating and patio areas. The Patio Club has dense ferns and foliage to welcome fans into the suite level. Located below grade, a canyon patio was created with immaculate Southern California landscaping. Rooftop bars and outdoor spaces matching the Southern California lifestyle adorn the premium seating areas.

All 260 suites were designed to create a gathering spot by replicating a comfortable social, kitchen setting where fans can gather around a centrally located island. Media is available on both sides of the walls with large televisions to follow the action on the field or other NFL games.

Operable, sliding glass is installed throughout suites, creating a free-flowing, flexible setup which can be closed to make the space air conditioned or opened to enjoy the elements and comfortable outdoor climate that many football and entertainment fans love. Outside seating is also available in the suites. In 180 premium suites, the space features its own restroom, providing an added level of convenience for patrons.

The verticality of the stadium provides an up-close location for fans in relation to the action on the playing field. The concession stands located on the concourses of SoFi Stadium are designed with an open feel where fans can still watch the game live on the field while standing in line. Livefire open cooking is available to all fans.

The vertical figure of SoFi Stadium creates a unique fan experience as it is designed to hold noise and creates a noticeable homefield advantage for the Rams and Chargers on game day. Being sunk 100 feet into the ground and having earth on all sides of the six levels of the stadium along with the roof on top makes it one of the louder venues in the NFL. Henderson’s acoustics team thrives in creating these environments that contribute to momentum and energy within a stadium that provides a boost to the home team. There is not a bad seat in the stadium, and all are close to the action on the field of play, even at the top on Level 8.

SoFi Stadium features high-end locker rooms. The floor of the Rams locker room includes an LED lighting effect of the horn logo from the ceiling in the middle of the team’s sanctuary and gathering place. The locker room is located centrally for all the auxiliary spaces players, coaches, and staff may need such as the training room, X-ray room, showers, restrooms, and media room. Everything the athletes could need is attached adjacently to the locker rooms.

Henderson also provided engineering services at the 6,000seat YouTube Theater, the non-stadium site that is currently surface parking and will eventually be converted to vertical structures, park areas, NFL Media Building, and retail district.

YouTube Theater hosts smaller concerts under the bottom part of the stadium’s roof and also serves as the home of the Los Angeles Guerillas and Los Angeles Gladiators, esports teams owned by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke.

ELATION

Sure, the game is fun to watch but for many – certainly those in the entertainment technology industry – it is the Super Bowl halftime show that garners most of the attention. On Sunday, February 13, 2022, all eyes were on SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for Super Bowl LVI where hip-hop legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige took the stage, with surprise performances from 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.

Super Bowl halftime veteran, Al Gurdon of Incandescent Design, was back lighting the show and, as befits a show of this caliber, had a large lighting package at his disposal. This was the Emmy-winning designer’s sixth time lighting the event and with ambient lighting conditions to contend with chose a powerful package that included Proteus Maximus™, new Proteus Excalibur™, and Protron 3K Color™ luminaires. Entertainment design group, 22 Degrees, supported Al in his design, including lighting direction. The lighting system, made up of over 600 lighting fixtures, was supplied by PRG. Executive Producer of the show was Roc Nation. In terms of what is most important when it comes to fixture choice for the Super Bowl halftime, Al said it depends on the show: “One Super Bowl can be very different from another. Very significant considerations are whether or not the stadium is under cover from the elements, or not, and the type of throw

distances involved.”

Last year’s halftime show, in Tampa, was exposed to the elements and therefore having an IP65 rated fixture was very important. “That was the first time I used the Proteus Maximus, and I was very impressed with its functionality and particularly its brightness,” Al added. “Again this year, we were all extremely impressed with the brightness at significant throws, and that was particularly important in this halftime show as we were shooting across the borderline between full daylight and full night.”

Al said that because the precise duration of the first half of the game was not predictable, they did not know what sort of ambient conditions they would eventually shoot in. “As it turned out, the first half was very quick and we broadcast the show at the earliest and brightest time we had ever seen it. It was very useful at this point to be able to call upon the considerable brightness headroom we had built into the rig to give us more contrast in brighter daylight conditions.”

Although the IP rating was not a requisite for this year’s show as the field at SoFi Stadium is covered, Al said that the shuttering and, most importantly, their brightness, made them an obvious choice for this year as well. He incorporated 94 Maximus in his design, arrayed around the building and mainly used for key light.

In searching for a compact moving head that could create powerful aerial beams, Al spoke with Elation’s UK-based Business Development Manager, Graham Hill, who introduced him to Elation’s newest Proteus series fixture, the Proteus Excalibur™. “The set design concept for the show (Es Devlin) was a series of iconic buildings from the Compton neighborhood, sitting on a field cloth of Los Angeles from the air,” Al explained. “I wanted something that would give me a good searchlight effect. I was keen to have the visible fixtures feel like a motivated part of the environment, rather than ‘just a bunch of lights’.”

The Proteus Excalibur projects an ultranarrow 0.8-degree beam – producing up to 200,000 lux at 20 meters. Eighty-four Excalibur fixtures were arrayed on field carts on both sidelines and on audio carts that created a ring around the field. Finally, rigged next to the Proteus Maximus, 106 Protron 3K Color™, a high-power RGBW strobe light with 40,000 lumens of power, provided a stadium-sized flash effect. Gurdon says he is a big fan of strobes and often prefers to simply accent the music using them, something he feels they do well. The Super Bowl is the most watched television broadcast in the United States every year with this year’s halftime show watched by over 100 million viewers plus millions more around the globe. The game proved especially satisfying for Elation as the Los Angeles-based company’s home team Rams came out victorious.

Creative Technology supplied Elation broadcast lights to Lighting Design Group for use on sportscast booths and stages in and outside of SoFi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles in February. Dennis Size, Executive Vice President of Design for Lighting Design Group, was responsible for the overall lighting design and turned to Elation Fuze Profile CW™ and KL Panel™ luminaires for key, fill and wash lighting.

Multiple stages scattered around LA provided pre- and post-game coverage while promoting the city and shows for client Comcast. This was the fourth Super Bowl in which LDG has been involved and was Dennis’ second time working a Super Bowl. Having used conventional fixtures at the Super Bowl in Minneapolis four years ago, he said their inflexibility led him to request more moving lights for this year’s plot: “That’s what drove the design concept of a moving light rig. At the Minneapolis Super Bowl, we were forced to do a lot of last minute re-focusing — inefficiently wasting time and requiring additional crew. In L.A, I wanted to be able to make changes rapidly and avoid the studio LD’s having to always grab a ladder to make repairs and re-focus.”

Dennis turned to technology services provider Creative Technology (CT) for a solution. CT’s Christopher Hibbard had introduced the Fuze Profile CW to Dennis a couple of years before on a presidential event. “It is a very practical fixture and the price point is excellent,” said Christopher. “But it also has value from a design standpoint. I have designed with them on trade shows and corporate shows and it fulfills 95% of what you need to do. If a client is looking for an LED Leko, I tell them that for just a bit more they can have a moving head with all the flexibility that gives.”

Dennis added: “As a designer, I want to get the best possible design I can but also be as financially efficient as I can for our clients. Chris suggested I try

the Fuze and it was quite successful. When you’ve used a light successfully, you’re more apt to turn to it again.” And that’s what the designer did for the Super Bowl booths and stages. No longer concerned with whether or not the Fuze lights would work and be reliable, he was more concerned with a persistently bright Southern California sun. “The bright sun was our major concern so I needed some firepower,” he explained. “We used the Fuze on several stages but then raised the base illumination with softlights and chose the KL Panels, which I have found are very efficient and very bright. We thought we needed to raise the intensity level, but were all pleasantly surprised that the Fuzes did such a great job.”

Some 70 Fuze Profile CWs were used across all the stages for key and fill lights with 21 KL Panels used for wash and eye lights. Stages with Elation lights included the Main Stadium Stage, the Stadium Clicker Stage, the Telemundo Stadium Stage, Lakeside #1, Lakeside #2 and the Tailgate Stage. At night, one of the lake stages was also used for Olympic coverage.

Dennis appreciated the Fuze Profile’s more economical form factor, saying that top shelf moving lights often have a lot of options that he may never use but still have to pay for, or wasn’t able to procure them at all because of the cost.

“The Fuze has the functionality of a Leko, but brighter — and able to pan and tilt — lighting the talent as the director moved them around. That’s exactly what I needed. The Fuze is a solid, bright light, with great colour rendering, and a good shutter assembly, that moves well and is quiet.”

Another important fixture used across many of the Super Bowl stages was softlight illumination. Chris commented:

“The KL Panel has a really nice profile, short and contained that allows it to more easily fit in a tight space. Even with the barndoors on the form is quite small. We were asked to provide a couple of lights for the makeup room and the easiest thing was to grab a couple of KL Panels. The ability to easily dial in intensity, CCI, etc. via the knobs on the back panel made it incredibly user friendly.”

Dennis agreed: “For someone who deals almost exclusively with broadcasting, that is almost a requirement for what we do. Often we’re using these instruments in places where you need to adjust it at the light and next to the camera. It’s an excellent feature.”

The KL Panel is a full-colour-spectrum panel with stepless color temperature adjustment from 2,000K to 10,000K and high CRI and TLCI indexes. Additional color tuning is possible through a green shift adjustment and a virtual gel library. It houses an efficient RGBW + Lime + Cyan LED array and outputs 24,000 lumens for wonderful soft white or full-color washes.

Elation was delighted to contribute to a successful Super Bowl production in its home base market of LA and is grateful for the cooperation with CT and LDG. Dennis concluded: “Over the years, we’ve come to find that Elation has raised the bar on technology and quality of product and I’m happy to use the fixtures. Many designers who didn’t know the lights until the Super Bowl were pleasantly pleased and we were even surprised how great they performed.”

PROTEUS EXCALIBUR ™

THE BRIGHTEST IP65 FULL-FEATURED BEAM FIXTURE EVER CREATED

VISIT US!

Hall 12.1 B49 - C49

Although no NFL franchise has ever been victorious three Super Bowls in a row, team PixMob scored its third consecutive Super Bowl win at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, featuring performances by hip-hop icons Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

The Montreal-based PixMob — immersive experience experts specializing in wearable technology, wireless lighting and crowd activation — dazzled fans in the stands and TV viewers alike with a truly epic halftime spectacle, one that had to overcome a significant production hurdle.

PixMob’s Super Bowl Halftime Show experience this year was their third straight, and fourth overall, at North America’s biggest annual sporting event. It follows unforgettable success at last year’s halftime show featuring The Weeknd, and at the Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performances the year before, both shows together totalling over 200 million viewers.

The Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals weren’t the only ones aiming to light up the field during the afternoon game. PixMob were challenged to develop immersive illumination technology that would not just function but enthrall in the daylight-filled stadium — in other words, the brightest tech yet. Enter NOVA, a new family of high-brightness PixMob products.

PixMob provided 70,000 never-before-seen, NOVA-powered LED laminates to all live audience members as well as the halftime show field cast (dancers, extras, etc.). The laminates, designed in Montreal, are brighter than any device the company has ever made previously. Each laminate has 10 times the brightness of the popular LED event wristbands PixMob is renowned for, and is the same technology now used in the permanent installation built into the seats of the SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks.

The result was sensational, with PixMob again demonstrating their signature ability to reinvent themselves to transform audiences into a vibrant, pulsating and entrancing canvas of light.

“When we saw the stadium with its clear roof for the first time, we thought this might be tough. With our engineers, we got to work and did some electronic alchemy to take an existing circuit and super charge it. As we like to say, we must innovate or disappear,” said Vincent Leclerc (Chief Technology Officer, PixMob).

PIXMOB

SACO

The latest, state of the art, NFL venue is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. The $5-billion project, built on the 300-acre former site of the Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, makes it the largest pro-stadium in the NFL. SoFi Stadium was built to accommodate 70,000 football fans at games and up to 100,000 people at special events.

“When you see our SoFi Stadium home and the ongoing development surrounding it, you have to marvel at Stan Kroenke’s vision,” said Los Angeles Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos. “This is an iconic project, anchored by an iconic stadium, that will not only redefine the City of Inglewood, it will redefine the landscape of greater Los Angeles for the next century and beyond. This has been a long time coming, and we cannot wait to usher in a new era of Chargers football on what will undoubtedly be the grandest stage in all of sports.”

The architects and builders say they’ve created the first “indoor-outdoor” stadium, but that classification doesn’t exactly sink in until it’s experienced. What they mean is that SoFi Stadium has a roof — a massive, clear canopy arching

artfully from the ground across the entire arena bowl and an adjoining plaza with a separate 6,000-seat performance venue— but the building also is open at each end and on its concourses. The roof is made of material that dissipates heat, and dozens of roof panels can be rolled back to allow in even more fresh airflow.

SACO products were specified by LAM Partner with the participation of our agent Reflex Lightning. Lam Partner and SACO designed a unique pixel integration in collaboration with Pfeifer FabriTec, that attaches directly on ETFE Roof. With a 5ft pixel pitch and more than 27,000 Saco V-Pix-8, this video canvas offers an amazing and unique point of view in and out of LAX.

SoFi Stadium will hold year-round sports and entertainment events and has already been slated to host the College Football National Championship game in 2023, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic Games, as well as this year’s spectacular Super Bowl LVI.

PLIANT TECHNOLOGIES

As the most watched American television broadcast of the year with over 114 million viewers tuning in for the big game, various network coverage of the Super Bowl begins hours and days before the kickoff. The job of providing robust communications to both the premier American football network and game broadcast network was given to audio and coms specialists CP Communications for the NBC broadcast and AY Productions for NFL Network. To overcome the RF communication challenges associated with Super Bowl XVI’s RF demands and SoFi Stadium’s tough RF environment and to provide consistent coverage with the multitude of wireless intercom users, both companies turned to Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom wireless intercom system.

Pliant has provided equipment and support for the event for the past five years. “This year was the first time three separate CrewCom systems, using both the 900MHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands, were all synched using one primary Control Unit (CU),” said Gary Rosen, Vice President of Global Sales, Pliant Technologies. “We were indoors, outdoors, at the water feature and on stages at many different locations in and around the stadium. Using multiple independent systems that were synchronised for RF coordination worked extremely well together for the entire event.”

In all, CP Communications and AY Productions utilized approximately 80 CrewCom Radio Packs (RP), 45 Radio Transceivers (RT), 12 Control Units (CU) and a large variety of both 8-Port Copper Hubs and 8-Port Fiber Hubs. The three separate systems were used for the two main broadcast networks’ pre-game shows with the largest configuration used for the NBC pre-game show.

“The entire pre-game broadcast was a huge success and the CrewCom system was an important aspect of that,” added Max Muehlen, Lead RF Technician, AY Productions. “We broadcasted remotely for a week prior to the big game from various locations with much success. The antenna system was extremely versatile, as we stationed four linked CUs that let us operate consistently while minimizing moving parts on the field. I was also able to access the CrewWare software from the field to make changes on the fly. Pliant’s Gary Rosen and Art

Gonzales were amazing onsite; they were there to support AY Productions the entire time.”

In addition to AY Productions’ set up, CP Communications relied on the CrewCom solution for the big game’s network broadcast and pre-game show coverage. “I worked with Pliant to configure the systems and coordinate the antennas in terms of placement and hopping patterns. This was important so that the three systems worked together instead of conflicting,” explained Brian Ready, Account Executive & Systems Engineer at CP Communications. “My pre-game system served as the primary sync source. We used the 900MHz band as well as the 2.4GHz devices allowing coordination of hopping patterns and timing synchronization. CrewCom was the right system for this application because it is flexible and scalable. The CP Communications team had many areas to cover and needed to be able to roam between different areas, and CrewCom allowed us to do that. No other system is able to operate seamlessly in both the 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands at this scale, which was incredible. CrewCom did a fantastic job.”

CrewCom is an innovative, professional wireless system featuring excellent 7KHz voice quality with 4-conference or 2-conference full-duplex Radio Packs that can select from up to 64 different conferences for each user, and a host of user-friendly features. It is available in two frequency bands (900MHz and 2.4GHz). Unlike a matrix-based architecture, CrewCom is based on a decentralized network platform. CrewCom wireless products easily put dependable RF coverage where needed, all while employing a consistent user interface throughout the system.

“Pliant was excited to be part of another Super Bowl,” concluded Gary. “CrewCom is a very attractive option because our Radio Packs are so user friendly. You just put it on and start working. In addition, our FleXLR Adapters, which are 4-Pin XLR Female to 5-Pin XLR Female gender adapters, became very popular during the show. By using the FleXLR, the crew was able to use their own headsets easily without having extra connectors and dangling wires.”

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

KAPPTURE @ SODEXO LIVE! VENUES

Across much of 2021, Kappture worked with Sodexo Live! to install a total of 810 new fixed and mobile EPOS systems at a whole host of venues across the UK, with each venue having slightly different requirements from each other - from hardware options, to the layout of the sales areas and styles of service.

The Kappture projects team worked closely alongside Sodexo Live! on-site teams to deliver a bespoke deployment service throughout a 24-week roll out period. This included installation, tailored training programs, sales and stock database configuration, and flexible Go Live support spread over three days on average as venues started to trade after COVID restrictions were removed.

“The team at Kappture have been extremely proficient through the whole process. The planning and physical install was quick to deploy, easy to set up and the support from the team has been excellent,” said Craig Bonner, GM, Musslebrough & Perth Racecourse.

“The tills are very simple and efficient for staff to operate,

Images: Kappture

United

and the online ordering is very easy and fast for the end customer.”

The Kappture systems have helped improve the customer engagement and experience by reducing queue times and enabling cashless payment technology across Sodexo Live! Venues. Since the installations, over 1.5 million transactions have been processed through the Kappture system across all sites..

QR code ordering was implemented at selected racecourses and football stadiums for service during the social distancing rules to help manage delivery and integrated card payment within a Sodexo Live! branded mobile application. Furthermore, the introduction of new hardware in the form of customer-facing screens enabled customers to see their basket sales information, receive site-specific messaging information and access QR code e-receipts.

Kappture pride ourselves on being innovators and environmentally friendly. By re-using, where possible, existing hardware on site, providing the latest EPOS terminal

technology with lower power consumption that use a third of the power of a traditional windows terminal. Kappture are also able to recycle 85% of all the packaging that is used during installation and carry out upgrades remotely.

“We continue to assess how we can improve the customer experience across our venues, and the new technology installed by Kappture has certainly elevated the services we deliver,” added Kathryn Morgan, Account Director, Sodexo Live!

“Feedback from both customers and our teams using the technology has been fantastic. Not only have we seen increases in revenue, but the technology has helped to reduce unnecessary labour in our cashless venues and enabled customers to be served more quickly. Kappture are a valued partner of Sodexo Live! and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.”

The green impact is further seen with the second customerfacing screens on the terminals, which provide the QR code e-receipt. This software advancement reduces the need to

buy receipt printers and power printers, as well as remove the thermal paper used in the printers. All of this is helping to reduce match-day waste and lowering the carbon footprint of the operations.

The Mobile terminals are battery operated and increase accuracy of customer orders to help reduce food and drink waste.

The instant impact on the operations is clear to see. The introduction of the RFID contactless reader on the tills has enabled a wide range of vouchers, promotions and incentives to be set up, too. The intuitive web-based, back-office software allows managers and decision makers to increase efficiency, making price and promotion changes in real time based on the customisable KPI dashboard. Real Time Analytics

are always on, helping to deliver the information when Sodexo Live! need it.

The easy-to-use software interface is helping operators to serve customers quicker, minimising errors, increasing numbers of transactions, and reducing queuing times. This speed of service, reliability and security of the software has resulted in little to no downtime, which drives revenue upwards, especially during busy pre-event, half time, and interval periods. This has also seen an increase in the average transaction value. Cashless operation has delivered substantial time savings, with the removal of cash floats and the associated security impact.

LONDON STADIUM

London, England

When construction of London Stadium was completed in 2011, it was ready to shine on the global stage as a host venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events, of the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Paralympics. London Stadium quickly gained international recognition for hosting a wide array of major events, including English Premier League fixtures, the Rugby World Cup, the Race of Champions, Major League Baseball’s first game played in Europe, and concerts by some of the world’s biggest and most popular artists.

With the benefits provided by well-designed LED light source technology for stadium field-of-play lighting, leaders at the venue determined the time was right to install an LED system as a way to create an even better atmosphere for players, performers, and fans attending events live or watching from around the world.

Specifically, they wanted a state-of-the-art LED system that would improve visibility and uniformity on the field of play, while also enhancing the overall entertainment experience with cutting-edge special effects technology.

“As a venue, we pride ourselves on giving the visitor the best possible experience, regardless of the occasion,” said Graham Gilmore, CEO, London Stadium. “The upgrade to LED lights allows us to do that across our multievent calendar, ensuring we meet the highest standards of sports and concerts at the stadium.”

After extensive research into various manufacturers across the globe, the project team at London Stadium chose to partner with Musco Lighting. Musco has installed custom systems utilising its Total Light Control—TLC for LED™ technology at some of the biggest and most iconic stadiums in the world, including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley Stadium, the San Siro, Aviva Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford, Hampden Park, and Stade Louis II, among others.

The new, customised system at London Stadium adapts to the venue’s unique architectural features—including its reconfigurable lower-tier bowl and the longest cantilevered roof in the world—to deliver uniform, highquality lighting to the pitch without creating disruptive glare. The new lighting ensures that London Stadium will continue successfully

Images: Musco Lighting

hosting the wide range of events that spectators have come to expect, complying with the comprehensive requirements and standards set forth by UEFA, Elite A, Rugby, and English Premier League.

In addition to the enhanced field-of-play lighting and glare reduction, the new LED system is adaptable to enhance the experience for concert goers during the summer months at the stadium.

The system also includes Musco’s colour-changing bowl lighting and infrastructure for event partners to mount moving spotlights, facilitating the opportunity to add their own special effects, using controls provided by StadiumFX. These include light-to-sound synchronisation, enabling individual fixtures around the stadium to synch with music for exciting new light shows. The electrical and mechanical installation was led by DMC Group, which has partnered with Musco and StadiumFX

on several other recent projects.

With the new LED system in place, floodlight energy consumption at London Stadium will be reduced by more than 50 percent compared to the venue’s previous lighting. Along with the energy savings, ownership at the stadium will see a significant reduction in maintenance costs well into the future as a result of Musco’s long-term warranty that covers all parts and labour.

“The London Stadium is very unique in its design and architecture, which we believe lends itself well to the features of our lighting system and the specific design we’ve developed for this project,” said Chris Limpach, General Manager for Musco Europe. “It was a challenging installation, with the new system being installed during the ongoing season, but we couldn’t have assembled a better, more experienced team to get the job done.”

BRANDS: Musco Lighting | WEBSITE: www.musco.com

EQUIPSON | Q&A

Juan José Vila, COO & CMO

Give us an introduction to Equipson… Equipson was established in Spain in 1995 with the aim of developing and selling audio products for professional live sound applications.

It was founded by Jose Vila, who had more than 20 years of experience in the live sound business. The company was always focused on international business. Nowadays, Equipson is a group of companies that own several brands, with each one focused on a different vertical product range.

What do you provide for stadiums and sporting events?

We provide audio equipment for many sport venues, with loudspeakers for audio distribution being our strongest product range. Many historic stadia have installed our Neo speakers in their indoor spaces, and in recent years we have been developing a growing range of outdoor products such as our WFS range, which are designed for long throw applications, and UDA, which are ideal for situations where intelligibility is an important requirement. Alongside this, our NEO range now also has a good selection of outdoor IP versions.

In 2017 we launched a new product division, that focuses on lighting control products, along with a new brand – LightShark. This team creates innovative controllers that can be managed live or remote controlled. The controllers have the capacity for 8 DMX universes and are a great choice for sport venues.

Tell us more about your audio products and how they suit the sporting venue market?

Our main emphasis with audio products is distributed sound, so series like our successful NEO loudspeaker range are a great choice for sport venue. Also good for this market is the recently

introduced ATHOS R. These products have the same sound quality as the classic ATHOS range but are made from a new polymer material that is as strong and weather resistant as fiberglass, but much more sustainable. UDA are another range of loudspeakers that feature an aluminium enclosure and are designed specifically for applications where speech intelligibility is important. This makes them ideal for voice messages, evacuation, etc. Also, because they have a metal frame, they are more fire resistant, and of course they are also suitable for outdoor environments because they have IP65 certification.

For mid and long throw applications – a feature that is in demand with sports venues – we have the WFS series. This now has a hybrid enclosure made from rotomolded plastic and wood rather than fiberglass.

Finally, we have our Blueline digital audio distribution system across ethernet, which is a great product for people who need multizone control of multiples sources. This also includes control signals for third party devices.

Can you elaborate on your lighting control products, too?

Our Lightshark ranges offer a different concept for lighting control because it has a full web based user interface. This means you can control it from literally anywhere. LightShark lighting DMX controllers offers up to 8 universes and a powerful effects engine. The LS Core is, in fact, the smallest 8 universe full console on the market and it can be installed in a ¼ rack space. It allows you to remote control from the Internet, as well, and offers a calendar to trigger events on determined dates.

All our LightShark products that use ethernet technology can be controlled by third party controllers and they can also interact with OSC control.

You offer multi-protocol control, with your LS-Wing able to control almost any AV device – is this popular in the stadium and arena industry?

LS Wing was launched during the pandemic and is now being introduced in the market, but we are very excited about its potential as it is a unique concept. Thanks to its open versatility, it can control almost any AV device in the market that has an ethernet interface. There are many possible applications for LS Wing and stadia and venues are among them.

Is the integration side of your business a big part of what you offer for stadiums and sporting events?

Yes. In the beginning, 26 years ago, our company started making live sound products, but, in the last decade, we moved to more integrated solutions - and nowadays it is our core. That´s why we reinforce our presence at integration shows like ISE or InfoComm

Do you have any new products suited to the sporting venue market?

WFS and Athos R series have been redesigned to make them more sustainable products and keep the features that makes them popular in that market. BlueLine, our AoIP distributed audio

solution, is now being redesigned to adapt it to the new chipsets that are coming, so you will soon see more products related to this.

Also, our company, FANTEK, which makes truss structures, is working on a range of products that are focused on this market. My advice is ‘stay tuned’ because we are going to launch some interesting new things soon.

Which sporting venue projects have you worked on in the past?

Bilbao Arena is a recent installation that incorporates our Fantek products.

We also had an extraordinary experience with the Davis Cup in 2018 when we empowered our Spanish team with our Arion 210 Line Array system. That was installed in the Valencia Bullfight arena, which was an incredibly experience.

Our WFS mid throw loudspeakers have also been installed at a water sports arena in Pula, Croatia.

Do you have any sporting venue projects coming up? Yes, but, unfortunately, we are not allowed to reveal what they are at this stage…

How did Equipson adapt to the difficulties in the industry over the past couple of years?

I think there were several facts that allowed us to reduce the damage caused by the pandemic. Firstly, we ae not just focused on the live sound market – we also cover the installation market, so we were able to continue our work in that area. Secondly, we have always reinvested our profits in the company, so when sales started to reactivate, our warehouse had a good level of stock which was an advantage over our competitors. Finally, the company was in good financial health and that was critical factor when it came to resisting the effects of the pandemic.

What are the aims for Equipson over the next few years?

We are making deep changes to our Work Pro audio brand and these will become apparent in 2023. FANTEK is experiencing good growth and we have been working on new products that will make the brand much more visible internationally. With LightShark, we did a very difficult thing by creating awareness and demand for our products in a very short timeframe – and in the most important markets in the world. It now has its own personality as a brand and we will be consolidating that in coming years. We are very excited about the future, with these encouraging challenges.

How do you see technology and integration for stadiums and sporting events developing in the future?

On the audio side, AVoIP will brings many possibilities in many different areas inside sporting venues. I am also seeing stadia being equipped with much more spectacular lighting - and I hope this trend continues.

What is your favourite sporting venue you’ve worked on?

As I said before, it was a temporary installation, but it was significantly emotional for me. I am talking about the Davis Cup in 2018 when Spain played Germany. It was one of the last occasions when we saw the best generation of Spanish tennis players in history. The place, an historic bullfighting venue, was converted into a tennis court and, of course, Spain won. This was in my home town, too, and that was special. I still get excited when I think about it.

www.equipson.es www.fantek.es www.lightshark.es

VENUE TECH DIRECTORY

A closer look at some of the latest, state-of-the-art technology for sporting venues.

MESHLINK - THE NEW WIRELESS BROADCAST SOLUTIONS

www.mesh-link,de

• IP mesh wireless video transmission system for live broadcast in stadia or any event location

• Super-low latency (down to 45 ms in HD and 75 ms in 4K)

• Mesh functionality: A radio is a transmitter, receiver and repeater at the same time – offering save and uninterrupted signal transmission in non-line-of-sight situations and congested environments

• 1 to 4 HD encoding channels (4 channels coming soon) on one frequency only

• Makes use of existing IP infrastructure to enhance networks and can be managed from any access point via user-friendly GUI without touching the system on the side of the pitch

SPECIAL VERSION STADIUM LOUDSPEAKERS

D&B AUDIOTECHNIK

www.dbaudio.com/global/en/solutions/custom-solutions/

• In a stadium setting sound must reach thousands of spectators from the very first to the very last rows; an area often exceeding 90°. This is why d&b has developed SVS (Special Version Stadium) loudspeakers with the following features:

• Universal mounting points: SVS loudspeakers can be mounted under roofs or catwalks,

• SVS loudspeakers are designed for permanent outdoor use and include nano coating, as well as cable glands to protect from the elements

• Using threaded inserts instead of integral rigging, cabinets are mechanically supported by side plates and metal brackets designed to

• Individual loudspeakers can be removed from the array without needing to take down or disassemble the array

IS SERIES WEATHERIZED

ADAMSON

www.adamsonsystems.com

• Compact line array, point source loudspeakers and subwoofers designed for use on cruise ships, in stadia and other outdoor permanent installations that face extreme weather conditions

• The IS Weatherized includes the same audio performance as the trusted IS Series, but features structural steel elements that are made of a high yield strength stainless alloy that offers 100% corrosion resistance. These new models also include an interior and exterior coating with a distinctive smooth finish that provides a water resistant seal and allows for easy cleaning and removal of dirt, grime, salt water or sand

• Cabinets are rated to IP55 while connectors are rated to IP68

• External rigging can be designed with covers on the upper side for additional protection from rain ingress and are designed to accommodate wind loads and seismic activity, ensuring the utmost structural safety

• Single subwoofers or small subwoofer arrays can be flown, circumventing the use of a top and bottom mounting frame

ARCADIA™ CENTRAL STATION CLEAR-COM

www.clearcom.com/arcadia-ip-intercom/

• All the Intercom you need - Scalable IP platform integrates wired and wireless partyline systems, including all FreeSpeak™ products

• Integrates with complete audio system via third-party Dante devices

• System is configured in a redesigned Core Configuration Manager (CCM™) enabling rapid setup, configuration and monitoring

• Scalable – port licenses are available in increments of 16, starting at 32 ports for the base system

• Future-proof platform, with more features being added, including HelixNet integration coming soon

ALL-IN-ONE SMART LED DISPLAY DAKTRONICS

www.daktronics.com/en-us/products/video-displays/videowall/all-in-one-smart-led-display

• In a world full of digital experiences, it is important to harness technology. Daktronics displays empower can employees to work smarter, entertain spectators to create life-long memories and share important messages to audiences of all sizes. Our displays have been designed to fit any size, space, or application.

• Installs in a Day: Installed completely from the front of the display with manual X/Y/Z axis adjustment, as well as digital correction to ensure a flawless installation. All system components including LED modules, power supplies and driver electronics are also accessible from the front.

• Hassle Free Operation: Equipped with plug-and-play HDMI inputs remote-controlled on-screen user settings make it suitable for any application.

• Premium Image Quality: Featured with direct-view 3-in-1 SMD LED technology to deliver the rich colour performance, high brightness levels and ultra-wide viewing angles that distinguish it from competing visualization solutions.

• Slim Profile: W ith bezel-free options starting at 110 inches, this technology picks up where LCD ends and outshines projectors with high brightness and crisp sharpness.

ENGAGE WITH VOICE VOLARA

volara.io

• Venue differentiation: Offer an alternative and new experience to engage and entertain your fans

• Improve suite service: Provide a higher level of service and experience for fans. Share venue information including the nearest store, restroom, or wifi.

• Customize suite experience: Offer fans personalized sponsor greetings, highlight the team, suite-holder or sponsor events and products.

• Drive additional revenues: Mention special offers and in-game promotions to entice your suite guests. Suggest custom offers or sponsor provided services.

• Excite sponsors: Offer sponsors an additional channel to promote their brand and offer upsell opportunities.

• Proven partner: Volara is a sister company to Tripleplay, who has been delivering IPTV and Digital Signage in stadia and arena across the globe for over a decade

OPAL – THE VERSATILE LED PLATFORM ROE VISUAL

www.roevisual.com/opal

• Opal is a versatile LED platform conceptualized to aid designers in creating out-of-the-box designs. Its adaptable design, based on 300x300mm square LED modules, translates into various frame dimensions which can be combined like Lego blocks, making room for artistic, immersive displays that are out of the ordinary

• Install the Opal LED modules where you can imagine them. The universal Opal modules are designed to accommodate either a flat or curved, zerobezel LED canvas. With solutions for hanging, stacking, or wall-mounted options, the Opal LED modules can be placed in any environment to create eye-catching and immersive effects

• No compromises on your visuals. The Opal LED panel platform stands out with a stunning visual performance. Using black LEDs, the Opal LED canvas has a high contrast ratio and a wide colour gamut, delivering a highdefinition viewing experience with unmatched color accuracy

• Are you looking for perfectly aligned, seamless, and flat LED walls? The Opal LED platform stands out with a flawless LED canvas. Due to highprecision engineering and manufacturing, the tolerances of the mounting frame are very low, giving perfect results

• Common cathode technology guarantees 25% energy reduction and a continuous, stable, colour-consistent LED performance under all circumstances

SK-F LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

AUDIO PERFORMANCE

www.audio-performance.com/products/sk-f

• Compact three-way (two-way active) fully hor n-loaded design

• Active or self-powered options

• Arrayable: H 45° x V 50°

• Flat and smooth frequency response from 60hz to 20Khz +/-3dB

• SPL max: 140dB

SECURITY SCREENING

EVOLV TECHNOLOGY

www.evolvtechnology.com

• A leader in advanced weapons detection for security screening, securing the world’s most iconic venues and companies

• Evolv’s mission is enabling a better experience and better security for venues, creating a safer world to work, learn, and play by transforming physical security to make everywhere safer

• Gives sports fans, theme park visitors, concertgoers, shoppers, employees, students, and others peace of mind so that they can gather without fear of violence

• Security screening has scanned more than 100 million people

• Evolv technology combines powerful, advanced sensors with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to reliably detect threats 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors

No Matter How They Play

the

You Can Do Business On Two Continents

No Matter How They Play the Game, You Can Do Business On Two Continents

Game,

Leading the Premium Seat Industry since 1990

Leading the Premium Seat Industry since 1990

32ND ANNUAL

32ND ANNUAL

CONFERENCE and TRADESHOW

CONFERENCE and TRADESHOW

JULY 10-12, 2022

JULY 10-12, 2022

MARRIOTT MARQUIS NEW YORK CITY

MARRIOTT MARQUIS NEW YORK CITY

100+ Speakers

100+ Booths

100+ Speakers 100+ Booths

Full Conference Pass includes:

Full Conference Pass includes:

32th Annual ALSD Conference

32th Annual ALSD Conference

9th Annual Design & Build Forum

9th Annual Design & Build Forum

State-of-the-Art Venue Tours

State-of-the-Art Venue Tours

Europe’s only event dedicated to the PREMIUM SEAT & HOSPITALITY sector

Europe’s only event dedicated to the PREMIUM SEAT & HOSPITALITY sector

An event featuring 50+ speakers, behind-the-scenes venue tours, plus networking events

An event featuring 50+ speakers, behind-the-scenes venue tours, plus networking events

September 19-20, 2022

September 19-20, 2022

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

For more information about both events: alsd.com and alsdinternational.com

For more information about both events: alsd.com and alsdinternational.com

EVENT DIARY

2022/23

EVENT DIARY

NAB Show 23rd - 27th April, Las Vegas nabshow.com

2020/21

Prolight + Sound 26th - 29th April, Frankfurt pls.messefrankfurt.com

ISE 10th - 13th May, Barcelona iseurope.org

Football Business Networking Event 19th May, Sheffield footballtradedirectory.com

Hosts & Federations Summit

7th - 9th June, Lausanne majoreventsinternational.com

InfoComm 4th - 10th June, Las Vegas infocommshow.org

Football Business Networking Event 7th July, Manchester footballtradedirectory.com

ALSD Conference & Tradeshow 10th - 12th July, New York alsd.com

Football Business Networking Event 8th September, Leeds footballtradedirectory.com

IBC Show

9th - 12th September, Amsterdam show.ibc.org

ALSD International 19th - 20th September, London alsdinternational.com

WFS Europe 28th - 29th September, Seville worldfootballsummit.com

SPORTEL Monaco 24th - 26th October, Monaco sportelmonaco.com

Football Business Networking Event 3rd November, Glasgow footballtradedirectory.com

MONDO | STADIA presents AGORA February 2023, Barcelona mondostadia-agora.com

PIONEER GROUP

Over A Decade of Providing Exceptional Support to Stadia

Last year marked Pioneer Group’s 10th year of trading; we sat down with them to find out why they have been so successful in their field and why the stadia are turning to them to support their audiovisual and electrical projects.

Pioneer Group was founded in 2011 by Paul Childerhouse and Chris Appleyard, both keen sports fans with decades of experience in the audiovisual market. They saw a need for a dedicated supplier that understood the challenges faced by sports clubs, stadiums and venues. What is the reason behind the company’s success in the sporting venue industry?

“We knew that understanding individual clients’ needs and developing bespoke solutions to best support venues would be paramount to the success of the stadiums we worked with. There are so many different factors at play for these venues. Understanding those different factors and being able to share knowledge was always going to be key to providing fans with a great experience and venues with solutions that could provide not only a great atmosphere, but also a return on investment,” explained Paul.

“When we set up the business back in 2011, we did it out of a passion for both sport and AV. Now, we have 62 employees and a client base that includes Manchester City Football Club, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Brentford FC, Fulham FC, as well as a retail arm that supports brands like

KFC and Joe and the Juice, as well as a growing division for digital out-of-home.”

Pioneer Group, unlike other audiovisual companies, have always taken a connected approach to AV solutions, electrical contracting and network infrastructure, which they implement across all their divisions (Stadia, Hospitality, Retail, Public Sector, and corporate settings) and this sets them apart as a go-to supplier for audiovisual installations within stadia specifically.

Pioneer Group have a formidable reputation for their ability to deliver complete turnkey solutions, managing all aspects of the delivery under a single project team. They pride themselves on ensuring they deliver a total digital transformation solution and, as such, work with a wide range of leading manufacturers.

Chris added: “Our approach is anchored in the customer’s success. We don’t start with the technology; we begin by examining the needs, wants, and spaces before designing a solution. This way, we always ensure that the customer gets the right solution to support them moving forward and provide an exceptional experience.

“When we work with a sports club, we are often coming in after a stadium has been built or refurbished and there are multiple hurdles we need to overcome in order to give the client the best solution. We don’t just hang LED screens and leave!

“Regardless of project size, we support every

part of the process, from start to finish, including ongoing management to ensure a lasting harmony between the solutions we provide and those they impact.”

Within stadia, you would struggle to find a company that understands LED to the level the owners of Pioneer Group do; listening to them explain the technology is an exciting prospect, such is their passion and enthusiasm for it and its future.

We asked Gerry Fredericks, Head of Growth at Pioneer Group, what he thought the future holds for Pioneer Group within the sporting venue sector.

“The key to building the right solutions for our customers stems from understanding the design elements, the goals of the businesses we’re working with and enhancing customer experiences. This means collaboration right from the start. There’s a spectrum of contributorsessential - from the architectural planning and design phases, to construction, engineering, project management and subject matter expertise. We’re all mindful of the need to build smarter and more sustainable solutions to achieve climate impact reductions. Pioneer Group brings the intellectual capital to the table - proven experience, capability and reference ability.

“We have bold and ambitious plans to grow our market share - fan and customer experience is transforming at pace. It’s not just about the

technology anymore - it’s about building an immersive, truly memorable experience for fans. It has to be something that will keep them wanting to come back time and time again and share with their friends. Our ecosystem continues to evolve. Partnerships will drive the incremental values our customers are seeking.

“We are currently involved in a number of high-profile engagements, all built around these principles and anticipate the market will react positively to these initiatives, helping both Pioneer Group and our customers transform their business to the next levels of success.”

The business operates from two UK locations - the head office in Stockport, Manchester and a second in Reading, Berkshire. Both offices provide full operations, engineering and warehousing, making them ideally located to offer a local relationship to clubs and companies across the country.

Their customer list is extremely comprehensive and includes household names and blue-chip enterprises, as well as public sector organisations, which includes the MOD. What is clear from speaking to them is the pride they take in their work and how many of their customers hold long-standing relationships with them. As a business, they are very proud of the worldfamous sports clubs they have supported, installing and managing solutions for some of the UK’s largest stadiums. This is a company that works with their clients rather than supplying to them - and this is evident when you speak to the owners.

www.pioneergroup.co.uk

EXPERIENCE THE Excitement

Daktronics displays are engineered for industry-leading visual and operational performance. Our product features top-quality, high-brightness LED technology to deliver exceptional color depth, contrast level and viewing angles driven by Daktronics proprietary processing to optimize image detail, colors and motion clarity.