mondo | stadia - Issue 03

ASIAN GAMES 2018

FLENS-ARENA

RICARDO RONDON

LIGHTING FOCUS

We take a look at the event’s infrastructure, as well as the incredible lighting design at the ceremonies.

ASC enhance the visual element of the Flensburg venue, with the installation of state-of-the-art Absen LED displays.

HKS Architects’ Regional Director for Latin America discusses his career and the upcoming León Stadium project.

Impressive projects and innovative products from the world of lighting are covered in our latest focus.

ISSUE 03 - DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018/19

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

03

Olympic Games Opening Ceremony - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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03 WELCOME

s ever, the summer has delivered some incredible sporting events - and we’ve taken a closer look at the incredible work that has gone into the infrastructure and innovative technology used.

Firstly, the Asian Games saw Indonesia host the event across two cities, starting and ending with mesmerising ceremonies. We take an in-depth look at the work of GL events in building the event, through to the use of Robe fixtures inside the stadium. For the ITTF European Table Tennis Championships, Fantek were tasked with providing the structure for the event, transforming the venue to deliver an amazing tournament.

Elsewhere, the Invictus Games saw state-of-the-art lighting, audio and communications systems installed ahead of an inspiring week of sporting action.

Looking forward to next year, you may have seen some of our promotion for AGORA - a brand new event for 2019, presented by MONDO | STADIA. Focussing on sporting venue technology, the latest developments in the industry and future projects, the half-day conference will explore the benefits of the latest technology, trends and techniques - analysing the impact it has and will have at modern sporting venues. Taking place at ISE 2019, Amsterdam, AGORA will offer sporting venue managers and event organisers the chance to network with technology innovators and industry experts. There will be panel discussions, case studies and keynote speakers, followed by a networking lunch. Spaces are limited, so be sure to preregister for tickets here: www.mondostadia-agora.com Finally, I hope you all have a great Christmas - see you in 2019!

A

Sam Hughes Editor

ASIAN GAMES 2018

FLENS-ARENA

RICARDO RONDON

LIGHTING FOCUS

We take a look at the event’s infrastructure, as well as the incredible lighting design at the ceremonies.

ASC enhance the visual element of the Flensburg venue, with the installation of state-of-the-art Absen LED displays.

HKS Architects’ Regional Director for Latin America discusses his career and the upcoming León Stadium project.

Impressive projects and innovative products from the world of lighting are covered in our latest focus.

ISSUE 03 - DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018/19

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

ISSUE 03 - DECEMBER | JANUARY 2018/19 WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

Cover image courtesy of Blackmagic Design Editor Sam Hughes s.hughes@mondiale.co.uk

Deputy Editor Emma Bilardi e.bilardi@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Intern Emma Davidson Senior Account Manager Jamie Dixon j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

Account Manager Laura Iles l.iles@mondiale.co.uk

Production Zoe Willcox z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk

Mel Capper

03 INSIDE…

TEAM TALK

006 Gary Rosen, Pliant Technologies

VENUE FOCUS AUDIO

054 Teddy Stadium | Jerusalem, Israel

060 Coop Norrbotten Arena | Luleå, Sweden

062 Szczecinek Stadium | Szczecinek, Poland

m.capper@mondiale.co.uk

DRAWING BOARD

Managing Editor Rachael Rogerson-Thorley

010 Miami Freedom Park | Miami, USA

068 Newmarket Racecourse | Suffolk, England

012 London Stadium | London, England

LIGHTING

014 Nemzeti Atletikai Kozpont | Budapest, Hungary

074 Eden Park | Auckland, New Zealand

r.rogerson-thorley@mondiale.co.uk

078 Invictus Games | Sydney, Australia

CEO Justin Gawne j.gawne@mondiale.co.uk

VIDEO

KICK OFF

084 Flens Arena | Flensberg, Germany

016 Lighting Focus

BROADCAST

Finance Director Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

064 Infinite Energy Arena | Georgia, USA

092 Liberty Stadium | Swansea, Wales TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

INTERVIEW

098 European Table Tennis Championships | Alicante,

Credit Control

028 Ricardo Rondon, HKS Architects

Spain

ar@mondiale.co.uk

036 Paul Robson, Medialease

Group Chairman Damian Walsh MONDO | STADIA is published by Mondiale Publishing Limited, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK Tel: +44 161 476 8340

THE FULL PITCH 040 Asian Games | Jakarta & Palembang, Indonesia 048 Bonus Arena | Hull, England

EXTRA TIME 104 FBT 106 DiGiCo 107 QSC 108 UK Sports & Venues Summit | London 110 Connected Stadium Summit | Amsterdam

Printed By Buxton Press WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

112 Event Diary 114 Full Time

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TEAM TALK

GARY ROSEN, PLIANT TECHNOLOGIES Managing Wireless Communications Needs for Sporting Events

Images: Pliant Technologies ports venues and events can

circumstances, new technology innovations

always gotten everything you wanted, but what

take many shapes, and often,

assist with these options and allow greater fan

you had approved to use was reasonably secure

the venue and event staff’s

involvement and success.

and you had a good chance of your gear working

technology choices greatly impact

Working in a profession where RF plays an

well.

the success or failure on a production level,

ever-increasing role means that we must share

It’s easy to overlook the physical environment

and can even have an effect on the game itself.

limited available RF space along with other

we work in. Outdoor stadiums have a very

The technology choices for any single event

equipment that have differing functions and

different effect on RF signals than an enclosed

can often directly impact each other. This

objectives. A decade ago, there was less wireless

covered stadium with 100,000 fans inside.

fact is easily overlooked when personnel are

gear and more available spectrum, making for

Enclosed stadiums tend to make signals more

responsible for accommodating local fans in the

a simpler life. In the past, frequencies of each

reflective and more prone to the issues related

stadium and fans who participate remotely via

operator’s gear were submitted to a central

to multipath interaction. In addition, every

broadcast, narrowcast or streaming. While it is a

coordinator, who reviewed each frequency, and

device deployed for game day will affect every

complex undertaking to manage these dynamic

then approved the devices. You may not have

other device at some level and could result in

S

007

TEAM TALK

008

a variety of issues. This could be as simple as a

excellent choice but is non-compliant in most

for successful shows with a lot of RF devices.

frequency conflict. Other issues could be more

other places around the globe. The 1.9GHz

Many devices can coexist in the same frequency

complicated, such as non-intentional secondary

band is in common use in many countries but

domain and get along nicely.

RF sources creating RF noise (like a poor quality

has much more limited bandwidth in North

So what is the solution? Unlike the past, power

LED wall) or just a wealth of RF devices creating

America than in Europe, where it has about

no longer wins. Carefully placed RF ‘Zones’

an overall noise floor across a wide range of

twice the bandwidth. In addition, there are

localised to where the wireless coverage is

frequencies.

several manufacturers that use the 1.9GHz

needed is the order of today. Systems with

Then there are priorities. Of course the coaches

band where if more than one device of a kind is

multiple transceiver capability are mission

and game day playing staff are the first priority,

being used, in the same venue at the same time,

critical in order to get the connectivity you need,

or are they? Ask the broadcasters that are

they can be subject to interaction problems.

and working where you need it. Attempting to

paying millions of dollars for the rights to

The 2.4GHz band is a worldwide band but is

extend the reach of RF signals today through

broadcast the game or the band that highlights

often misunderstood as being only “Wi-Fi”

the din of so many RF uncoordinated devices all

the halftime show as to who has priority. What

or too crowded. There are also some UHF and

working in one area will continue to get harder

about stadium security, medical assistance, and

VHF devices that can offer good solutions but

and harder. Localisation of RF signals more than

support? These priorities can not only conflict,

do require significantly more RF expertise and

frequency choice is the reality of getting your

but they also can change in real-time during the

coordination.

job done today.

game.

The fact is, it’s not just what frequency you are

What this all means is - it’s time to go back to

To make matters much worse, today’s

on that matters most. The key factor is what

the basics. Don’t just dismiss a new tool without

frequency choices for productions are limited

devices you are using and what those devices

trying it. It may not fit with what you think you

along with the fact that the definition of what

are doing with the signal within that frequency

know, but it may fit well with what you need in

a frequency means has changed. For example,

band. Frequency numbers no longer mean

order to get your job done. If RF is under your

three relatively new yet common RF bands

much as a standalone indicator. Techniques

control, it’s time to reload your tool box and

now in use are 900MHz, 1.9GHz, and 2.4GHz. It

like frequency hopping (FHSS), redundant

understand all the new solutions available to

would be easy to say, ‘I’ll use this band or that

data transmission, systems capable of perfect

you and how they can serve you well. You may

band.’ What is not easy is that the definition of

synchronisation with other systems to avoid

be happily surprised.

what a device is doing will change depending

conflicts, RF designs to avoid multipath signal

on where you are in the world. For example,

interference, and Time Domain Multiple Access

in North America the 900MHz band is an

(TDMA) all create wonderful opportunities

WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

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29/10/18 10:01 am

MIAMI FREEDOM PARK AND SOCCER VILLAGE Miami, USA

Conceptual renderings: Arquitectonica / Internacional Club de Fútbol Miami

ootball legend and President of Inter Miami CF, David Beckham has made a major step towards building a new home in Miami for the team, following a public vote that approved the project.

The vote - which took place on 6 November 2018 - invited Miami to decide whether city officials can negotiate a no-bid lease deal for Beckham’s soccer stadium for the city.

The former England captain wants to transform the site of Melreese Country Club, located next to Miami International Airport, into a complex dedicated to his new professional football team Club Internacional Club de Fútbol Miami - or Inter Miami. It would include a 25,000-seat stadium, along with a 23-hectare park, a hotel, shopping precinct and public sports grounds.

While the vote does not confirm the park, it is certainly a huge move forward for Beckham, who, since his retirement in 2013, has been working to realise his dream of owning a Major League Soccer team.

However, proposals for a home venue have been stalled by rejected planning applications, deals falling through and resistance from locals.

If negotiations with the city are successful, Miami Freedom Park and Soccer Village is slated for completion in 2021.

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Earlier this year, Beckham confirmed that the team will be named Internacional Club de Fútbol Miami, and signified by a black and pink crest. The team, which is now expected to begin playing in 2020, will be the region’s first in the soccer league since Fort Lauderdale-based Miami Fusion stopped in 2001.

Beckham and Mas have enlisted Miami firm, Arquitectonica, to plan and design the complex. In addition to the 10.5-acre, 25,000-seat soccer stadium that anchors the plan, Freedom Park could contain 23-acres of soccer fields, 3,750 parking spots, 600,000 sq ft of restaurant and retail space, 750 hotel rooms, and 400,000 sq ft of offices.

In the updated renderings, Arquitectonica has included a playground, skate park, and golf facility on the city-owned portion of the park, which, if built, would be constructed with public funding. The curving canopies of the stadium, which swirl around the open field and resemble an aperture, will extend out to beyond the building proper and cover other public areas.

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LONDON STADIUM London, UK

W

est Ham have reached an out-of-court settlement with landlords, E20.

The two parties confirmed that an agreement has been reached towards the London Stadium’s capacity being increased to 66,000.

“Subject to regulatory permissions, the club will be able to sell up to 60,000 tickets for their games as soon as possible,” said a joint statement.

It is believed that the Premier League club will pay some additional costs.

However, it is thought both they and E20 - the organisation responsible for the stadium on matchdays - will receive financial benefits. The legal costs for the case were set to run into millions of pounds.

“Both parties are delighted to have taken the first step towards the stadium reaching its potential of up to 66,000 capacity, to their mutual benefit, and would see it become the largest in London and the second largest in the Premier League,” added the joint statement.

“The increase in capacity will also make the London Stadium a more

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attractive proposition for a potential naming rights partner.

“The agreement brings with it more funding for E20 and significant additional revenue for West Ham United on matchdays - a deal that works for everyone.”

When The Hammers first agreed to move into the stadium that was used for the Olympics, the club thought that the capacity would reach 66,000 - however, since they left the Bolyn Ground, it has been restricted to 57,000.

The club’s Vice-Chairman, Karren Brady, has led the efforts to find a solution and it is felt her positive relationship with E20 Chief Executive, Lyn Garner, has been a major factor in the latest development.

The joint statement said: “West Ham United and E20 will now work together to maximise this magnificent stadium for the benefit of fans, our community and the public purse. Both parties are fully committed to making the London Stadium the jewel in London’s crown that we all know it can be.”

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NEMZETI ATLÉTIKAI KÖZPONT Budapest, Hungary

Conceptual renderings: Kiemelt Kormányzati Beruházások Központja

ack when Budapest were competing for the 2024 Olympics, a 50,000-seat stadium was proposed along the Jen Kvassay street in south Budapest - almost at the Danube waterfront.

Plans for a national athletics stadium in the Hungarian capital have always been on the agenda.

Amid public pressure, Hungary eventually withdrew its Olympic bid in early 2017. However, the plans for a new stadium were not immediately shelved due to another bid for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2023.

After Budapest withdrew from staging the Olympics in 2017, a competition wa held to design a new national stadium with a running track on the very same site that was proposed for the Olympics. For the the World Championship, it was to hold 55,000 people and later be scalable down to 15,000.

The winning entry came from Napur Architect, though this was later modified. In its first iteration, the stadium was designed in a way that saw the roof removed following the main event, while, in the new design, it retains all of it. The spacious canopy covered with polycarbonate, or similar translucent material, would be built utilising the same, efficient tensile cable technology known from many modern venues.

The final capacity was eventually downsized to 40,000, though it is still scalable to 15,000. Once the temporary upper tier is removed, the stadium would be left with a circular plateau, expected to be filled with publiclyavailable leisure areas.

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Protected from rain, while remaining airy and sunny, the plateau would offer a training running track around the stands Budapest was awarded the 2023 IAAF World Athletics Championships at the IAAF Council in Monaco on 4 December, which means that the World Championships will return to European soil after a six-year hiatus, following Doha in 2019 and Eugene in 2021.

Budapest is an experienced organiser of major athletics events, having hosted the IAAF World Indoor Championships in 1989 and 2004 - making it one of just two cities to have staged the event twice. The city has also hosted both the European Athletics Championship - in 1966 and 1998 - and the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 1983 and 1988. Budapest has also been awarded the title of European Capital of Sport for 2019.

“In the past 30 years, Hungary has organised every single world and European Championships, indoor and out - on the road, cross country available to us except for the World Athletics Championships, and we are incredibly proud that this collection will be complete in just under five years’ time,” said European Athletics Council member, Marton Gyulai, CEO of the Bid Committee for Budapest 2023.

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KICK OFF | LIGHTING A closer look at products and projects from the world of lighting...

STUBHUB CENTER NILA SPORTS When the LA Galaxy team took to the field on 15 July, they did so on the very first Major League Soccer field lit entirely with LED lights. Nila Sports designed and installed an LED lighting system that utilises 62% less energy while providing brighter, more uniform, colour correct lighting that’s pleasing to both players and fans.

Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) needed to make a big change away from the powerhungry metalhalide fixtures it’d been using since the facility opened in 2003. It auditioned a number of LED manufacturers and chose Nila because the SL100 fixtures met all of its requirements both on and off the field. “We are proud to be the first stadium in Major League Soccer to install these state-of-the-art lights,” said StubHub Center General Manager Katie Pandolfo. “The benefits of using LED lights at our facility are twofold: dramatically enhancing event presentation for both fans and broadcast while operating in a more energy efficient manner. We are excited 016

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to continue to implement innovative and sustainable energy ideas at StubHub Center.”

A total of 308 daylight balanced SL100 fixtures replaced 396 metal halide lights using existing mounting positions and power distribution at the facility. Nila also managed the proper disposal of the toxic metal halide lamps and found a localrecycle partner to recycle all of the metal fixtures that were removed. Each SL100 fixture is fully dimmable and individually controlled, allowing for even greater savings down the road. The new Nila system produces beautiful, flickerfree light for clearer broadcast images and rocksolid instant replays. In addition, Nila’s fixtures are designed to require no maintenance over their estimated 60,000-hour lifetimes, adding to the already significant savings for AEG. www.nilasports.com

KICK OFF

SUNTRUST PARK ETC SunTrust Park is the newest home for the Atlanta Braves, an American Major League Baseball team located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The stadium was years in the planning, with the Braves committed to creating an unparalleled game-day experience for all fans, with exceptional lighting throughout the stadium - including on the field, in luxury suites, stadium restaurants, fan activity areas, and even back of house. To bring this customised, highquality lighting experience to life, SunTrust Park turned to ETC and their comprehensive lines of controls and lighting systems.

During games, an ETC Unison Paradigm and Mosaic system controls field and stadium lighting. The sequences from Mosaic - including chases and dazzle effects - highlight in-game moments, while ETC’s Paradigm system is able to dim everything from luxury suites to field lighting to generate excitement during non-game show elements like player introductions.

The design by ME Engineers ensured that everything worked in sync, with a big assist from local ETC rep Ardd + Winter and local integrator Inglett & Stubbs. Working with ETC, they created a system that offered touchscreen control over the whole stadium from two 18-inch touchscreens. A combination of push-button Inspire stations and Paradigm touchscreens

located throughout the facility offer localised control for individual areas, while still letting centralised control take over where necessary. Luxury boxes, for example, use ETC’s Unison Echo system for local control, but when stadium-wide lighting events need to dim rooms, the Paradigm system can still place the suites into an appropriate look to not distract from the show.

On any job of this size, competition over every aspect is fierce - but ETC beat out some of the largest companies in the world thanks to this customisation and the safety listings on its power distribution solutions. When one worldwide corporation made an aggressive pitch for the relay panel/switching and control portions of the project ETC won the day thanks to the fact that only its panels met the emergency requirements.

With a project the size of a stadium, the ability of operators to easily navigate the control system is a necessity. Luckily, ETC’s control systems are extremely customisable. ETC and ME Engineers created a branded, visual control system for every area system, leading one consultant on the job to declare it the best menu system they’ve ever worked with, making sure both stadium operators and fans had a superior experience. www.etcconnect.com 017

KICK OFF

ASTROBALLE VILLEURBANNE PHAROS Hosting over 30 games every year, Astroballe Villeurbanne is one of the largest basketball arenas in Lyon, France. The professionals of ASVEL basketball team have played in front of thousands in Villeurbanne since 1995.

With over 5,600 seats in the arena, the arena currently stands at sixth place in the national hierarchy.

Asvel Basket, more commonly known as Asvel is a French professional basketball team located in the city of Villeurbanne, in the suburbs if Lyon.

To create suitable lighting for HD cameras, the light required an upgrade that did not only create perfect lighting but also allowed the arena to add show elements as well.

AAA-LUX is a manufacturer of LED floodlights, and its products were used in the indoor sports arena. Pitch-perfect lighting was developed for its fans and spectators to watch from any tv screen. HD TV ready, the stadium uses 36 AAA-LUX WS-STAD stadium LED luminaires. Resulting in 2,000+ lux vertical lighting with uniformity of over 0.8 from the main camera. The maximum horizontal lighting level is 4,000 lux. This means that with this lighting solution, the lighting projected on to the athletes shows up as clear and precise to all the viewers sitting in the arena or even at home. The benefit of 018

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this meant that the sports arena could support every possible event within the relevant sport and be HD TV lighting standard certified.

LED lights have the benefit over conventional HID luminaires that the intensity can be controlled easily; this is fully adopted and practised at this arena.

The levels can be dimmed to save energy during training or provide full brightness during HD recordings. The system is setup for show elements, giving the audience a thrilling game and show experience combined into one system. AAA-LUX chose a Pharos LPC control system for its reliability and to help combine the stadium lighting with show lighting all in one system. The LPC provides an easy platform to program and recall different looks or apply manual overrides when required. With the Pharos control system, Astroballe has an all-in-one control solution for its lighting installation, that can be fully integrated as required. Another benefit of the Pharos system is that it can cope with DALI fixtures, as used in this venue, as well as DMX fixtures, which are available in the AAA-LUX fixture range as well. www.pharoscontrols.com

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GANGNEUNG OLYMPIC PARK GRIVEN Located in Gangneung Olympic Park, Gangneung Ice Arena is one of six newly-built venues for PyeongChang 2018. It was the first of three ice venues built in Gangneung to be completed at the end of December 2016, well in advance for the 2018 competitions. During the Winter Olympics it hosted the figure skating and short track speed skating events remaining after the event, a permanent legacy facility for local recreational use after the Games’ conclusion. The Gangneung Ice Arena has a capacity of 12,000 seats and houses two 60-metre by 30-metre ice rinks, for competition and training purposes, respectively. With four aboveground and two underground floors, this state-of-the-art venue has been engineered to use a groundbreaking, environmentally friendly ice cooling system, perfectly in line with the green guidelines of the building. Moreover, all the new Olympic venues are reached by a brand new bullet train, which connects them to Seoul airport in less than 70 minutes. In order to further enhance the design and features of the ice arena by night, energy environmentally friendly LED lighting was installed and fully tested at the arena months in advance. A total of 36 units of Powershine MK2 D in RGBW colour configuration with elliptical optics are mounted in

couples on poles located all around the arena at a prefixed distance from each other.

Using a total of 192 powerful RGBW LEDs, POWERSHINE MK2 D is available with a vast choice of optics for the maximum lighting design flexibility. Owing to its double cluster configuration, which offers full independent control of each LED bank, this wall washer allows absolute freedom to create matching or divergent effects on formerly prohibitive large-scale facades and remote spots. The combination of RGBW LEDs provides an unprecedented white light output quality, as well as a wider variety of intermediate colour hues for an even broader range of application purposes. POWERSHINE MK2 D Polar Edition features an integrated de-icing system with electrically heated glass, which assures function even in the most severe cold weather conditions.

The powerful units allow a perfect and even distribution of a bright intense light on the whole perimetral surface of the ice arena, which now stands out whether in uniform monochromatic shades or in a seamlessly fading rainbow chasing colour effect. www.griven.com

MODUS SPORT LED LIGHTING SYSTEM MIDSTREAM Lighting of stadia, arenas and multi-purpose venues demand luminaire technologies that go beyond the simple illumination of areas. When the lights go on, spectators, athletes, sponsors and broadcasters all have their own needs and expectations of the event and the dynamic Modus Sport LED lighting system can satisfy these.

While customers enjoy stunning visuals and flicker-free lighting effects, venue managers can transform the audience experience to any kind of event by utilising the Modus Sport Floodlights’ dynamic control system to enable synchronised light and sound effects, instant on/off for programmable flash effects as well light dimming functionality via DMX controls.

According to the FIFA ‘Football Stadiums: Technical recommendations and requirements’ guide, the delay or cancellation of an event due to loss of power is deemed unacceptable. For venues that require back-up power systems, the installation of a LED lighting system has in comparison to conventional lighting systems a lower energy demand from the generator.

In the event of power-loss and especially in emergency circumstances, conventional lighting will consume the available power of back-up generators and threaten the event experience.

In the worst-case scenario, venue managers face hefty fines and loss of reputation when lights fail.

The fully scalable Modus Sport LED Lighting solution, available with a feature-rich dynamic control system, allowing for remote monitoring, dimming and scene switching, is the perfect match for the technically challenging requirements of professional pitch and track lighting.

The Modus Sport range is the right choice for those that must be ready for the cutting-edge Ultra HD and super Slow Motion broadcast requirements. midstreamlighting.com 020

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KICK OFF

ALTIS LED THORN LIGHTING Lighting for stadia has come a long way in the last few years. LED technology, which has taken over many other areas of lighting, is now powerful enough to match the metal halide floodlights traditionally used to illuminate pitches.

The advantages of LED over traditional lighting are clear: it’s energy efficient, easier to maintain, able to recover immediately after a failure, and allows light to be distributed and controlled more easily. In particular, LED lighting and controls allow an unprecedented level of precision control over lighting in stadia, creating dynamic effects that build a sense of theatre before, during and after a game. This doesn’t just apply to pitch lighting but also to spectator areas, hospitality areas, entrance areas and facades.

Thorn’s Altis LED is a cutting-edge luminaire designed specifically for sport and area lighting. Altis LED offers a whole new perspective on sports lighting, with outstanding performance and high uniformity levels, from a minimal number of light points. It can be seen in action at major venues including the Danube Arena in Budapest and the PalaTrento arena in Trento, Italy.

Altis LED can be equipped with one, two or three LED modules providing a total of up to 176,000 lumens of light. Its flexible optical system enables numerous combinations and configurations, minimising the number of luminaires needed in an installation. Its modular construction provides the possibility to not only mix different optics, but also to tilt each single LED module to

optimise the lighting design process. The product can be dimmed using DALI or DMX. Altis LED’s IP66-rated gearbox can be installed locally to the luminaire, or remotely at a distance of up to 200 metres for more flexibility of installation.

A variety of mounting options are also available.

Altis LED meets and exceeds the increasingly demanding requirements of broadcasters. The product scores 95+ on the TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index), which broadcasters use to evaluate the performance of lighting for television, and it enables TV broadcasters to film super-slow-motion replays with no visible flicker. With flicker of less than 1%, Altis surpasses the requirements of sporting bodies like UEFA and the UK’s Premier League, and the draft European sports lighting standard.

Better, smarter lighting benefits players, fans and broadcasters, with high-quality illumination and visual comfort, glare control, improved clarity and colour for TV viewers, and the ability to enhance the overall experience for spectators.

Altis LED is the perfect demonstration of how lighting is helping venues to revolutionise their events, showing how technology can not only improve stadia, but transform them into something more. www.thornlighting.com 021

KICK OFF

MANDEMAKERS STADION AAA-LUX LED lighting is no longer exclusive to larger stadiums, with a remarkable increase in smaller stadiums and practice fields making the switch, AAA-LUX are making the process as accessible and cost effective as possible.

Generally, LED luminaires are larger and heavier than conventional luminaires, for the transfer of heat a larger surface is needed and with many LED manufacturers, this leads to more mass. As a result, it can be a difficult task to re-use existing masts, and an expensive purchase to replace them. In 2009, AAA-LUX was the first company in the world to come up with a real retrofit solution. To date, they are still the only European manufacturer with such a solution. “Because of this, the existing masts can be used in 90% of all cases.

This makes a huge difference in investment, by which LED lighting becomes accessible for more clubs,” Michel van Dooren, AAA-LUX explained.

RKC Waalwijk, a club from the Dutch second division, are one of the smaller clubs who have made the switch, installing a new lighting system in their stadium that runs completely on LED. “RKC Waalwijk has renovated their stadium to the premier division standards and we wanted to carry this out throughout all our facilities, including the stadium lighting,” Frank van Mosselveld, general manager of RKC Waalwijk, said. “It’s a high quality, 022

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sustainable solution with interesting cost reductions. The existing masts could easily be re-used, provided that no extra weight would be applied to the masts. Due to the lightweight of the AAA-LUX luminaires, this was not a problem and new masts were not necessary. And that is beneficial to the costs.” The Berger Feld training center in Gelsenkirchen Germany, owned by the local Bundesliga club named after the Schalke district, is a good example of effective, interesting LED lighting. With 10 training fields and the renovation of the former Volksparkstadium, rebuilt into a compact stadium for Young-Schalke, there was a clear demand for better lighting. Training sessions are recorded for analysis purposes at many professional football clubs and the flicker free-properties of LED result in better camera recordings. “We took the existing infrastructure, that was designed for conventional lighting and used it for LED lighting. Furthermore, the club can dim the light thanks to the wireless operating system and select the desired level of lighting, which results in a considerable reduction of energy consumption,” Michel concluded. www.aaa-lux-lighting.com

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The innovative SnapMag technology from Cameo Light enables rapid changes of diffusers and filter frames in both models without any additional tools. A variety of different beam angles (25°, 45° and even 100°) and shapes (60° x 10° elliptical) can be easily created. In addition to standard DMX and RDM connections, the LED washlights also feature a built-in 2.4 GHz W-DMX module for wireless transmission and reception of DMX commands. cameolight.com

KICK OFF

T1 PROFILE ROBE The new T1 Profile from Robe is a fixture suitable for Opening and Closing Ceremonies of major events, as well as theatre, television and touring .

Robe’s latest luminaire, the T1 Profile, is specifically designed to fulfill the challenging requirements of very diverse disciplines, in one comprehensive fixture.

The revolutionary new MSL (Multi-Spectral Light) LED light source is impressively bright, yet the T1 Profile is full of theatrical subtlety.

With CMY colour control, and a radical new custom colour creation system and wide ranging CCT control from 2,700K to 8,000K, all variations of colour are possible!

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Medialease finances entertainment technology, stadium and arena fit-outs

and harmonious skin tones so fundamental to theatre and television / film applications.

For television work, there are other features like a plus / minus green channel and a special flicker-free management for use with multiple vision systems and recording formats.

All this is combined with accurate framing shutters, a dynamic focus-tracking zoom, variable frosts, bespoke breakup and aerial gobos, animation wheel and prism, offering total control for finessing and fine-tuning the most demanding of designs Opening and Closing Ceremonies of major events, as well as theatre, television and touring. www.robe.cz

Please contact us to discuss your next project: T: 01327 872531 E: sales@media.lease www.medialease.com

• 20 years of sports and entertainment technology financing • Range of finance options available, including medium and long-term rental, leasing and hire purchase • Projects financed include pitchside replay screens, hospitality areas, public address/voice alarm systems, fire and lighting systems, plus complete stadium fit-outs

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03 INTERVIEW

“We understand the stadium as an architectural icon that will become a substantial part of the team’s history.”

“We have a lot of opportunities in large cricket venues, EFL Championship and Champions League football teams that are realising they’ve got to join the party by updating and improving fan engagement.”

Ricardo Rondon Regional Director - Latin America HKS Architects

Paul Robson Managing Director Medialease

INTERVIEW

RICARDO RONDON Regional Director for Latin America, HKS Firstly, tell us a little bit more about your background…

I am an architect - National University of Mexico - and have been with HKS for 22 years. I opened our Mexico City office 16 years ago after spending six years in our corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, working primarily on sports projects while I was up there.

We decided to open our Mexico office to better serve our clients in the region, where the business culture has its own particularities. We have been a successful practice diversified in different sectors, mainly Health, Hospitality, Corporate and Sports.

What is your role now – and what does that consist of?

I am HKS Regional Director for Latin America, I overview our everyday operation and implementation of HKS design philosophy. In the particular case of the Leon Stadium, I am the Principal in charge.

“Every sports project I have worked on has been a very unique and enriching experience for me.”

Ricardo Rondon

How does a stadium / sporting venue project start for HKS Architects?

The preliminary studies for a sports venue are decisive for the success of its operation. At HKS, we help our client from the very beginning of their projects, from site analysis, market study, premium seating analysis, sponsor and naming rights opportunities and the right inventory of seats and amenities for the location of the new venue. In some occasions though,

What are the main things you have to take into consideration when

we are invited to design or qualification competitions once the preliminary

working on a stadium / sporting venue?

studies are complete and a site selected.

We understand the stadium as an architectural icon that will become a

030

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INTERVIEW

substantial part of the team’s history. We also know that the stadium is

and we want to make sure that they make good and responsible use of

a business unit for the team owners; on our projects we help our clients

their money. Also, these become high profile projects since the last time a

maximise their sponsorship opportunities throughout the venue, we

new stadium was built in Leon was 50 years ago. You have supporters and

also take into consideration and help our clients achieve the correct

detractors - and we have a big responsibility to create an iconic building

balance between general admission seats and premium seating, offering

that the fans will identify with, along with getting all fans involved

entertainment opportunities on a diverse inventory for all the fans.

throughout the design and construction process.

Sustainability is an important factor for HKS. We make sensitive decisions with our clients to improve the energy performance of our venues,

What stadium / sporting venues have you worked on?

promote natural ventilation, the reuse of rain water and making the whole

When I was in our US offices, I worked on MLB’s Miller Park and Comiskey

building energy efficient.

Park renovations, The American Airlines Center and Toyota Stadium in Dallas, Corinthians Stadium, Corona Stadium, Estadio Azteca Renovations

Are there any difficulties that you experience on a regular basis?

in Mexico, Futeca stadium in Guatemala amongst others

The biggest challenge we face is that these types of projects are not common in the region. They are very important investments for our clients

Do you have any stadium / sporting venue projects coming up in the near

031

How did the Léon Stadium begin? Were you invited to submit a design?

There was a design competition. The owner invited six firms - American,

“HKS had the competitive advantage in that we had completed several awardwinning sports projects in Latin America - we know the market conditions and expectations of our clients.”

European and local - to submit their experience, fee structure and a

Ricardo Rondon

metallic mesh that allows natural ventilation of most public areas of the

concept for the proposed stadium.

Why do you think your design was chosen?

I think that our design responded well to the team’s needs and to the city.

It was cost effective and the client was confident that we understand the business part of the stadium operation. HKS had the competitive advantage in that we had completed several award-winning sports projects in Latin America - we know the market conditions and expectations of our clients.

The fact that we have had an office in Mexico City for 16 years was also key.

What are the key features of your design?

The main feature of our design is the skin of the building, which is a building. The main industry in the region is leather. This skin is an homage to the leather craftsmen and their trade Weather in Leon is very pleasant but it also has a rainy season, so the roof

032

future?

becomes an important feature as well, half of it is solid and the other half is

We are currently working on a new stadium for Leon, a first division team

meters of retail. The idea is that the whole complex will be alive every day

in the Mexican league (Liga MX).

of the week

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INTERVIEW

When will work start on LÊon Stadium – and when is it estimated to

such a tremendous impact in a local society and being part of the creative

finish?

process of these buildings has been humbling and very rewarding.

We are working on the design phase right now, construction will start in late spring 2019 and we anticipate opening day at the beginning of 2021.

What would you say is the next big thing in terms of stadium / sporting venue technology?

What would you say has been your favourite stadium / sporting arena

Technology, comfort and entertainment options is what will continue to

project so far?

evolve rapidly in the industry, as well the different technological options

Every sports project I have worked on has been a very unique and enriching

for the fans for ticketing, programmes, food and beverage service. On

experience for me. I have worked with incredibly talented architects at

the actual building side, we see more retractable roof venues and even

HKS. Initially, it was learning every aspect of the building, understanding

retractable pitch ones, which allow them to stay open longer throughout

the relation between each area and also the operation and business side of

the year and offer more entertainment options.

a stadium. Having the opportunity to work on the design of major sports venues in my country, Leon, Corona and Azteca Stadium has been a great opportunity and challenge in my professional career. A sports venue has

034

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PAUL ROBSON MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEDIALEASE

INTERVIEW

Tell me a little bit about your background and how you transitioned from

on that, placing more value on the present than the history of the business.

the escalator industry into the leasing industry?

We do value the account information that’s available, but part of the

I’m originally from Yorkshire, and when I moved to London to sell

rationale is where the business is going, and what revenue could new kit

capital equipment, I really liked it, but it was at a time when the building

generate for them. If Medialease is able to see that monthly payments will

industry was facing a crisis, around 1989-1990. There was nothing going

increase and be sure they can maintain the cash flow, it’s more than likely

on and I got asked to move to a sister company at Watford Gap to begin

to be a yes from us.

working there in a leasing role. I was working with some open-cast mining equipment - huge escalators and dump trucks for shifting soil to get to

When you’re dealing with customers, what are the difficulties that you

coal. At the time, I really hated the industry but loved the job. I decided I

face?

wanted to do this job, but in an industry that I felt some affiliation to, and

Some of our funding is Medialease’s own money, but 95% of what we do is

so, I looked for opportunities in the music industry. I ended up going into recording studio companies, and then moved on to doing a bit of TV, too.

You started Medialease in 2003, what led you to branch out on your own?

I ended up in a situation where I’d left a company, and I was now in another, which was owned by a major rental company in the camera market. However, it was on the verge of going bust, we could see that they’d over borrowed because we’d worked in finance before, so I had to come up with a different course of action. The company name came off the back of an advert for paint on TV at the time, its strapline being ‘it does exactly what it says on the tin’ so I decided to call the company Medialease.

From then on, I was going it alone.

You pride yourself on being a small British company, but you have grown massively since the beginning. How do you provide the service of a large

“The company name came off the back of an advert for paint on TV at the time, its strapline being ‘it does exactly what it says on the tin’ so I decided to call the company Medialease.”

Paul Robson

company but still retain the values of a small company?

When I started out, I had one assistant and I set myself a golden rule - I was allowed to have two days a week in the office, but no more. I knew I needed to put myself in front of customers. I firmly believe that our industry is a people business, the money is a product, the same as the

using other people’s money. Luckily, we happen to know well what people

lighting, audio, and screens are products. What entices people to buy that

are looking for. We have to talk to a number of banks to find the best deal

product is technology and how it’s presented, and finance is a very similar

for the client, some of those occasions in the nightclub industry - and, to

relationship. We pride ourselves on building relationships with customers,

a degree, sports venues - are difficult because they don’t physically make

suppliers and dealers and that is a major part of the service. How I am able

enough money to make it work, but it usually depends on the revenue

to expand the company is by the level of service we give and by finding the

generation from this investment. I’ve done deals before with the worst

best deal.

football clubs for audio and PA/VA emergency systems in the stadium on the basis of, if they don’t pay me then I have certain control. It’s about

How have the different markets developed?

structuring the deal so that they get what they want, and we get enough

Initially, 90% of my work was in broadcast television and 10% was in

security to make the deal work.

cinema. My reputation grew and certain suppliers would ask me to do different things, then one day I got a call from a little company called

Are there any other projects new or old in the stadium world that are

XL Video. They had a warehouse, two members of staff and they needed

worth mentioning?

£2,000 - £3,000 to buy some cameras. This deal made me realise that

We are working with an LED screen provider at the minute, which we

there was a massive growth in the screen live touring market, which led

are quite close to. We have a lot of opportunities in large cricket venues,

onto theatre, too. Medialease developed a great reputation with the touring

EFL Championship and Champions League football teams that are

market screen manufacturers, and this led us onto roadside digital signage,

realising they’ve got to join the party by updating and improving their fan

LED replay screens and advertising screens. In stadiums, it wasn’t just

engagement. They can do this by using LED technology to drive advertising

audio systems we were doing, but the large screens inside and outside, too.

revenue, primarily through Instagram and Twitter pictures on the screen,

All of this has come out of connections in the rock ‘n’ roll touring market

enhancing the fan engagement. We are also talking to three large audio

that we made in 1999/2000. It’s been a gradual move, most of it develops

manufacturers that are working on a few stadium installs - one is a

as a migration from one industry to another.

potential new-build stadium, another is replacing a failing PA/VA system that needs replacing. I think there’s an awful lot of money being spent on

Tell me about how a typical client relationship starts?

fan engagement and making the experience last for longer, that’s where

Well, for a full audio installation in a stadium or an LED screen install, we

the money is being spent. How do we get people to come in an hour before

would go and meet the customer. No matter what we get from the website

the match, and stay an hour after? Not just walk in and leave after the

or accounts, we need to meet the customer and understand their business

game - the screens and audio are a major part of that.

and what they’re looking for from the provider. We can give help to the equation, the negotiation and guide them a little on popularity of audio

Any predictions for the future of Medialease?

setups and screens. We really do value customer relationships. If I was the

I want to grow the business further. We’ve doubled our turnover in three

one borrowing the money, I’d definitely like to meet the person and see if

years and we’re only just touching the stadia market now. We’re very well

they’re credible and are giving the right service.

placed in broadcast and we’re always happy to do a bit more, but what we’re not known for as much yet is our involvement in cinema and stadia

When you’re with a new client, what are the main things that you

and we very firmly plan to develop these areas further and double our

consider when you start that new relationship?

turnover again.

Financial stability and the ability to pay. It doesn’t matter if the accounts look bad, it might be a small company, but if it has just landed a five-year contract to provide test match cricket in a stadium, then I’d look and focus

www.medialease.com

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03 THE FULL PITCH

040 Asian Games | Jakarta & Palembang, Indonesia 048 Bonus Arena | Hull, England

THE FULL PITCH

2018 ASIAN GAMES Jakarta | Palembang, Indonesia

Images: GL events

T

his year, over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries competed at the 18th annual Asian Games - the world’s second biggest interdisciplinary sporting event, hosted

this year by Indonesia. With a marathon task ahead of them, the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) contracted some of the UAE’s finest talents to help the Games reign victorious.

As the temperatures in the UAE soared, many companies from the events industry use the quieter summer months to take stock and look to the start of next season. However, when a truly global opportunity rolled into town, some companies decided to head east to champion the 18th quadrennial Asian Games.

Second only in size to the Olympic Games, the event welcomes competitors from over 45 countries across Asia. This year, over 11,000 athletes came to compete in 44 different sporting events - from eSports to canoe polo. Organised by the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee, the entire event spread across two cities, Jakarta and Palembang, which lie 270 miles apart. The dual location was a first for the Asian Games, which dates back to 1951, and the ambitious approach created some interesting logistical challenges.

Back in May 2017, the INASGOC began talks with GL events Group, which would take on the role of General Contractor.

Overseen by GL events Middle East, the organisation engaged 180 team members from 23 different countries to work alongside a 1,000-strong local crew. Known globally for its work on large-scale sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, few are more equipped with handling an event of this size.

With only nine months of preparation time, GL events faced the challenge head on, supplying more than 45,000 sq metres of temporary structure for the Athletes’ Villages, accreditation centres, security, VIP and lounge zones.

Elements also supplied more than 15,000 seats for the grandstands.

The Group was tasked with providing 75,000 sq metres of branding materials in order to decorate the event’s many venue spaces. GL events took care of the important directional information, too, so spectators and athletes could orientate themselves and make it to events before the final whistle. This proved to be integral in the INASGOC’s City Beautification scheme to give the two cities a dramatic facelift prior to the event.

Managing Director of GL events Middle East, Benoit

042

Beylier, takes up the story: “The time scale is the first

its horizons, as well as give the team an opportunity to

hurdle that we had to overcome. This included everything

work on such a huge event.

from design all the way to delivery, installations and, of

For the Games, Wicked provided 7,000 sq metres of its

course, removal of all temporary structures.

stock to help fulfil the demand for temporary structures.

“During the early stages, we needed a lot of information

Most was utilised in the Athletes Village, including the

from the committee. Not having clear lines and direction

main 8,000 sq metre dining hall within the area, all of

at the earliest stages was very time consuming. There was

which was created with a build time of just six to eight

also a selection of last minute additions that certainly

weeks.

added pressure. But we managed to help produce a

“This was much shorter than the three-month build we

successful event.

had initially planned,” admitted Julie Doucet, General

“It really shows Dubai-based companies have the

Manager of Wicked. “But the delays and hard work were all

knowledge and capacity to become key players in another

worth it when we got to see our work front and centre for

territory.”

the athletics village.

Wicked and Flow also enjoyed considerable presence in the

“In total, we sent a team of 20 to work on the project,

Games, joining GL events Middle East in flying the flag for

filling various positions. It was a tremendous experience

the UAE events industry out in Indonesia. In September of

for our local crew,” added Julie.

last year, GL events Group announced the acquisition of a

“Here in the UAE, we have access to our circle of suppliers

70% share stake of sister companies, Wicked and Flow - a

which we can rely on - a luxury not always available in

decision made as the Group looked to develop its presence

a foreign country. Not only that, language barriers were

in the Middle East events market.

sometime a struggle for the ground team. Thankfully,

As the first major collaboration, the Wicked team

the appointment of local assistants on each site helped to

approached the Games as a massive opportunity to expand

facilitate the entire operation.”

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THE FULL PITCH

Julie concluded by looking to the future, stating how

designed with broadcast in mind. Our latest editions to

opportunities such as the Asian Games were just the kind

the distribution board fleet all have individual, adjustable

of challenges Wicked embraces: “Wicked has always

RCDs, as well as digital monitoring fitted to the distro. This

been willing to send kit anywhere - we just needed the

allows complete flexibility and control on every individual

opportunity. Being part of GL events is definitely giving

circuit.

us access to a lot more worldwide projects, which we are

“It was such a prestigious event and it was very exciting

happy to take on alongside our regular local clients. Being

for everyone involved.”

able to deliver a project of this scale in a country where we

The Flow team ensured both the opening and closing

had no local resources has strengthened our capabilities

ceremonies were provided with a reliable, stable power

and we look forward to many more.”

source while keeping certain parameters - such as voltage

Elsewhere on site, GL events also took up the mantel of

and frequency - within acceptable tolerances set out by the

official power supplier. For which it brought in Flow to

production company. As some of the cable runs were up to

provide 8mW of power and more than 800 distribution

350m in length - and with a load of approximately 600A -

boxes. As well as dealing with venues across both cities,

Flow significantly increased the dimensions of the cable to

Flow also powered the Opening and Closing Ceremonies,

carry the current.

which showcased the beauty and greenery of Indonesia.

Away from the glamorous ceremonies, Mark admitted the

Flow, after first being approached at the back end of

Games being spread over two cities did create a testing

2017, accompanied GL events to scope the power solution

working environment: “Indonesia is a huge country and,

necessary for the event. Once it was agreed upon that Flow

with more then 50 sites across the two cities, it did prove

would handle the entire power solution for the Games,

trying,”

the team got straight to work to ensure enough stock was

However, with a team of more than 100 staff, all divided

made available.

into teams managing five to six venues, Flow managed to

Jonathan Calvert, General Manager of Flow, discussed

give each venue the attention it deserved.

the company’s involvement with the project and the two

Jonathan expressed that the help of GL events Group

main logistic issues faced: “First of all, there was the

was invaluable to his team: “The support of such a large

challenge of getting such a large volume of equipment

organisation was priceless. They worked very closely with

over to Indonesia. Along with equipment from Dubai,

our local staff to ensure a successful delivery of equipment

we also brought in stock from suppliers in South Africa,

and personnel throughout the games.”

Germany and the UK. In total, we sent over 70 containers

“I think it sends a strong message to the global market:

of equipment, which, as you can imagine, was quite a feat.

Flow is very much a local business done well and is now

The second was simply filling the quota which saw Flow

ready to support an international event of this calibre.”

invest over €3.5 million in new stock.”

Mark added: “The Asian Games was a huge challenge

Representing Flow on the ground was Mark Butler, the

and, without a doubt, the largest Flow has ever worked

company’s Head of Sales: “Due to the demand of the Asian

on. That said, we knew we had the people and the skillset

Games, Flow’s general fleet has increased by more then

to execute effectively. We have come out the other side

500% across our cable and distribution products.

having successfully delivered a great product and service

“With the extensive media presence at the Games, we

and we’ve learned a great deal in the process.”

wanted to ensure we had a fleet of distribution boards

043

THE FULL PITCH

Opening & Closing Ceremonies - Lighting

from Jakarta.

Yves needed the brightest and most powerful luminaires to

044

The 2018 Asian Games Opening Ceremony was a high-

deal with the long throw distances and offer the multiple

energy, animated, colourful spectacular, illustrating

creative features required to light the two-and-a-half-

Indonesia’s origins and rich culture, and sending a strong

hour action packed show, which united traditional and

message of peace and tolerance, staged in Jakarta’s Gelora

contemporary trends in a four-part theatrical journey.

Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium.

This was inspired by the four elements at the essence

The Opening Ceremony of Asia’s largest sporting event

of Indonesian spirit - earth, wind, fire and water -

featured a general cast of around 4000, produced by

culminating with speeches and the athlete’s parade.

Scott Givens and Libby Hyland, working with Indonesian

Josh Zangan’s epic set design was dominated by imposing

Creative Director, Wishnutama Kusubandio. Staging

rolling green hills and a smoldering volcano, complete

direction was by Michael Pena, working with Indonesian

with streams, fountains and lush foliage detailing the

choreographers, Denny Malik and Eko Supriyanto, and the

wonder and magic of nature, surrounded by deep blue seas.

breathtakingly visual extravaganza was produced by live

This was 350ft wide, 96ft tall and 80ft deep, filling one

event specialists, FiveCurrents.

side of the stadium. The entire set surface was projection

They asked Montreal-based Lighting Designer, Yves

mapped together with all the visible field of play.

Aucoin, to deliver an impressive lighting design for both

Yves worked closely with his associate Lighting Designer,

Opening and Closing Ceremonies, so Yves specified 270

Eric Belanger, to craft a stunning show to match the

Robe BMFLs to be a major part of the lighting rig - a

occasion, excitement and expectation of everyone

decision on which there was no compromise.

watching.

“It was BMFLs or BMFLs! They were the only fixture

The challenges of lighting the set and not interfering with

option for a selection of key positions around the venue,”

any of the projections were galvanising enough. On top of

explained Yves.

that, the stadium roof’s weight loading dictated that no

These tough, quality engineered high-powered fixtures

lighting positions were possible on the inner ring; all the

once again proved their ruggedness and reliability as they

overhead equipment had to be concentrated on the outer

performed without a hitch in the sweltering heat and

ring of the roof, where ceremonies lighting contractors,

intense humidity. A total of 60 of the BMFLs - supplied

PRG, painstakingly installed a series of trusses.

by a number of different companies - were a brand-new

“Jens Diefenbach, Christoph Hahnl and the PRG team did

purchase by locally-based PT Energi Sembilan Perkasa

a fantastic job despite the long hours, heat and humidity,”

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HIGH OUTPUT FOR LONG THROW

SOUND THAT GOES THE DISTANCE NEXO loudspeakers deliver the high output levels necessary for long-throw applications. GEO S12-ST cabinets combine high SPL with a smooth frequency response, enhanced speech intelligibility and focussed dispersion to give system designers the performance and flexibility they need to achieve perfect crowd coverage throughout any venue.

No wonder NEXO scores big in stadium and arena environments.

www.nexo.fr

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THE FULL PITCH

added Yves.

creative team and crew - from their choreographers and

Another layer of lighting was created at the first balcony

costume designers to the lighting and video technicians.

rail level around the venue - and Yves also utilised plenty

Producing this show was a great learning experience for all

of floor lights circumnavigating the field of play. The 270

of us,” said Yves.

Robe BMFLs - comprising 120 BMFL Spots and 150 BMFL

The 2018 Asian Games put Indonesia on a world stage for

Blades - were distributed between these three positions

hosting a major sporting event, with the whole continent

and made up just over a quarter of the moving lights used

and much of the world watching. The thrilling Opening

in the show.

Ceremony show was certainly one of the most visually

The total moving light fixture count of 1,000 was in turn

exciting to date.

25% of approximately 4,000 fixtures - including some

For the Closing Ceremony, Yves and the team were

of the stadium’s permanent architectural LEDs - plus a

reunited and used almost the same lighting rig, with all the

splattering of conventionals, making up the production rig.

BMFLs and some of the lighting elements shifted around

“It was vital to be able to highlight the performers

as the format was more of a celebratory concert-styled

properly, whether there were several thousand onstage or

event.

just a solo person and, simultaneously, I needed to let the

The 270 BMFLs in the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium were

beauty of the set and projection - delivered by 4U2C also

not the only Robe fixtures on site. There were 56 LEDWash

from Montreal - shine through,” said Yves. “Projection

600s, 80 BMFLs and 160 Pointes deployed across other

was essential to the narrative and to everyone’s

venues, including the Jakarta Convention Centre and the

appreciation and enjoyment of the story.”

Jakarta International Expo to help light numerous and

The BMFL Spots from Robe added depth, 3D shaping and

assorted sporting events.

texturing to the set without killing the projected imagery,

Hailed as one of the most successful Asian Games, 45

while the Blades were perfect for illuminating cast faces

nations - including North and South Korea under the

accurately and tightly on the field of play with no spillage.

united Korean flag - completed part in 465 events covering

The show lighting was programmed on a MA Lighting

40 different sports and disciplines, with 465 medal sets

grandMA2 console by Yves and Eric.

distributed.

In addition to Eric Bélanger, two key people on the lighting team were Technical Manager, Tom Davies, who has worked with Yves before, and Production Manager, Drika Matheus.

“It was a fantastic collaborative process. As part of the event’s international production, I was privileged to work hand-in-hand with a hugely talented and focussed local

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LIGHTING: 350 x Robe BMFL moving head | 56 x Robe ROBIN LEDWash 600 wash light | 160 x Robe Pointe moving head | MA Lighting grandMA2 lighting console

CEREMONIES: Yves Aucoin, Eric Belanger, Tom Davies, Drika Matheus, Scott Givens, Libby Hyland, Wishnutama Kusubandio, Michael Pena, Denny Malik, Eko Supriyanto, FiveCurrents | CONTRACTOR: GL events Group, Wicked, Flow | BRANDS: Robe, MA Lighting | WEBSITES: www.gl-events.com, www.wicked.ae, www.flowsolutions.ae, www.robe.cz 046

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THE FULL PITCH

BONUS ARENA Hull, England

Images: Bonus Arena, Nuway

O

pened in August 2018, Bonus Arena is a

with the design of the sound, lighting, conference, Wi-Fi,

state-of-the-art, music and events complex

digital signage and communication systems.

located in Hull, England. With a capacity of up

The company was asked to design an audio system,

to 3,500 people, the arena attracts sporting

which would be suitable for sporting events, spoken word

events, large corporate conferences, exhibitions and trade

performances including comedy and theatre, as well as

tours, as well as major touring concerts, stand-up comedy

smaller touring bands. As the venue has several seating

and family shows. Nuway Audio and Visual was first

configurations, the audio system needed to be able to

approached by BAM Construction in early 2017 to assist

follow the requirements of each event by dividing into

THE FULL PITCH

050

smaller layouts.

along with smaller point source loudspeakers, which

Nuway invited several leading manufacturers to produce

provide infills throughout the arena, with the ability to

the audio design for the main auditorium. Extensive

sub-divide the area as needed. The rear infills can quickly

computer aided simulation was carried out to produce the

become front of house loudspeakers for the smaller

correct levels for the venue layout. Several manufacturers

auditorium at the rear when required. Thanks to the QSC

took a keen interest in the project and offered to

Q-Sys, DSPs and Crestron control processing, this can be

demonstrate their systems for the client. The comparison

done at the touch of a button.

testing took place at the Scunthorpe Baths Venue in August

The Bonus Arena required a desk that all in-house

2017.

technical staff could operate, as well as any technical

“As the budget was limited, we needed to maximise the

operators hiring the venue. There wasn’t a need for a

output of the design while providing the greatest flexibility

large number of channels due to the digital signal paths

without impacting on audio quality,” Danny Hird,

used throughput the arena, so Dante integration was very

General Manager of Nuway AV said. “Once the options

important. Nuway specified the Yamaha LS9 with Dante

were submitted we arranged a shoot-out demonstration

Card, which did the job perfectly.

day at one of the client’s venues, which enabled them to

Nuway were asked to design a lighting system, which

make a decision based upon cost versus real life audio

incorporated LED fixtures throughout, enabling easy

performance.”

colour change. Also specified were colour spots and moving

Both systems offered excellent response and the client

heads, the heads are loose and can be located anywhere

made the decision to go with the industry leading d&b

in the space depending on the event. The design includes

audiotechnik system.

around 80 ColorSource PAR lighting fixtures with various

“Not only did the system provide the best audio quality,

diffusers along with eight colour spots. Robert Juliat was

but they were able to provide all loudspeakers required to

chosen to supply the followspots.

fill the space and come within budget,” explained Danny.

A networked Net3/ACN DMX solution was chosen and

“We were very impressed with d&b throughout the design

Paradigm Control Processer with ColorSource 40AV

and sales process as well as post sales and commissioning

lighting desk were specified, giving the customer total

support. The design went through a number of revisions

control of performance and house lights from a central

before it was finalised and d&b were happy to help

location.

throughout.

ETC was involved in the project from an early stage. It

The audio system consists of front of house line arrays,

designed a system, which would allow fixed LED colour

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he only you need

THE FULL PITCH

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO 8 x d&b audiotechnik Yi8 loudspeaker | 4 x d&b Yi12 loudspeaker | 6 x d&b audiotechnik 10S-D loudspeaker | 4 x d&b audiotechnik 10D amplifier | 8 x d&b audiotechnik E6 loudspeaker | 8 x d&b audiotechnik E5 loudspeaker | 6 x d&b audiotechnik MAX2 stage monitor | 1 x QSC Q-sys 500i digital sound processor | 1 x Yamaha LS9-32 mixing desk | 2 x Yamaha TIO1608D digital stage box | 1 x Yamaha NY64-D Dante card | 8 x Sennheiser EW335 G3 wireless hand held microphone system | 8 x Sennheiser EW312 G3 wireless levalier microphone system | 8 x Shure SM58-LCE microphone | 8 x Shure SM57 microphone | 1 x Shure DMK57-52 microphone kit | 2 x Shure MX418/N Gooseneck microphone | 2 x Shure R158B gooseneck microphone capsule | 6 x Williams Sound WIR TX90 IR assisted hearing system emitter | 6 x Atterotch unDIO2x2 Dante interface | 60 x Williams Sound WIR RX22-4N infra red bodypack receiver LIGHTING 1 x ETC CS40AV lighting control console | 8 x ETC ColorSource PAR deep blue XLR CE- black | 8 x ETC D40 & CSPar 35° narrow round diffuser in frame - black | 7 x ETC ColorSource Spot XLR CE w/ shutter barrel – black | 14 x ETC Source Four CE - 14º lens tube - black | 14 x ETC Source Four LED - smooth wash diffuser | 7 x ETC ColorSource spot XLR CE w/ shutter barrel – black | 5 x ETC ColorSource spot deep blue XLR CE Engine Only - Black | 5 x ETC Source Four LED fresnel adapter | 5 x ETC Source Four CE fresnel barn door, EU – Black | 2 x ETC ColorSource ThruPower 24 ND 24-channel 10A (2.3kW) dimmer, relay | 2 x ETC ColorSource ThruPower 12 ND 12-channel 10A (2.3kW) dimmer, relay | 66 x ETC ColorSource PAR XLR CE - black | 8 x ETC ColorSource spot XLR CE w/ shutter barrel - black | 5 x ETC ColorSource Spot XLR CE w/ shutter barrel - black | 11 x ETC ColorSource Spot XLR CE engine only - black | 11 x ETC Source Four LED Cyc adapter - black VISUALS 1 x Panasonic PT-RZ970 10,000 lumens WUXGA LED laser projector | 1 x Panasonic ET-DLE085 lens | 1 x seven-metre wide tab tensioned electric projector screen | 1 x Barco – CSC-1 wireless presentation system | 1 x Crestron DM-MD8x8 scaling matrix switch | 1 x Crestron CP3 central control processor | 2 x Apple iPad | 1 x JM Supplies Falcon lectern | 1 x Panasonic TH-75EF1 75-inch large format display | 3 x Panasonic PT-RZ570 5,000 lumens WUXGA LED laser projector | 2 x Panasonic TH-55LF8W 55-inch large format display | 3 x Screen International Compact 250 electric projector screen | 11 x Panasonic TH-49LF8W 49-inch 24/7 display | 17 x Panasonic TH-42LF8W 42-inch 24/7 display | 2 x Panasonic TH-55LF8W 55-inch 24/7 display | 1 x Panasonic TH-75EF1 75-inch 24/7 display

lighting for the front of house areas and a movable system

displaying menu boards, upcoming events and real time

for the stage area.

camera feeds from the main arena on any screen in the

“We are a UK partner for Williams Sound audio assistive

building.

listening systems and strongly advocate quality audio for

Panasonic projectors and displays have been used

all,” Danny said. “With this in mind a high quality infrared

throughout, due to their reliability, 24/7 operation

system was designed using EASE software and installed

capability and the ability to provide products that fulfil

using five x WIR TX90 transmitters fed with an easily

each requirement.

mixed Dante channel from the desk.”

Crestron were specified for system control, signal routing

Nuway designed an eight-metre 4K projection system for

and scaling throughout the building. Exterity IPTV and

the smaller 880-seat section of the venue as well as four

digital signage system was specified to deliver engaging

VIP conference spaces. For the 880-seat space, Nuway

content to displays throughout the venue.

specified a Panasonic 10,000 lumens LED laser projector

“We designed, installed and commissioned all

and eight-metre wide tab tensioned electric projector

presentation systems within the arena, including audio,

screen, there are a number of input locations for video

lighting, video, conference room AV, room booking

connectivity, which is handled by Crestron digital media

system, Wi-Fi and IPTV/digital signage, this provided the

products backed up by wireless presentation from Barco

end user with a single point of contact for all technology

Clickshare all easily controlled from Crestron touch panels

systems within the building and also ensured that all

or iPads.

systems were designed to work alongside each other. For

Each VIP meeting room features a 5,000 lumens LED laser

instance, the Crestron control system for the main arena

projector with repeater screen, lectern with a laptop input

video system also gives the user pre-set recalls for audio

and touchscreen control. The rooms are divisible and

configurations, this means that the system is very user

the technology can be linked and unlinked at the touch

friendly, robust and reliable.”

of a button from the touchscreen control. In addition to this Nuway specified an IPTV and digital signage system throughout the venue which can easily be used for

DESIGN & SYSTEM INTEGRATOR: Nuway | BRANDS: d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, QSC, Shure, Yamaha, ETC, Williams Sound, Crestron | WEBSITES: www.nuway.co.uk,www. dbaudio.com, www.sennheiser.com, www.qsc.com, www.shure.eu, www.yamahaproaudio.com, www.etcconnect.com, www.williamssound.com, www.creston.com 052

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03 VENUE FOCUS

AUDIO

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

054 Teddy Stadium | Jerusalem, Israel

098 European Table Tennis Championships | Alicante, Spain

060 Coop Norrbotten Arena | Luleå, Sweden 062 Szczecinek Stadium | Szczecinek, Poland 064 Infinite Energy Arena | Georgia, USA 068 Newmarket Racecourse | Suffolk, England

LIGHTING

BROADCAST

074 Eden Park | Auckland, New Zealand

092 Liberty Stadium | Swansea, Wales

078 Invictus Games | Sydney, Australia

VIDEO 084 Flens-Arena | Flensberg, Germany

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TEDDY STADIUM Jerusalem, Israel

Images: Electro-Voice

O

riginally built in the 1990s, but renovated on multiple occasions since then, Teddy Stadium is home to four of Israel’s most loved football teams: Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Jerusalem,

Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem and Beitar Nordia Jerusalem.

The stadium is named in honour of long-time Jerusalem Mayor, Teddy Kollek, who was in office during the time of its construction and was one of its most prominent advocates. With stands close to the pitch and excellent

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056

acoustics, Teddy Stadium has hosted several Israel national

project architect shaped the eventual loudspeaker design.

football team matches, the Maccabiah Games opening

Positive previous experiences with Electro-Voice products

ceremony, and other large-scale entertainment events. A

meant that the brand was always a strong contender

south side stand was completed on June 3, 2013, increasing

for the Teddy Stadium installation.“Experience and a

the stadiums seating capacity to 31,733.

strong reputation in stadium design was important to the

For the latest phase of the venue’s audio evolution, Tel

client,” Danny explained. “Keeping costs down without

Aviv-based professional audio distribution and production

compromising on quality was essential. The Electro-

specialist D-AND-D was asked to supply a multi-function

Voice product design with its consistent track record of

PA/VA loudspeaker system capable of delivering crystal

innovation, high quality sound and reliability, was a perfect

clear audio throughout the venue. The system needed to

fit.”

accommodate standard stadium visitor and commercial

The final design features a grand total of 114 Electro-Voice

messaging, as well as communications in the event of an

EVH-1152D premium two-way coaxial horn-loaded full-

emergency.

range loudspeakers. Each incorporating a three-inch DH7N

D-AND-D’s Danny Ariel recalled that an extensive process

titanium/neodymium HF compression driver, rotatable

of “meeting with the client, understanding their needs,

constant-directivity waveguide, and pattern control

and then working on CAD plans,” in cooperation with the

maintained down to 500Hz, the EVH-1152D loudspeakers

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TECH TOOLS FOR ENHANCED FAN ENGAGEMENT See the latest venue and arena technologies at ISE 2019 As the home of systems integration, ISE showcases the very latest innovations, solutions and thought leadership for sports stadia and arenas.

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AUDIO

are specifically designed to suit inherently reverberant spaces such as stadiums.

With Lighton Ltd and Charmer Group serving as project

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO: 114 x Electro-Voice EVH-1152D two-way coaxial hornloaded full-range loudspeaker

integrator and installer, the new audio system has delivered all of the robust audio performance that Danny has come to expect of Electro-Voice . “As well as quality and reliability, I look towards EV for a portfolio of solutions that can cater to all the requirements of a high-end installation,” he said. “With this project, it has once again risen to meet that expectation, the Teddy Stadium now has the best stadium sound system in Israel.”

INSTALLERS: Charmer Group | BRAND: Electro-Voice | WEBSITE: www.electrovoice.com WEBSITES: www.boschbuildingtechnologies.com, gerominternational.ro, www.boschsecurity.com, www.dynacord.com, www.electrovoice.com, www.midasconsoles.com 058

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COOP NORRBOTTEN ARENA Luleå, Sweden

Images: Bright Group

T

060

he 6,300-capacity sports and event arena,

by Bright Finland, putting the technology at the heart of

Coop Norrbotten is located in the coastal city

the sporting entertainment.

of Luleå, Sweden and is home to the Luleå

“It has been a huge success,” said Bright Group Sweden’s

Hockey Association.

Director of Installation John Wettersten. “The sound was

The association was keen to improve the live experience

one of the most appreciated parts of the project. When

for its supporters and visitors, especially in light of a new

specifying our design, we had to consider the line of

TV deal, set to broadcast all the games in Sweden’s premier

sight from the upper seats, as well as the weight of the

ice hockey league.

loudspeaker cabinets necessary for the task, and, needless

Following a successful job for Hartwall Arena, Finland,

to say, the budget. We needed a system with a lot of

Bright Group was ideally placed to design a dramatic new

punch, which led us to the GEO S12 model, and, because

audiovisual installation, including a powerful NEXO line

the opening show uses a lot of low end, to add NEXO RS18

array sound system, new arena lighting, projectors for ice

subwoofers.”

projection, BlackTrax for position projection, LED screens

Over a five-month period, Bright’s audio installation

around the stand and a new LED-oval high above the

specialist, Drew Black worked closely with NEXO’s

ice. The high-end systems deliver a dazzling pre-show

Carole Marsaud to perfect the system design, from initial

multimedia performance before every game in the arena.

modeling on NEXO’s proprietary NS-1 software suite, to

The show is constantly updated with new content, created

final installation.

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AUDIO

“The main system uses 12 hangs, each with four x GEO S12

easily and accurately, so that they could be firmly

cabinets,” explained Drew. “These have been placed in

fixed into the correct position. For every two arrays, a

the roof at varying heights around the rink, so we didn’t

NXAMP4x2Mk2 was used, all of which are located on

compromise sight lines. The throw is about 22-metres at

an old camera platform high under the ceiling. One rack

the furthest point. Also in the loop are four clusters of four

of NXAMPs runs all the main arrays, and the two extra

x RS18 18-inch subwoofers, which run in cardioid mode,

hangs of GEO S12 for ice fill: the second rack houses four

these are hung in the centre to achieve the most even

NXAMP4x4 amplifiers running the subwoofers, and a new

coverage.”

NXAMP4x1Mk2 to drive a PS10 in the VIP bar, as well as a group of five compact NEXO ID24s in the restaurant.

“Delay times varied from 38ms - 62ms for the main arrays, and up to 97ms for the restaurant,” explained Drew Black. “The amplifiers are all on a wireless network,

“The biggest challenge for us was to get audio clarity over and above the noise made by 6,300 excited hockey fans.”

so we could use an iPad and NEXO’s NeMo software to

Drew Black

Further challenges were noted in the restaurant during

trim the system.” Diagnostics for the system are handled by a Crestron panel in the control room, programmed to mute and unmute the amplifiers, and to run a pink noise generator through each ampifier output to make sure that all the arrays had signal coming through.

“The biggest challenge for us was to get audio clarity over and above the noise made by 6,300 excited hockey fans,” Drew said. “The NEXO GEO S12 box performs superbly.” the system’s premiere, explained John Wettersten, where wine glasses were jumping off the shelves in response to the powerful RS18 subbass. “They have since been secured, and we only see happy faces among the fans, the players and the Association.”

Bright created custom-made flying frames and rigging which enabled the engineers to pan and tilt the arrays

INSTALLER: Bright Group | BRANDS: Nexo, BlackTrax | WEBSITES: www.brightgroup.fi, www.nexo-sa.com, www.blacktrax.cast-soft.com 061

SZCZECINEK ATHLETICS STADIUM Szczecinek, Poland

Images: Tommex

H

062

aving been awarded a PZLA certificate - which

“We also supervised the electrical installers and tuned the

classifies the venue to a category IV A stadium

audio system for the venue.”

- Szczecinek Athletics Stadium is now able to

For the project, the new audio system had to meet the

hold competitions in the likes of running, high

expectations of an athletic stadium, providing sound

jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus

reinforcement for the tribunes, as well as the arena itself.

throw, hammer throw and javelin - with the potential of

Microphones were needed, too - both handheld and

seeing athletes promoted to international championship

headsets - as well as a professional control room.

class.

Tomasz explained the brief further: “The announcements

With more events to be held at the stadium, the decision

needed to be heard clearly throughout the venue, as

was made to upgrade the sound system for the athletes and

athletic meetings often provide a lot of information for the

600 spectators. For the project, Tommex were enlisted to

competitors of different disciplines.

help find the perfect solution.

“Another task in the brief was the mobile control room

Tomasz Lulkiewicz, Managing Director at Tommex,

setup. There was a requirement to plug the mixer in the

takes up the story: “We were hired to prepare the optimal

club building and on the arena, too.”

solution, which had to meet the demands and expectations.

The first task for Tommex was to find loudspeakers

We delivered the equipment and provided the whole

that were the right fit for Szczecinek Athletics Stadium,

technical engineering for the installation.

with the requirements being a long throw, lightweight,

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AUDIO

weatherproof box that provided great sound across the

and setting the direct out loudspeaker lines. For the other

venue.

requirements, such as signal matric and microphone

“After much consideration, we chose Community

inputs, two Ashly NE DSP processors were utilised.

DS8-B and DS5-B loudspeakers for the project, as they

Tomasz added: “When choosing Ashly products for DSP,

are compact loudspeakers with a high output. They are

we also picked their Digimix 24 mixing console to work in

weather-proof, too, which is important as the weather

the system. This compact mixing desk is a fine choice for

conditions can get really nasty - from frosty winters

small-to-medium sized sports venues.

through to strong winds and rainstorms. They obviously

“We also provided Sennheiser EW 100 wireless

provide a great sound, too,” explained Tomasz.

microphones, e835 microphones and one EW 300 IEM set

“We decided to design the loudspeaker lines to work on

to communicate with the control room without any sound

the 100V distribution line, so we could avoid signal loss on

delay from the system while working on the field.

such long distances and plug several loudspeakers to one

“Finally, we added an Ashly FR-8 network remote for the

speaker line.

non-technical stuff, so it was easy to mute and unmute the

“The PA consists of 10 speaker lines, which include the

loudspeaker zones and set an overall volume.”

main tribune, the quest tribune, the jumping competition

With the new audio system in place, Szczecinek Athletics

area, the playing field, the club building terrace and two

Stadium has been invigorated - making it a fantastic venue

conference / waiting rooms. This allows the user to direct

for athletes and spectators alike.

the microphone and music channels to the specific areas of the facility.

“We decided to choose the audio signals transportation via Dante, so we could safely plan the CAT6 cables from the field hook up to the amplification room. This also meant that we could provide a several zones from the mixer to the amps.”

To power the system, Tommex selected Dynacord C-Series C-3600 amplifiers. The Dynacord amplifiers come with a built-in DSP, though that was only used for limiting

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO: 34 x Community DS8-B loudspeaker | 8 x Community DS5-B loudspeaker | 5 x Dynacord C3600FDI-EU amplifier | 1 x Ashly ne-4400m processor | 1 x Ashly ne-8800 processor | 1 x Ashly FR-8 network remote | 1 x Ashly digiMIX24 mixer | Dante interface

INSTALLER: Tommex | BRANDS: Community, Dynacord, Ashly, Sennheiser | WEBSITE: www.tommex.pl, www.communitypro.com, www.dynacord.com, www.ashly.com, www.sennheiser.com 063

AUDIO

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA Georgia, USA

Images: Danley Sound Labs

F

or the past 15 years, the Infinite Energy Arena has served Greater Atlanta, Georgia as a state-of-the-art venue for concerts, graduations, and sporting events of all types,

from basketball to ice hockey to professional lacrosse.

Depending on the nature of the event, the arena holds between 11,000 and 13,000 people. The 90-acre lakefront campus just minutes outside of Atlanta has played host to stars such as the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators and the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships so a high-quality sound system is essential to maximising the full stadium experience.

After its original sound reinforcement system fell out of date and beyond repair, the Infinite Energy Arena management chose audiovisual integration firm Logic Systems Sound & Lighting, of St. Louis, Missouri, to install a cost-effective Danley Sound Labs system.

With the Danley offices located only 20 minutes away from the Infinite Energy Arena, Mike Hedden President of Danley Sound was familiar with the venue after attending numerous events there over the years. “I’d sit there and look at the ceiling and think about what I’d do if I had an unlimited budget and if I had a really tight budget so I’d already designed it 100 times in my head,” he said.

The Danley system reuses existing wiring and rigging and far exceeds the design criteria for fidelity and sound pressure level, all while simultaneously slashing the system’s energy budget in half. “Part of the way to win is assessing who can use the existing cabling and flag points, because if you have to put in a whole new infrastructure then your costs go right up. I knew the wiring and I knew I could use SH96s with some subwoofers so this made the process quicker and easier,” said Mike. “In four days they took the old system down and had the new one installed and tuned. It was so quick!”

Chip Self, President of Logic Systems Sound & Lighting and an old friend of Mike added: “The dated system

AUDIO

relied on obsolete technology and discontinued products.

Danley DNA 20k4 Pro amplifiers with integrated on-

Components were failing and there was no way to repair

board processing. Since the old system was distributed,

them. The arena needed a new sound reinforcement

the new Danley system is distributed as well, with each

system. Instead of hiring someone to design and spec a

of the SH96s covering its own section of seating. “Danley

system for bid, the management team took a different

offers so many different loudspeakers with so many

approach. They specified the performance criteria - such

different output patterns that it was easy to model the

as maximum SPL, maximum SPL variation from seat to

room and then find the pattern that fit it perfectly,” said

seat, frequency response, and intelligibility - and then

Chip. “Together, with the presets that are pre-loaded

allowed the integrators to bid on design/installs that would

into the Danley DNA amplifiers, it was easy to basically

meet those criteria. In an arena, a lot of the money goes to

plug them in, turn them on, and have great sound. In fact,

rigging and pulling speaker cable - stuff that no one cares

the frequency response and the headroom of the Danley

about but those are also the components that don’t go bad.

system go way beyond what the management was hoping

Since we could reuse any components from the old system

for in the criteria.” Four clusters of two subwoofers each

that were still working, we designed a Danley system that

round out the low end from the corners of the arena. A QSC

could use those very rigging points.”

Q-SYS front end makes it easy for the staff to operate.

He continued: “By reusing the existing rigging and cable,

“They love the new system - especially the extra

we saved a week of work and expense. It also gave us an

headroom and low-end extension,” explained Chip. “They

edge because there were no existing drawings of the old

were only hoping for something adequate, something only

system. Anyone who wasn’t using Danley either had to

as good as the old system. We far exceeded that with an

go with mono-amped boxes that couldn’t meet the SPL

extremely affordable system. In addition, we managed to

requirements, or they had to gamble on the existence of

remove an entire amp rack; the Danley DNA amps deliver

speaker wire to support bi- or tri-amped loudspeakers. If

5000W per channel and manage to pack four channels

they lost that gamble, they’d lose big. In contrast, we had

into a two-RU box. All told, the new Danley system not

a safe bet, since there was already an existing loudspeaker

only exceeds the performance expectations, it does so

at each rigging point, it was guaranteed we would have

on only half the energy of the old system. In addition, we

the cable needed for Danley’s passive, internal-crossover

gave them a few nice interface features. For example, the

boxes. No other loudspeaker manufacturer that I’m aware

hockey announcer likes to walk through the stands and

of makes a box that comes close to Danley’s output.”

interview people. Now, it’s easy for the engineer to track

Speaking about how the project came together Mike said:

his movement and omit the mic from whatever zone he’s

“Me and Chip have known each other for 25 years and

standing in, eliminating the threat of feedback.”

we’ve stayed in touch as Danley has grown. He called

The spectacular sound quality in the arena has been a

me and asked if I’d like to help with the Infinite Energy

talking point for many visitors and also Mike himself: “One

upgrade design so I did a model and a direct for him. I think

of the most amazing things I heard was when they brought

my good reputation within the industry and the strong

a choir in to sing the Canadian national anthem and they

relationships I’ve had for years helped the project thrive.”

were seated in the stands with only two microphones I was

Logic Systems Sound & Lighting won the bid with a

half way down the arena, quite far away from them when

system that uses 26 Danley SH96 full-range loudspeakers,

they started to sing and it was just chilling how great the

eight Danley TH118 subwoofers, and nine four-channel

live sound was.”

INSTALLER: Logic Systems Sound & Lighting | BRANDS: Danley Sound Labs | WEBSITES: www.logicsound.com, www.danleysoundlabs.com 066

WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

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NEXT-GENERATION ARRAY TECHNOLOGY

02/08/2018 14:10:01

068

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AUDIO

NEWMARKET RACECOURSE Suffolk, England

Images: AudioTek

N

ewmarket Racecourse in Suffolk, England, is

capabilities with music playback, which the old PA horns

a British Thoroughbred horse racing venue

would not give.

comprising two individual racecourses, the

It soon became obvious to AudioTek that certain areas

Rowley Mile and the July Course. Newmarket

on site were having issues, with a combination of aged

is often referred to as the headquarters of British

components failing and the need for an upgrade to a more

horseracing and is home to the largest cluster of training

modern sound from the original speech PA, with its limited

yards in the country.

frequency bandwith.

Known as the home of horse racing and with a history

AudioTek identified and proposed solutions for the main

spanning three-and-a-half centuries from the time

spectator standing areas, premier enclosure, betting ring

of King Charles II, the prominence of the racecourse is

and second and fourth floor balconies, with integration

sustained by its unrivalled programme of races and events,

into the existing PA for other areas. Christopher Kmiec,

as well as its continual modernisation ensuring high

AudioTek’s UK Installation Manager designed the new

standards for its visitors.

systems using EASE 4.3. “We evaluated a number of

AudioTek was chosen to do a full survey of the current

different brands in EASE, and Community’s R SERIES

site and recommend a new solution to the problems and

gave the best acoustic results for the size, weight and

complaints the venue had been having with its old PA. The

budget of the project.” Christopher explained. “The audio

client wanted a system that vastly improved intelligibility

configuration on site is built around a QSC Q-SYS system,

across the site, as well as giving them some additional

with networked amplifiers all running 100v line

069

AUDIO

systems to separate places. For the main six Community R2

Christopher. Sixteen R Series R.35-3896 loudspeakers

loudspeakers, these are run low impedance from a separate

were also installed in the venue with the system being run

local networked and monitored amp rack. The extreme

from a QSC Q-SYS system. QSC CXD-Qn amplifiers provide

weatherproofing of the loudspeakers as standard was also

power, monitoring and control of the system, as well as a

a big advantage. To its credit, the previous system was

redundant backup.

installed for a 20-year span, and we are confident we will

“The Community loudspeakers allowed us to model the

match that with Community’s reputation for long-term

system in advance, and be confident the results would

reliability.”

be achieved in practice. Everyone who has heard the new

The main outdoor system comprises six high power

system cannot believe how loud and clear it sounds,”

Community R2-77Z-EN full-range defined coverage

concluded Christopher.

three-way loudspeakers, located under the main canopy at a height of 25-metres. These provide smooth coverage of the main spectator standing areas, Premier Enclosure and betting ring. “In addition to high intelligibility speech, the new system was specified to provide good quality music and the R2 delivers both,” commented

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO: 16 x Community R0.35-3896 loudspeaker | 18 x Martin Audio CDD6WR | 6 x Community R2 loudspeaker | QSC CXD Series amplifier | QSC Core250i processor

INSTALLER: AudioTek | BRANDS: Community, Martin Audio, QSC | WEBSITES: www.audiotekinternational.com, www.communitypro.com, www.martin-audio.com, www.qsc.com 070

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A NEW EVENT FOCUSSING ON SPORTING VENUE TECHNOLOGY, THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY AND FUTURE PROJECTS. SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES: J.DIXON@MONDIALE.CO.UK

PRE REGISTER: WWW.MONDOSTADIA-AGORA.COM

PROGRAMME OPENING REMARKS SAM HUGHES, EDITOR, MONDO | STADIA

KEYNOTE FROM AVIXA SEAN WARGO, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING INTELLIGENCE, AVIXA

LOW, LITTLE, LOUD, AND LUCID - RAISING THE AUDIO PERFORMANCE BAR IN STADIUMS AND SPORTING VENUES. MIKE HEDDEN, PRESIDENT, DANLEY SOUND LABS

CASE STUDY: STADE DE FRANCE JONAS DJIAN, VENUE MANAGER, STADE DE FRANCE

PANEL SESSION: HOW TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES THE FAN EXPERIENCE CHAIR: MARTIN IZZARD, RED LORRY YELLOW LORRY | JAMES KEEN, TRIPLEPLAY | LUKAS BUHL, TW AUDIO | STEPHEN HOGG, SEGMENT MANAGER, D&B AUDIOTECHNIK | THIERRY CHAPITEAU, GLOBAL SEGMENT DIRECTOR, SIGNIFY

CASE STUDY: ANOETA STADIUM JUAN IRAOLA, HEAD OF DIGITAL, REAL SOCIEDAD

KEYNOTE FROM AUDITORIA SCOTT WILLSALLEN, DIRECTOR, AUDITORIA

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

LIGHTING

EDEN PARK Auckland, New Zealand

Images: Eden Park, Signify

S

ince the early 1900s, Eden Park has been the home of Auckland cricket, rugby and international events – although, it is perhaps best known for hosting the 2011 Rugby World

Cup final, as well as the 2015 Cricket World Cup, the Downer NRL Auckland Nines, Bledisloe Cup, ITM Cup, Super Rugby, football, plus international and domestic cricket games.

Each year, over half a million sports fans – both local and international – attend matches and functions at Eden Park.

In fact, with its state-of-the-art facilities and services, the stadium often successfully hosts crowds of up to 50,000.

Eden Park underwent significant redevelopment before the Rugby World Cup, with many features in the ground upgraded, including the audio-visual infrastructure, ICT, lighting, seating and stadium access. A key part of this project was the new 24,000-seat South stand – a threetier structure that replaced the old South and South West stand.

LIGHTING

A prominent feature of the new stand is the use of

Controlled by the Interact Sports Scene management

ethylene-tetraflouroethylene (ETFE) on the exterior of

application from Signify, the new lighting solution gives

the building. This building polymer is lightweight and

Eden Park the ability to create dynamic, fully-customised

transparent, allowing light for local environs. The exterior

light shows for the South stand. One of the applications of

is self-cleaning and can be impressively lit with up to a

the new lighting system is matching the lights to colours

thousand different colours.

of sports teams to help create unique atmosphere that is

Nick Sautner, CEO at Eden Park takes up the story: “Eden

tailored to the fans. It has also been a major part of the city

Park’s ETFE facade was installed for the Rugby World

revitilisation plan.

Cup in 2011. The material is specifically designed to have

“As part of a long-term partnership with Eden Park,

high corrosion resistance and strength over a variety of

earlier this year, Signify installed high-quality, colour-

temperature and weather conditions.

change lighting to illuminate the ETFE that has enhanced

“The ETFE is one of the key focal points in the Park’s

Eden Park’s iconic façade. It looks stunning whether you’re

development and still both performs well and looks great,

at the stadium or watching a game at home,” added Nick.

while providing the opportunity for greater functionality,

“We partnered with Signify due to its position as an

especially on event days.”

industry leader and development in specific LED and

With the lighting in mind, the Eden Park Trust sought a

lighting control solutions for stadia across the globe. The

dynamic lighting solution that would provide high-impact

new lighting software has enabled greater functionality

illumination for the South stand, further enhancing the

and better control over the settings.”

stadium’s atmosphere and ambiance.

As well as team colours, the façade lighting has been

The main requirement was that the lighting showcased the

used in many other ways, too, as Nick explained further:

glass architecture and fern-shaped accents on the exterior

“The ETFE and its development has allowed Eden Park to

of the stadium, all without overpowering its unique design.

support a variety of charitable causes throughout the year,

Signify were approached to provide the ideal solution.

which has included the Suffrage 125 movement, Prostate

With New Zealand-based lighting designer, Omar Shahab

Cancer Foundation, Unicef’s World Children’s Day,

of Switch Lighting Design, Modus Lighting and Aseco,

Armistice Day and Mental Health Awareness Week.”

Signify, formerly called Philips Lighting, delivered the

Since the completion of the lighting installation, Eden

concept, design, and installation of the new lighting

Park has been able to control the ambiance of the stadium

system at Eden Park. In total, the team installed 34

at the touch of a button. The work of Signify, along with

varyingly spaced Philips Color Kinetics ColorReach

its partners, has delivered a truly eye-catching venue that

Powercore LED flood light fixtures inside the lower rim of

offers a real visual spectacle for visiting fans, helping to

the glass façade. The fern structures are emphasised with

build the atmosphere before they even enter the stadium.

saturated RGB light, while the rest of the South stand is lit in a vertical striped pattern, with dark spaces in between each stripe of light.

LIGHTING DESIGNER: Switch Lighting Design | BRANDS: Signify | WEBSITES: www.signify.com, www.switchlighting.co.nz 076

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Above: Eden Park illuminated using Signify fixtures.

F1_stadia_ad_Aug2018.pdf

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02/08/2018

16:57

LIGHTING

INVICTUS GAMES Sydney, Australia

Images: Getty Images / Invictus Games Sydney 2018

S

ince its inception in 2014, the Invictus Games - a sporting competition for service men and women who have been injured while serving their country - founded by HRH The Duke of

Sussex (Prince Harry), has gone from strength to strength.

According to the Invictus Foundation website: ‘The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve post injury. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country’.

Following the successful inaugural event in London, the Invictus Games Foundation is now in charge of ensuring that the Games continue to adhere to the high standards that have been set. It is also responsible for sport and competition management, rules, categorisations and branding, working in conjunction with a number of partners and corporate sponsors.

Having taken place in London, Orlando and Toronto, 2018 saw the Invictus Games hosted in Sydney, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on the forecourt of Sydney Opera House. Lighting Designer, Paul Collison (P.C), was brought in to design the system for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Invictus Games in collaboration with NW Group, the supplier of lighting and audio equipment for the shows. P.C said: “Working on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House is an absolute privilege, it is one of the most iconic spaces in the world.”

P.C is no stranger to the forecourt, having been LD for a number of shows there on previous occasions, however, being such a prestigious building, certain rules and regulations are in place. Firstly, the amount of lighting fixtures that could be installed and where exactly they could be mounted needed to be signed off by the heritage department at the Opera House. P.C worked closely with NW Group on this element, to ensure the requirements were met. “NW Group did a great job assembling a quality lighting system. The team performed some reverse engineering of the PA towers, in order to guarantee our lighting positions out on the forecourt. It was a clever solution.”

LIGHTING

080

The time of year also provided some obstacles. With the

the fixtures were solid, and when we got slammed by a

need for darkness to programme, test and fine-tune the

thunderstorm two hours before the Opening Ceremony, we

lighting show and being unable to work past 11.45pm

didn’t have any problems with those fixtures whatsoever.”

each night, it left P.C and the rest of the NW Group team

Clay Paky Scenius Unicos were specified for the long throw

- including Luke Van Roy, Matt Tong, Mitch MacGregor,

stage washing. The fixture is appealing for the quality of

Daniel Buchanan, Alex Lang and Declan Wood - with

its light - a 1,400W Osram lamp, 6,500K and very high

just a few hours of darkness each day, as in the spring

CRI. It’s washlight capabilities are predominantly due

time, the sun sets around 7pm. The season also brings

to a system with different diffusion filters, which may

thunderstorms most afternoons. So all-in-all, the team

be inserted gradually, and the Scenius Unicos can also

was very much up against the elements, but thanks to

generate a powerful narrow beam of super concentrated

experience, hard work and the right products, the end

light, with a minimum beam angle of only 5º. P.C explained

result was something everyone could be proud of.

his reasoning for the Clay Paky fixture choice: “You just

The standout product of the Opening Ceremony for P.C

can’t beat them, they are the go-to fixture for long-throw.

was the Music & Lights’ PANORAMAIPWBX washlights.

I was also impressed with how much finesse they had

It was the first time he’d used them on a job, and he

when it came to lighting the stage and the protocol areas.

was very impressed with their performance. “The

Their versatility does keep surprising me.

IP65 PANORAMAIPWBX washlights are really cool. It’s

“There were some of the old favourites on the rig too, a

obviously not the first job that’s been outdoors, so we are

bunch of Clay Paky Sharpys in the protocol and parade

used to waterproofing fixtures, but that adds more time

area to give the show a bit of bling. The stage was also full

to a job. It was great to be able to use fixtures that were

of Martin by HARMAN MAC Vipers, Quantum Washes and

actually designed for outdoors, instead of waterproofing

Quantum Profiles.” MA Lighting was used as the show

indoor fixtures,” he said.

control platform, a grandMA2 on this occasion. “I wouldn’t

The high output LED washlights with pixel ring feature

contemplate doing a show without using a grandMA

19 of Osram’s new 40W RGBW Ostar LEDs, and deliver a

platform,” P.C added. “The ability to have multiple

massive output with a huge colour range and an extensive

operators, and the remote capability works well on the

toolkit of effects. P.C continued: “The majority of the

forecourt because you can wander around to focus fixtures

audience light and site lighting was all done with the

during the day.”

PANORAMAIPWBX washlights fixtures and I was really

The lighting design for the Closing Ceremony used of a lot

impressed with them. The colour rendering was good,

of same fixtures, with the exception of the Music & Lights’

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LIGHTING

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LIGHTING: Music & Lights PANORAMAIPWBX washlights | Clay Paky Scenius Unico moving heads | Martin by HARMAN MAC Viper moving heads | Martin by HARMAN Quantum Wash moving heads | Martin by HARMAN Quantum Profile moving heads | MA Lighting grandMA2 lighting console COMMS: Clear-Com Median digital caomms frames | Clear Com V Series IP 12 channel panels | 10 x Motorola two-way radios | 10 x proprietary Push-To-Talk adaptors with Clear-Com CC300 & CC400 headsets | Duplex and Simplex radio interfacing and antennae | Clear-Com Helixnet and FreeSpeak II belt packs AUDIO: L-Acoustics K2 loudspeakers | L-Acoustics K1SB flown subwoofers L-Acoustics KS28 subwoofers | L-Acoustics ARCS WiFo loudspeakers and DV Dosc loudspeakers | L-Acoustics LA12X amplifiers | DiGiCo SD5 console | DiGiCo SD7 console | Optocore signal transport | Shure Axient Digital radio mics and PSM1000 in-ear monitor systems

PANORAMAIPWBX washlights. There wasn’t a need for those, due to the closing event taking place indoors at the Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park. It being the Closing Ceremony, it was very much a celebration for the competitors and their families. With bands playing on stage with a LED screen backdrop, it was similar to a rock concert setup. “We continued to use the Clay Paky Scenius Unico for the stage wash, and we lit the audience with Quantum Washes, which are the perfect fixture to light an audience in inside an arena environment. Sharpys and Viper were also in place over the stage,” P.C said.

Thanks to the professionalism of all involved, the Invictus Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies were delivered to a high standard and were in keeping with the ethos of the Invictus Games Foundation. “Their ethos throughout was that it’s about the competitors, so at no point should they be overshadowed by the technology, they should always be at the forefront,” P.C explained. “We achieved this with a fairly simply design from a creative perspective, but at the same time it was embracing the competitors and their

Comms at the Invictus Games Andrew Rodd - Technical Account Manager, The P.A. People What makes Clear-Com comms equipment ideally suited to a stadium environment?

Clear-Com is synonymous with professional state of the art communications systems. The fibre optic and IP flexibility makes Clear Com flexible for large and small venues and outdoor arenas alike.

Why do you think the Clear-Com products were specified for this project over any other comms equipment?

Clear-Com has long been the bench mark for entertainment communications. It is widely accepted as a market leader and has an impeccable reputation for reliability and performance.

Can you outline the comms set-up at a couple of the venues?

Clear-Com Median digital comms frames | Clear-Com V Series IP 12-channel panels | Motorola twoway radios | Proprietary Push-To-Talk adaptors with Clear-Com CC300 & CC400 headsets | Duplex and Simplex radio interfacing and antennae | Clear-Com Helixnet or FreeSpeak II belt packs (as required) The comms systems have quite a responsibility during the Games, how do you guarantee its performance?

Having redundancy built into the system design. Rigorous testing and preparation of the systems before they leave the warehouse. Skilled technicians to deploy and maintain the systems on site. Having the resources to not only have a selection of components on site to quickly swap out any damaged components but the knowledge, resources and technicians to properly service any system quickly.

associates.” The perfect finale for the 500 competitors from 18 nations who came to compete for medals in 11 sports.

To complement the lighting, NW Group supplied an

LA12X amplifiers providing power for the entire system.

L-Acoustics rig for both ceremonies - as well as audio

Mixing requirements were taken care of by DiGiCo SD5

for all the sporting venues - orchestrated by NW Group

and SD7 consoles, signal transport by Optocore and RF

Sound Designer, Ian Shapcott. The main hangs and delays

via Shure Axient Digital radio mics and PSM1000 in-ear

comprise L-Acoustics K2 with K1SB flown subwoofers,

monitor systems.

with additional low-end from KS28’s. Fills are provided by

The next Invictus Games will take place in The Hague, The

ARCS WiFo and DV Dosc with the company’s proprietary

Netherlands in 2020.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: NW Group LIGHTING DESIGNER: Paul Collison, Eleven Design COMMS PROVIDER: The P.A. People | BRANDS: Music & Lights, Clay Paky, Martin by HARMAN, MA Lighting, Clear-Com | WEBSITES: www.nwgroup.com.au, papeople.com.au, www.elevendesign.com.au, www.invictusgames2018.org, www.musiclights.it, www. claypaky.it, www.martin.com, www.malighting.com, www.clearcom.com 082

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VIDEO

FLENS-ARENA Flensburg, Germany

Images: Benjamin Nolte

T

he Flens-Arena is located in the Flensburg University and College Campus area, a multipurpose municipal hall, currently home to the SG Flensburg-Handewitt handball team.

Nicknamed HÜlle Nord (hell of the north), the arena is also used for events such as concerts, college festivities, fairs, and exhibitions. To ensure that communication with the audience would assume an intimate and dynamic character even at major events, the hall’s owner, Campus Hallen GmbH entrusted Amptown System Company with the installation of new LED video walls and a state-of-the-art video direction workstation.

The Flens-Arena holds 6,300 spectators and has the largest standing area within the Federal Handball League.

Having won the German Handball Cup four times and the German Championship twice, SG Flensburg-Handewitt is one of the most successful clubs in European handball.

So far the existing technical equipment had failed to reflect the teams impressive background and needed to be upgraded to current standards, specifically to do justice to the home games atmosphere.

VIDEO

086

Amptown System Company (ASC) was tasked with

Having discussed requirements with both the customer

renovating the video equipment and direction facilities,

and the user, ASC configured an up-to-date video system

which had become obsolete over the years. ASC had

and converted the former analogue system to a modern

previously worked with the client, when the campus

digital one. The main challenge was to incorporate the

halls were built and had also implemented the sound and

existing video feeds including the score feed some of which

lighting for the university, so it seemed logical to resume

were still based on earlier standards and the analogue

that relationship, modernising the projection equipment.

video mixer into the new media server CMS system without

Media engineering experts Sebastian Kirsch and Moritz

having to replace all of the analogue signal peripherals.

Lübcke were responsible for consultations with the client

“We came up with an intelligent solution, which enables

and the technical management of the project.

the video producing and directing crew to change content

“We wanted a system which considering the scope of

themselves any time using the CMS with no technical

the investment would meet highest standards and work

support required.” ASC Project Manager Moritz Lübcke

for many years to come,” Administrative lawyer Ellen

said.

Eichmeier, General Manager of Campushallen GmbH,

The two obsolete four metre by three metre rear projection

explained. “What we had in mind were modern, state-of-

screens were removed and exchanged for new high quality

the-art video walls which would still be easy to operate,

state-of-the-art LED projections walls produced by

as we were aware that whoever handled video direction

Absen. Now two modern five by three metre LED walls

wouldn’t necessarily be a professional familiar with

with an image format of 16:9 and a pixel pitch of 6mm are

all of the technological aspects. Therefore the system

available, each with the rigging and motors required.

was supposed to allow for intuitive operation and to be

As recommended by ASC, the hall video direction

fail-safe and low-maintenance as well.” Information

equipment was supplemented with a feed server involving

transmitted via the video wall is the very essence of any

a coolux Pandora’s Box, further with a coolux Widget

handball game. If it is not possible to communicate the

designer and Amptown’s Athena CMS system which enable

score the game can’t go on either. “To be on the safe

content, live video images, and the existing score display

side we chose a partner who provided us with competent

to be mixed during live operation and to be projected on

advice and had an understanding of what professional

the LED walls in various selectable screen arrangements.

entertainment is supposed to achieve.”

“Absen prides itself on delivering visual solutions that are

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VIDEO

perfectly suited to stadia and other sporting venues,” Alex

of the direction centre.

Couzins, Head of Marketing for Absen Europe said.

Jan Kühl of the marketing & sales / match day organisation

“While Flens-Arena is by no means the first international

department of SG Flensburg-Handewitt commented on the

sports club to trust our LED displays, we are extremely

new video equipment: “The LED walls play an important

satisfied with the success of the installation. The client’s

essentially communicative part during the handball home

brief requesting modern video walls that are as failsafe

games SG Flensburg-Handewitt plays. The show in the

and low-maintenance as possible, while meeting the latest

hall is transmitted via the monitors. One hour before

technical standards, was a perfect fit for our products.

the actual match starts, the live picture camera presents

We must also reserve our thanks to our trusted partner,

blocks welcoming the spectators, introducing new players,

Amptown System Company, for the company’s typically

and announcing players’ birthdays. Advertisements are

excellent job of modernising this multipurpose venue’s

displayed as well as interactions with the spectators. About

integral video setup.”

15 minutes before the game starts a pyro show - referred

The project very much called for the ASC motto of

to as the ‘hot phase’ - entertains the audience. Afterwards

‘everything from a single source’ to be applied: from

the screens will supply information, display the score, and

designing the mechanical components such as the

again present live video images and commercial blocks.

rigging and rigging gear, ASC carried out all of the work

We are very happy that the new installations are a success

required - the electrical planning, the installation of the

and that handling the new technical equipment is not a

LED walls, the installation of the feeding equipment in

problem.”

the direction centre, and eventually the commissioning of the complete system. Electrical planning involved general programming, programming the Content Management System (CMS), providing the playout software and of course the complete optic fibre cabling and the connection

INSTALLERS: Amptown System Company | BRANDS: Absen, Coolux WEBSITES: www.amptown-system.com, www.absen.com, www.coolux.de 088

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION VIDEO: 2 x five-metre by three-metre Absen LED wall | 1 x coolux Pandoras Box Server | 1 x coolux Pandoras Box Widget Designer | Athena CMS system

3 APRIL 2019 FRANKFURT

12 JUNE 2019 ORLANDO

ENTRIES NOW OPEN New categories for 2019… Best Stadium and Best Arena

www.mondodrawards.com

EVS - VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREES La Liga, Spain

Images: EVS

I

n recent years, the use of technology inside

the stadium. Coaches, for example, can see formations

sports stadiums has been a big driver for

and player positions from multiple angles at once and save

change. Out of all the recent innovations,

replays to provide visual feedback after the game – or live

one of the most debated has been video

from the sideline as needed.

assistance for referees and its ability to improve live sports.

There’s also a greater focus on player safety than ever

Despite some initial reticence from certain individuals

before. The deployment of multi-camera review systems

and organisations, the use of video tools is becoming

can allow team personnel to see exactly how and when

increasingly prominent in the sporting arena. The

a player got hurt during a play or incident. Using this

technology goes by many names - VAR in football, TWO in

live inside the stadium means medical staff can quickly

rugby, instant replay in basketball - and to be effective, it

decide on the most suitable treatment to maintain player

must operate as quickly and reliably as possible.

wellbeing.

Sports leagues are increasingly adopting video replays

To provide the live sports industry with the best possible

as an officiating tool because it’s easy to see the

replay technology for officials, EVS designed Xeebra - a

benefits. Professional sports rely on fair play rules and

multi-camera replay tool that takes advantage of the

sportsmanship to maintain their integrity. You could select

company’s extensive 20-year history in live sports, where

any sports fan in a bar and you’ll quickly hear about ‘that

it’s the industry standard for instant replays. Xeebra can be

game where the referees robbed their team’.

operated by a touchscreen or a dedicated remote controller

What video refereeing tools do is help to solve this problem

to review up to 16 live camera feeds simultaneously. It uses

by providing officials with the most information possible,

the cameras already in place for the broadcast production

so they can make the right decisions straight away. Despite

and lets a single operator pause, rewind and replay the

being a new technology, we’ve seen how much of an

camera feeds, which stay completely in-sync with one

impact video referees have already had in several leagues,

another.

for numerous different sports. La Liga has shown this after

Teams or stadium operators can use Xeebra either on the

deploying VAR for the first time for the 2018/2019 season.

sideline for in-game refereeing, or place it in a control

Speaking about the technology, La Liga’s VAR Project Head

room somewhere else in the stadium. That way, operators

and Chief Refereeing Instructor, Carlos Velasco Carballo

can be as close to the action as they want. Another

said in just the first month, VAR helped to correct 10

important aspect is that operators don’t need to be trained

refereeing decisions. There was an average of 4.34 cards

engineers to use the system. Its intuitive interface makes

issued per game, the league’s lowest figure since the

it easy to select and isolate the angles they want to review

1991/1992 season.

and they can even get a closer look at a replay with a

You could also see it when this summer’s World Cup

familiar pinch-and-zoom touchscreen gesture.

started motioning for the VAR system to be used. In the

The use of technology inside sports venues is quickly

same way that instant replays are used in broadcasting to

becoming more prevalent than ever, bringing about a

tell a story, they can be used as part of a video refereeing

myriad of benefits for multiple stakeholders. Review tools

process to build tension and add to the live atmosphere.

like EVS’ Xeebra system are becoming an increasingly

If replays are shown on a stadium’s screens as part of a

important part of that. In providing users with a quick

VAR process, fans are able to see the replays used to make

way of viewing multiple camera angles at once, Xeebra is

refereeing decisions. Being able to see it unfold, fans are

helping the industry take a step towards creating faster,

more engaged with what’s going on and officials are given

more competitive and even safer live sports.

more credibility.

And the use of video replay tools like this isn’t just limited to officials. Team coaches or medical staff can also use them to review player performance and wellbeing inside

BRANDS: EVS | WEBSITES: www.evs.com 090

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Right: The EVS Xeebra System

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LIBERTY STADIUM Swansea, Wales Images: Blackmagic Design

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ransitioning between leagues can be a hectic and challenging time for any club, but for Swansea City AFC - who joined the EFL Championship earlier this year - it brought an

exciting, fresh opportunity: live streaming its matches to fans across the world.

The club’s head of media and marketing, Jonathan Wilsher, discussed the decision to take production services in house, and create a bespoke subscription service, SwansTV Live, with a state-of-the-art streaming setup built around a Blackmagic Design live workflow.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BROADCAST: 4 x Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast camera | 1 x Blackmagic Design Smart Videohub 12G 40x40 matrix | 1 x Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD switcher | 1 x Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Mini broadcast deck

094

“Streaming just wasn’t an option while we were in the

majority of games are available to stream internationally,”

Premier League under its broadcasting regulations,”

confirmed Jonathan. “So for home games we have run

began Jonathan. “And having been in that league for

a four-camera production with our own full graphics

seven seasons, we didn’t have a suitable system already in

service, replays, and match commentary utilising former

place.”

and current players as co-commentators.”

Needing to expand on its existing audiovisual and

Four URSA Broadcast cameras are situated around the

broadcast infrastructure, the club started looking at

Liberty Stadium; two on the gantry, one on the South

potential solutions in June as the 2017/18 season was

Stand and one in an interview room in the tunnel. For the

finishing. Given the short window of time before the

club’s away games, with no interview room, three of the

next season of the EFL Championship, and with summer

cameras are transported to the fixtures.

friendlies and training to contend with, broadcast

“The URSA Broadcast’s extended video mode is the

consultant Stvdio Expert was brought on board.

killer ingredient for us,” said Jonathan. “Combined with

“We had two options,” said Jonathan. “Work within EFL’s

affordable lenses from Fujinon or Canon, it’s a really cost-

own live streaming service or take the initiative to create

effective way of getting incredibly high quality footage,

our own. Opting out gave us the opportunity to install

that is fantastic for live streaming as we’re able to get

a more extensive production set up that would give our

really nice looking pictures on air straightaway.”

fans exclusive, high quality content that could extend far

He added: “Using the B4 lenses also allows us to easily

further than match footage and highlights.

capture matchplay and track players as they speed around

“Outside of certain time slots and broadcast rights, the

the pitch as we don’t need to chase focus, even when

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BROADCAST

zooming in and out.”

feeding into a Tricaster switcher via the matrix. Custom

The biggest challenge Jonathan explained, was

graphics and pre-recorded content are added using the

constructing a purpose-built studio with very limited time

switcher’s on-board digital disk recorder (DDR) to create

and space to do it in. “Stvdio Expert’s previous experience

the final program mix.

with Derby County FC helped us hugely,” he recalled.

The PGM is then taken through an ATEM Television Studio

“Together we designed and deployed the system in just a

HD, which acts as the transmission switcher selecting the

few weeks, while a local company called Quinns installed

source to stream be it program or a holding graphic, before

the cabling infrastructure we needed to feed cameras and

being fed into Stream AMG’s server at 1080i50.

commentary.”

“The ATEM is a really reliable piece of kit,” Jonathan

Peter Knowles, Broadcast Consultant, Stvdio Expert, said:

continued. “Its primary function for us is to allow the

“Having taken the decision to opt out of the EFL’s iFollow

streams and the stadium screens to be fed with holding

service, Swansea’s small, but extremely talented team

graphics while the studio is in rehearsal, but it also acts

were facing the new challenge of launching their own

as an emergency cut in the event of a switcher issue. In

platform, ‘SWANS Live’. We were called in to advise on

addition, a HyperDeck Studio Mini is used as a secondary

what technology was needed, how best to deploy it, and to

recording device, and it also has the ability to play out

provide training and support leading up to the launch.”

promos and other pre-recorded content to the ATEM.”

The studio solution centres around a Smart Videohub

Extending the service beyond just live streaming 90

12G 40x40 matrix, with each of the four URSA Broadcast

minutes of match coverage, Jonathan and the 14-strong

signals, plus two Blackmagic Studio Camera channels,

production team also produce a pre match studio-based

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show where the team selection and the previous game’s

that I am confident is capable of growing with the

performance are analysed. Live interviews with the club

channel’s future business requirements. The team has

manager and players are also broadcast from the stadium.

creativity and talent in abundance, and we have helped

“At half time, we have another presenter led segment

ensure they have the technology and know-how they need

where the first-half highlights are discussed,” continued

to express it. I have no doubt that their output will inspire

Jonathan. “And again we also produce a full time show

many other clubs to join the growing band of trailblazers

where an in-depth analysis of the whole game is featured.

who believe that bringing control of moving content

We also deliver a live flash interview with a player direct

in-house is the most effective way of engaging with fans -

from the pitch straight after the whistle, so the production

whilst developing a whole new revenue stream.”

team has a huge amount of live content to capture and

Looking to the future, the main goal for Jonathan is

stream immediately to fans worldwide.”

to maintain a stable platform and continue to refine

This new source of direct-to-consumer revenue has

production techniques with additional cameras, replays

already widened the club’s fanbase significantly. “We are

and graphics, being integrated into the core Blackmagic

absolutely exceeding expectations in regard to subscriber

web broadcasting infrastructure. “Blackmagic’s stable,

numbers,” continued Jonathan. “SwansTV Live is driving

affordable yet effective disruptive technology has made

engagement with fans across every corner of the globe,

projects like this achievable well within our budget and

from Australia to Spain, France, Norway, Japan and New

timescale,” he concludes. “The cost to benefit calculation

Zealand, with our highest viewing figures coming from

means we can carry on investing in more product and

America.”

improve the service for our fans.”

Peter concluded: “SWANS Live now has a solid solution

BROADCAST CONSULTANT: StvdioExpert | BRANDS: Blackmagic Design | WEBSITES: www.blackmagicdesign.com 096

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Extraordinary Projects Demand Extraordinary Solutions

The complete solution for digital audio processing, distribution, amplification and control

pcasupport.emea@peavey.com peaveycommercialaudio.com

The most powerful drag and drop audio, video and control platform featuring the award winning Kiosk2Go, web browser user interface and application for full system control.

MediaMatrixÂŽ NWare 2.0 now with freshly updated features including a new-look configurable interface, new devices and plugins, plus built-in project templates.

ITTF EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 Alicante, Spain

Images: Fantek

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The ITTF European Table Tennis

(men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles,

Championships is an international

and mixed doubles) in even-numbered years, with only

competition for the national teams of the

team events taking place in odd-numbered years.

member associations of the European Table

The 2018 edition of the Championships was held in

Tennis Union (ETTU). First held in 1958, the ETTU

Alicante, with Centro de Tecnificacion Deportiva chosen

organised the European Championships every two years

as the venue for the tournament. The venue had to be

in even-numbered years until 2002, when they changed

prepared for the Championships, with event agency,

to odd-numbered years. Since 2007, the competition has

Publiasa – a subsidiary of Vectalia – tasked with the

been contested annually.

project.

There are seven events in total at the Championships;

To achieve this, Publisa enlisted the help of Eventual –

men’s singles, doubles and team; women’s singles,

an events company that specialise in the assembly of

doubles and team, as well as mixed doubles. From 2009

structures, lighting, video and sound.

until 2013, the mixed doubles tournament was organised

Raul Arias Brufal of Eventual expanded on how the project

separately from the other events.

began: “The development of the technical project came

In 2015, the ETTU announced that from 2016 the

from the need to have 1,000 lux uniformly distributed in

Championships would feature only individual events

the area where the tables for the games would be.

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TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

“The distribution of the luminaires was developed through

hung from the Fantek trussing.

a DIALux programme – and it was this distribution of

The lighting for the venue came from 58 white LED

lighting fixtures that generated the need for a truss

spotlights, 10 Mark Beam WS 280 moving heads, 40 of

structure. The truss was needed to hang the luminaires

Mark’s SUPERMULTIPAR LED 120/4 fixtures and eight

from the pavilion.”

Mark COB SPOT 80s, as well as four theatrical spotlights.

For the visual element, a Panasonic PT-DZ16K2EJ projector was also used.

The truss was supported by 500kg electric motors, with 16 for the first structure and three for the second.

Overall, the project was impressive, with the European

“The truss structure, which was integral to the tournament setup, was supplied by Fantek.”

Table Tennis Championships in Alicante running successfully and attracting many fans. However, there were certain elements that proved challenging for the team, which Vicente elaborated on: “The technical challenge was providing each table with the needed light throughout its surface and designing the truss support asymmetrically to achieve this - easier said than done!”

Highlights of the Championships included Germany’s Timo Bonn - the top seed - win the men’s singles title, while Li Qian stole the show by winning the women’s singles title in what was a first ever appearance in a European Championships final of any description for a Polish female player.

The truss structure, which was integral to the tournament setup, was supplied by Fantek. Vicente Lucio, Managing Director of Fantek takes up the story: “There were two structures in total that were installed at the venue. One structure was 198.6 linear metres of quadrangular truss of 30 by 30 EC-30 from Fantek, which formed a grid of 40.2 metres by 13.8 metres.

“The second structure was 33 linear metres of the same type of truss – EC-30.”

With the two structures, the base for the tournament’s lighting and audio technology was in place. For the audio element of the project, eight clusters of three boxes were

TECHNICAL INFORMATION TRUSSING: 2 x Fantek EC-30 truss LIGHTING: 58 x White LED spotlight | 10 x Mark Beam WS 280 moving head | 40 x Mark SUPERMULTIPAR LED 120/4 fixture | 8 x Mark COB SPOT 80 fixture VISUAL: 1 x Panasonic PT-DZ16K2EJ projector

INSTALLER: Eventual | BRAND: Fantek, D.A.S Audio, Equipson, Mark, Panasonic | WEBSITES: eventual.com.es, fantek.es, dasaudio.com, equipson.es, panasonic.net 099

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COMMUNICATIONS

RIEDEL - REFEREE COMMUNICATIONS Bundesliga, Germany

Images: Riedel Communications

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oday’s large-scale sporting events, as well

RF reliability. “With features like RF anti-reflection

as their technical broadcast requirements,

technology and Advanced DECT Receiver, Bolero was the

are growing at an astounding pace. To meet

cut out for the job. But in order to make it perfectly suitable

these requirements, Riedel Communications

for its demanding task on the pitch, our engineers had

initiated its Managed Sports Services division, comprised

to design a smaller, hands-free version that could offer

of custom-engineered technologies paired with extensive

unlimited freedom of movement,” Jacqueline explained.

supervision and support by Riedel-qualified engineers.

“It was quite challenging to further shrink such a compact

Among the first to profit from the services is DFL Deutsche

device without compromising quality and functionality,

Fußball Liga, which partnered with Riedel to design a

but our experts were up to the task. Since the battery unit

reliable infrastructure for German Bundesliga referee

constitutes a major factor for the size and weight of the

communications.

device, a lot of research went into a both compact and

“To take their referee communications to the next level,

powerful lithium-ion battery. Early on, it was decided that

the DFL required more than just an upgraded intercom

voice activated transmission (VOX) would offer the hands-

infrastructure; they were not looking for a new product,

free convenience to make the project successful. The

but a highly specialised and reliable partner,” Jacqueline

final, compact form of Bolero S was achieved by removing

Voss, Corporate Business Development Manager said.

Bolero’s display and adding a voice operated switch (VOX).

“With our full-service approach and our experience with

“Calibrating this switch proved a truly delicate task, but

customised solutions, Riedel could provide the carefree

our great partners at DFL made it possible to conduct

package they needed.”

countless field tests in Bundesliga stadia, which led to a

The initial brief was to design a custom infrastructure

well-rounded, very reliable device,” Jacqueline said.

that ensures reliable communications between Bundesliga

A year of intense collaboration bore fruit just in time for

referees, their assistants on the sidelines, and the VAC

the start of the 2018/2019 season when the Bolero S passed

located in Cologne.

its trial run during the 2018 DFL-Supercup, exceeding

Using the Bolero wireless intercom system, introduced

all expectations with its compact size, light weight, and

in 2017, Riedel has a reliable intercom platform with

simple operation. “This was the result of great synergies

outstanding audio quality that is perfectly suited for sports

between Riedel, DFL and the refereeing department

broadcasts. The challenge was to deliver a solution that

of Deutscher Fußball-Bund. A stadium with 80,000

would provide crystal-clear communication, in addition,

cheering fans, like Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, is a

the beltpack itself had to be acceptable to the referees and

very demanding environment for clear communications.

suitable for live-game environments.

Experimenting with different headset configurations,

For this joint effort, DFL experts and Riedel’s team

microphone cartridges, and sound transducers in our lab

of engineers and product managers took on the task

alone would not have sufficed,” said Jacqueline. “Thanks

of designing a smaller version of the Bolero system

to our fantastic partnership with DFL, we could conduct

that offered unlimited freedom of movement on the

extensive field tests at official Bundesliga stadiums and we

pitch while still preserving key characteristics such as

are more than happy with the result of this team effort.”

multiple channels, high voice clarity, and unsurpassed

Riedel Managed Sports Services and Bolero S will provide

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COMMUNICATIONS

reliable referee communications for all 306 Bundesliga matches

communications. Having provided customised solutions

this season. In each of the 18 Bundesliga stadiums, three

for high-profile sports events such as premier motorsports

Bolero antennas provide full coverage on and beside the pitch,

or major soccer tournaments, Riedel Communications is

inside the referee locker rooms, and in the players’ tunnels.

unmatched in their experience,” said Ansgar Schwenken, DFL

Their signals converge into a Riedel Artist 32 intercom matrix

Director of Football Affairs & Supporters and Member of the DFL

which then connects to the VAC in Cologne and to the ROC

e.V. Executive Committee. “Our collaboration with Riedel has

in Wuppertal via WAN VoIP. In the ROC, engineers monitor

resulted in the fantastic Bolero S and, with support from their

every single system component and respond to changing

Remote Operations Center, we now enjoy a carefree, full-service

circumstances on the pitch in real time. By controlling

solution.”

parameters like gate, release time, and limiter thresholds, every VOX-microphone can be individually calibrated for each referee and then fine-tuned to the conditions in the stadium in real time. With Riedel’s specialists overseeing the beltpack battery charge and system integrity, the referees can now fully concentrate on guiding and directing fair matches.

“With Riedel we have found the ideal partner for referee

BRANDS: Riedel Communications | WEBSITES: www.riedel.net 102

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03 EXTRA TIME

PRODUCT FOCUS

EVENT DIARY

104 FBT

112 Conferences & Exhibitions

106 DiGiCo

107 QSC

BUSINESS

FULL TIME

108 UK Sports & Venues Summit

114 Justin Vaughan, Restrata

110 Connected Stadium Summit

EXTRA TIME

FBT | SHADOW HADOW is a complete range of high performance full range and horn leaded loudspeakers, designed to provide high quality music and voice reproduction in applications with extreme weather conditions resistance, ensuring a long term exposure to all kinds of severe conditions.

High quality voice reproduction and music performance, normally associated only with indoor systems, are now available for outdoor use, with the brand new SHADOW series of loudspeaker cabinets.

These all-weather products provide the system designer with the right choice to handle a wide range of applications, that span from sports fields to stadiums, theme parks, swimming pools, themed restaurants, and all environments demanding the highest quality speech and music reproduction, combined with product durability. FBT’s brand new allweather loudspeaker range provides long term reliability for temporary and permanent outdoor installations, as these loudspeaker systems are manufactured applying the most severe standard expected from a classification of International Protection Rating IP55.

The prime consideration in designing SHADOW cabinets was extreme weather resistance, also for the drivers that would be employed inside them. The exceptionally weather resistant

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driver is further protected by the water-stop grille: it stops the elements, solid or liquid, from getting inside the enclosure.

Each protective grille is a three layers structure that consists of an external perforated stainless steel panel treated with a special protection, a center layer of reticulated foam and an inner layer of water-repellent polyester mesh, providing maximum protection and minimal acoustic attenuation.

• • • • •

•

SHADOW 142L - 14-inch line array speaker system 1,000W / eight ohm - 137dB SPL SHADOW 112CT - Multipurpose high performance 12inch coax 600W / eight ohm - 128dB SPL SHADOW 108CT - Multipurpose eight-inch coax 450W / eight ohm - 124dB SPL SHADOW 105T - Multipurpose five-inch full range 120W / eight ohm - 112dB SPL SHADOW 112HC T - High performance 12-inch coax horn loaded, medium / long throw 600W / eight ohm 132dB SPL SHADOW 114S - 14-inch subwoofer 700W / eight ohm - 129.5dB SPL

www.fbt.it/en/shadow

Far left: 142L line array speaker system Top left: 112CT High performance 12-inch coax horn loaded Top right: 108CT Multipurpose eight-inch coax Bottom left: Shadow 114S 14-inch subwoofer Bottom right: 105T Multipurpose full range

EXTRA TIME

DiGiCo | 4REA4 iGiCo’s 4REA4 is designed to meet the expanding performance requirements of large entertainment venues, such as stadiums and arenas, as well as houses of worship, theatres, festival stages and music venues.

At the heart of the system is the 4REA4 processing engine with DiGiCo connectivity options and powerful 4REA4 control software, providing routing, processing and mix control that allows your performance area to expand across your installation. The 4REA4 processing engine rack has four dedicated mix areas, or zones, each with its own stereo master output, CGs, and allocated FX. With an available 128 input channels and 48 buss output processing strips, users can independently allocate processing to whichever area as required.

Managing the mixing and routing of each individual local performance area are a new range of premium designed hardware control panels and external I/O units, that work in conjunction with the 4REA4 processing engine and control software. New Ethernet connected controller options include

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the wall mounting single rotary ACONTROL1 with a TFT display for small area performance management, and the ACONTROL8 with eight 100-metre faders designed for more complex mix and function control.

Local I/O boxes are managed via proprietary Ethernet or Dante connectivity for extended reach across a facility, with options including the new A168 STAGE floor rack and the A164 WALL LCD box, both providing mic and line level connectivity to ensure a premium 96kHz audio experience across the most demanding performance venues.

“It’s a natural but very exciting step in terms of expanding our current range of live performance solutions,” commented James Gordon, Managing Director of DiGiCo. “4REA4 will allow our customers and new facilities to expand the function and reach of our live consoles today, while providing a new installation platform that delivers the highest quality audio and control across multiple performance areas.

And it’s all backed up with the signature DiGiCo leading audio performance, connectivity and reliability.” www.digico.biz

DiGiCo’s 4rea4 is designed to cater for performance requirements in large entertainment venues.

EXTRA TIME

QSC | Q-SYS NETWORKING SOLUTIONS SC has introduced new Q-SYS Networking Solutions,including Q-SYS NS Series network switches and additional networking resources to help integrators simplify installation and increase profitability of Q-SYS-based networked audio, video and control (AV&C) systems.

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Q-SYS NS Series Network Switches For integrators looking to expedite deployment of Q-SYS on a local network, QSC introduces the Q-SYS NS Series.

The NS Series is a range of enterprise-grade, fully managed 1/10GbE network switches that are pre-configured to meet the performance requirements of the Q-SYS Platform and associated third-party networking technologies.

Available in eight-port, 24-port and 48-port models, these Dell EMC network switches provide real-time transport of Q-SYS AV&C, as well as AES67 and Dante audio streams simultaneously within the same VLAN, all without the need to manually configure the network switch or end points.

Independently tested and verified by the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), the NS Series is a plug ’n’ play solution that enables faster, more reliable system deployment and ensures support for the entire Q-SYS ecosystem, including future networked Q-SYS processors and peripherals.

“Q-SYS was built around mainstream, standard IT technology in order to provide synchronised, low-latency audio and video over standard IT networks. Nearly all modern network switches meet the performance requirements to support

the transport of real-time media, however, depending on network traffic, the network switch may need to be manually configured,” said Martin Barbour, Product Manager, QSC Systems. “In an effort to simplify Q-SYS system deployments, QSC has developed the NS Series to eliminate the guesswork related to networking and provide integrators a solution that can reduce the amount of time spent on network configuration, troubleshooting and support, allowing them to focus on more profitable aspects of the project.”

QSC’s new Q-SYS Networking Solutions includes Q-SYS NS Series network switches and additional networking resources.

Independent Network Switch Qualification For large enterprise installations that require a converged network infrastructure for a Q-SYS deployment, QSC has partnered with UNH-IOL, an independent provider of broadbased testing and standards conformance services for the networking industries, to provide independent network switch qualification for the Q-SYS Platform.

“The UNH-IOL is trusted by some of the most recognized manufacturers in the networking industry, and we are very excited to partner with QSC to offer unbiased, neutral testing of network switches to validate the performance requirements necessary for real-time media distribution with the Q-SYS Platform,” said Michayla Newcombe, Associate Director UNH InterOperability Laboratory. “We worked very closely with QSC to develop a robust testing process based on industry accepted test methodologies to help increase confidence and reduce time to market.” www.qsc.com 107

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UK SPORTS & VENUES SUMMIT 2018 n Thursday 15 November 2018 the London Stadium was the venue for the inaugural UK Sports & Venues Summit. Organised by Major Events International (MEI), attendees included top-tier domestic sports clubs, governing bodies in UK sport, organising committees from three World Cups taking place in the UK in the coming years and a handful of sports venues along with some of the leading suppliers in the UK sports and venues market.

Delegates were briefed by senior executives from three World Cups taking place in the UK over the coming years; Head of Operations for Netball World Cup 2019, Director of City & Spectator Experience for Cricket World Cup 2019, and finally Programme Director for the Rugby League World Cup taking place in 2021. The organisers gave a fantastic overview of the procurement opportunities available and how suppliers can add value to planning and delivery of each sporting event.

A selection of panels across the day provided a diverse perspective on multiple aspects of event bidding, planning, delivery, operations, security and more. Sarah Neill and Jennifer Motet from Harlequins participated in the morning

O

panel with MEI associate Joaquin Martinez discussing the ways to maximise commercial opportunities at clubs and venues. With UK government support integral to safe and successful delivery of sporting events, the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) joined UK Sport and London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to discuss, facilitated by Simon Gillespie of eVent Advisors. A cross-sector industry panel including Nielsen Sports, GL Events UK and Rapiscan Systems, covered best practice for suppliers to support sporting events and venue operations, with Thomas Staunton of Sold Out, facilitating.

The sector-specific workshops proved to be a fantastic forum for suppliers and event/venue stakeholders to talk openly about latest trends, innovative solutions and best practice within Technology, Event Services, Security, Safety, Infrastructure and Overlay, and Fan Engagement. MEI members Etherlive, TyTek Medical, Control Risks, Gracenote Sports, Beyond90, AndArchitects, GL Events UK, RDHS, Safe & Trained and Sold Out chaired and delivered feedback for each workshop. www.majoreventsinternational.com 109

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EXTRA TIME

CONNECTED STADIUM SUMMIT Amsterdam, The Netherlands

eld at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, the Connected Stadium Summit was held across two days from 20-21 November. Welcoming over 200 attendees - with over 53% at a director level or above - across both days, the event gave industry professionals a chance to meet with technology providers and innovators who provided insight on futureproofing facilities, enhance the fan experience and stand out from the crowd.

Through panels and case studies, Connected Stadium Summit explored how technology is benefitting the sports business and maximising the whole fan experience.

There were plenty of topics covered, with connectivity, interactivity and security being just some of the areas where ideas were discussed. Highlights included a case study from Benjamin Steen, Head of Digital Projects and CRM at Bayern Munich, who explained how the Allianz Arena has evolved as a connected stadium for its 650 millions fans worldwide.

Elsewhere, Une Marija Jurkstaite, Chief Business Officer at Žalgaris Arena - home of basketball club Žalgaris Kaunas -

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discussed the evolution of consumer behaviour in the digital age, with references to the exciting developments at the largest indoor arena in the Baltics.

Adam Goodyer, the CEO of LifeStyled, who power the digital customer experience at some of the world’s biggest venues, discussed how smart venue solutions should enhance the fan experience - both inside and outside of the venue. With some impressive work at five of AEG Europe’s arenas, the SSE Arena in Belfast and, soon, at Tottenham Hotspur’s new ground, it was not to be missed.

Head of Technology at Ascot Racecourse, George Vaughan shared an insightful case study on how he and his team have planned to approach Ascot as a smart city rather than just a venue.

There were plenty of other fascinating talks and panels over the two days, before the event was rounded off with a tour of the impressive Johan Cruijff Arena - a venue steeped in history, with one eye on the future itself. The perfect venue for an insightful couple of days.

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EVENT DIARY 2019

ESSMA Summit 22nd – 23rd January, Porto, Portugal www.essmasummit.eu

Prolight+Sound 2nd - 5th April, Frankfurt, Germany www.pls.messefrankfurt.com

ALSD Conference & Tradeshow 30th June - 3rd July, Chicago, USA www.alsd.com

STMA Conference & Expo 22nd – 25th January, Phoenix, USA www.stma.org

Soccerex China 17th - 18th April, Zhuhai, China www.soccerex.com

IBC 12th - 17th September, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.ibc.org

International Federations Summit 23rd – 25th January, Lausanne, Switzerland www.majoreventsinternational.com

World Football Summit Asia 29th - 30th April, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia asia.worldfootballsummit.com

ISE 6th – 8th February, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.iseurope.org

Coliseum Summit US 9th - 10th May, Detroit, USA www.coliseum-online.com

MONDO | STADIA presents AGORA 7th February, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.mondostadia-agora.com

World Stadium Congress 20th - 22nd May, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.worldstadiumcongress.iqpc.ae

WFS Bilbao Football & Innovation Summit 13th - 14th February, Bilbao, Spain bilbao.worldfootballsummit.com

The Stadium Business Summit 4th - 5th June, Manchester, UK www.stadiumbusinesssummit.com

Coliseum Summit EUROPE 20th - 21st March, London, UK www.coliseum-online.com

Major Events Summit 26th - 27th June, Birmingham, England www.majoreventsinternational.com

PLASA 15th - 17th September, London, England www.plasashow.com Coliseum Summit MENA September, Yas Island, UAE www.coliseum-online.com World Football Summit September, Madrid, Spain www.worldfootballsummit.com The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit 25th - 27th November, London, England www.stadiumdesignsummit.com

Turner Stadium Beer Sheva

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â—† Customized Multimedia Solution â—† Protouch Specializes in Turn-key Projects Formation of the Concept Developing Multimedia Products and Designing Customized Integration Systems Innovative Av Systems Installation and Management.

Ben Gurion International Airport

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Who? Justin Vaughan.

Job title?

Senior Security Consultant - Restrata.

Favourite stadium or sporting venue?

Old Trafford or Camp Nou. Why? Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United and a footballing institution. The theatre of dreams has provided many memorable footballing moments over the years.

Camp Nou has an electric atmosphere, and you get to witness one of the greatest footballing superstars of all time in Lionel Messi.

Life motto?

It always seems impossible until it is done.

Our reach is growing.

Grow with us.

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