MONDO | STADIA - Issue 26 - October | November

ROGERS CENTRE

OREGON 2022

HOME PARK

EPOS, TICKETING & ACCESS FOCUS

The Toronto Blue Jays’ home undergoes a spectacular audiovisual transformation.

The Parker Company’s vast event design and procurement project at the World Athletics Championships.

Bendac provide a full turnkey solution for Plymouth Argyle FC’s impressive, new LED scoreboard.

We showcase sporting venue projects and state-of-the-art products in EPOS, ticketing and access.

ISSUE 26 - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2022

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

26 WELCOME

t’s always a thrill to feature a genuinely iconic venue on the cover - and they don’t come much bigger than Melbourne Cricket Ground. With a capacity of over 100,000, the MCG needed an audio system to really deliver - and, with d&b audiotechnik, they certainly found it. Turn to page 26 to find out more.

Elsewhere, we’ve taken a closer look at the huge audiovisual upgrade at Rogers Centre. The home of Toronto Blue Jays now has state-of-theart technology from Daktronics and EAW, taking the fan experience to a whole new level.

The World Athletics Championships were back with a bang this summer, too, with Oregon playing host at Hayward Field. We’ve taken a deep dive into the project with event design and procurement experts, The Parker Company. An incredible achievement that saw the team cover a whole range of areas to help deliver a spectacular championships.

Bendac’s full turnkey solution for Plymouth Argyle FC is also covered, with Ben DaCosta and the team delivering a new 45 sq metre LED display.

There’s an ADI round-up that’s definitely worth checking out, too, with stadium projects across England and Scotland highlighting the impressive work the Preston-based company are offering to the industry.

There are plenty more sporting venue projects and technology featured throughout the penultimate issue of 2022.

We’re now looking ahead to 2023, so watch this space!

I

Sam Hughes Editorial Director

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26 INSIDE…

Cover Image: MCG

Editorial Director Sam Hughes s.hughes@mondiale.co.uk

Commercial Director Jamie Dixon j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

Design & Production Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Dave Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

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

Credit Control ar@mondiale.co.uk

Group Chairman Damian Walsh

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

Printed By Buxton Press

TEAM TALK

VENUE FOCUS

006 Paul Childerhouse, Pioneer Group

VIDEO

034 Home Park | Plymouth, England 038 ADI Round-Up | England & Scotland

KICK OFF

044 AJA ColorBox | Elevating the Fan Experience

012 EPOS, Ticketing & Access WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT 050 World Athetics Championships | Oregon, USA

THE FULL PITCH 020 Rogers Centre | Ontario, Canada

LIGHTING

026 Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne, Australia

056 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup | Antwerp, Belgium

EXTRA TIME 060 Venue Tech Directory 062 Event Diary 064 Full Time | Mountain Productions

PAUL CHILDERHOUSE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PIONEER GROUP How to Increase Fan Experience During Sporting Events Images: Pioneer Group

tadiums have evolved, but one

expect a similar tailored experience.

journey, and this needs to be as simple as

thing has been a stable factor: the

Over the coming years, more technology will

possible. Ticketing for most clubs is already

fan! It doesn’t mean the fan hasn’t

enter the arena, service levels will improve,

paperless. The technology is available to

changed. Fans of the past were only

and infrastructure will need to be examined

support facial recognition and other biometrics,

really interested in a good match; the fan of

and improved to provide tailor-made

meaning visitors can be identified within a

today and future fans want much more. Besides

entertainment.

second, reducing queuing time and removing

a high-quality game, they also want to have a

Some of this will be implemented relatively

fraudulent activity. Paperless is also fair more

great experience, from onsite entertainment,

easily in today’s stadiums, but it will require

eco-friendly, offering an added bonus to clubs

a comfortable environment, good quality

some significant investment and change for

looking to reduce their carbon footprint and

food that is varied and obviously an exciting

many others.

the chance to gain information from fans on

atmosphere. In today’s world, the game alone

For some, this will result in a reduction in

demographics and preferences.

is not enough. It’s the total experience that fans

seating capacity - however, COVID-19 has

2. Food and Beverage

are looking for.

acted as a catalyst to accelerate some stadiums

Food and beverage consumption offers’ clubs

It means that stadiums, event organisers’

to act now and start to look at how vulnerable

another revenue stream. However, many fans

and clubs have to change their offerings. Fans

they are to the Fans that drive revenues.

do not like to wait in line because they might

drive revenues. Sports clubs’ revenue is mainly

Many have seen how essential it is to connect

miss out on some of the game.

generated from ticket sales, media income,

with the fans in and outside the stadium and

To improve the fan’s F&B experience, several

sponsoring and merchandising. These are all

find different revenue streams to support

elements need to be looked at: Food and drink

fan-related. Without fans, sports clubs cannot

stadiums.

quality, speed of service, and costs. Technology

exist.

Stadiums have realised that a high volume/low

will play a significant role in supporting

Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and millennials are the

margin model is not sustainable for the future.

stadiums. Moving forward, more stadiums will

future of sports clubs, and their wants vary

Instead, having fewer fans, staying longer

implement food ordering apps. Reducing the

significantly from the fans of the generations

onsite and spending more is the way forward,

amount of queuing time for the fan. Digital

that preceded them. These cohorts of people

and reducing seating can help with this model

signage will also play a role in notifying fans

are used to things matching their own personal

as it provides more space for entertainment.

that their order is ready and to approach the

interests. They have grown up with personal

Four ways to deliver a better stadium

counter, reducing the number of people waiting

devices that cater for them, market to them and

experience:

in crowded spaces.

provide much of their social interactions. When

1. Ticketless Entrance

3. Crowd Management

it comes to attending sports matches, they

Buying tickets is the first step in the fan

Most fans want to feel safe and do not want to

S

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TEAM TALK

worry about threats or hooligan type behaviour.

When people feel safe, they will stay longer and spend more. Clubs that implement facial recognition, blockchain ticketing and crowd control systems ensure the safety of their fans and improve the atmosphere within their clubs, which will lead to longer dwell time and increased revenue from food and beverage sales and other entertainment.

Digital signage screens and IPTV play a crucial role in crowd management, offering wayfinding and alerts to fans as they move around the stadiums.

4. Fan Entertainment Today’s fans want to enjoy the experience of being at a match: before, during and after the game. So they expect to be entertained the moment they reach the gates. GenZ and GenAlpha are ultra-connected. They expect to have free and fast access to the internet, like the high-speed wireless internet available at Manchester City. Fans expect to have access to commentary, social media, statistics on the game and the club; They also expect to have an interactive personalised experience. So, stadiums need to give fans a reason to leave the comforts of their home with their large TV and instant access to food and beverages.

Solutions like Bundeling already offer VIPs and players a level of connection and interaction with clubs through their App that allows them to feel part of the club in a way previously not

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TEAM TALK

008

achievable; the App can send geographical

match information and statistics to engage the

pitch-side LED that would signal if they were

information to VIPs so they can locate their

audience further.

louder than the opposition or the crowd at

car parking space, their VIP box, allow them to

Fans today want to be part of the decision

other matches being played simultaneously.

order their match day foot and allow them to

making of their club. Today’s fans have grown

Additionally, there are loads of opportunities

see information on players and statics as well

up with fantasy football leagues, and they are

where the fan can interact with his favourite

as enabling them to communicate with other

used to making decisions. Many clubs have

player. How about tiny sensor cameras that

VIP’s

already tapped into this fan decision-making,

give you a view from the player’s perspective,

Many clubs like Tottenham Hotspur have

with fans being involved in decisions around

allowing fans to experience the game from

already launched apps for fans that help them

changes to logos, kits, and even new managers’

the player’s perspective, or wearing a smart

plan their visit, confirming the location of their

appointments. But imagine being able to tap

bracelet that pulses in sync with the heartbeat

seat, the entertainment available, what food

into that during the match. In the future, we

of your favourite player?

and drink are on offer. Real Madrid’s fan app

could see fans being able to influence the

With fans spending the majority of their time in

also targets the fan on non-match days, you

team’s lineup or who gets substituted. This

their seats during games, it is essential to make

can purchase merchandise or delve into stats,

could be via an app or by-polls on social media.

this experience as pleasurable as possible. The

and there is a personalised element offering

This isn’t a crazy idea when you think about it!

deployment of jumbo displays like those seen at

deals tailored to the user.

This type of activity would be a massive benefit

Manchester City help fans feel more integrated

Shareable and memorable in-stadium

for fans and allow them to feel responsible

with the game; they allow fans to see in detail

experiences will gain popularity as many

for the outcome! Fans can provide a wealth of

what is happening. In the same way, they

younger generations enjoy sharing their

knowledge that clubs can tap into, and it would

would at home but with the added benefit of

experiences through social media. Solutions

benefit both the fan and the clubs. If fans help

the crowd experience.

like HYPERVSN’s holographic walls could easily

make decisions, they can’t then moan that the

The better the experience, the greater the

allow fans to interact with holograms of their

manager messed up!

chances of retaining and growing a club’s

favourite players before the game! Creating fun,

The atmosphere at sporting events and feeling

fan base. Technology is developing fast to

sharable content.

connected with your favourite players and the

help clubs support fans and find new ways to

We are also likely to see AR goggles enter

team is essential for a great experience.

monetise these activities.

stadia offering unique pre-match experiences

Imagine if fans were able to participate in the

to fans, allowing them to control the camera

game actively! If by clapping, fans could trigger

angles they are viewing and showing them

a message on the jumbo LED screens or the

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www.pioneergroup.co.uk

KICK OFF | EPOS, TICKETING & ACCESS KAPPTURE KIOSK, MOBILE APP & K-SCAN

The Kappture Kiosk, Mobile App & QR Code Ordering or, as we call it, K-Scan has made it easier than ever before for our customers to place orders, pre-orders and make payment as fast as possible. Every transaction is tracked in real time from around the venue’s sales areas, providing the operations and finance teams with key data to help manage the business, including dashboard KPIs and heatmaps.

What benefits does Kiosk bring? That’s the question you always ponder - will people actually use them? Will they know how to use them? Then, the big questions - are kiosks reliable? Can they withstand the wear and tear? Are they a good investment?

The simple answer is yes to all the above.

Kappture Kiosks are at the forefront of customer self-ordering. The interactive nature of kiosks allows customers to scroll, select and edit exactly what they want in their order. This level of interaction enhances the whole experience for customers just by making the ordering process more convenient.

Kiosks are all about speed of service - they are there to reduce customer queuing times, which enables customers to do what they came to do: enjoy the match, concert or entertainment.

Smaller queues that increase customer throughput drive up spend 010

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per head and maximise total revenue. Reduced queues improve the customer journey by offering a frictionless process from order to collection.

Kappture Kiosks have been designed using the same secure software that powers both mobile and traditional EPOS terminals.

It’s perfect for any sales location, too, with the clean, sleek, modern design, as well as with bespoke elements for each customer - delivering a branded solution to fit the environment.

The Kiosks come with customisable digital menus and home screens which can display a combination of rotating and static high definition images, enhancing promotional material to upsell products and experiences, or configured to generate additional advertising revenues.

The software can be upgraded remotely and regularly as part of the hosted platform solution. Digital sales item and menu images, including all the latest nutritional and allergen information, are delivered as standard to provide customers with dietary requirements.

The menus can be updated live during events, adapting to changing stock levels or to push promotions via the digital menus to deliver operational flexibility.

KICK OFF

Kappture use the best hardware designed specifically for the hospitality sector, and our latest Kiosks are no exception. Available with either 21-inch or 27-inch touch screens, these terminals can be securely floor mounted, wall mounted or fixed to the counter and tabletops to provide easy customer access.

If space is at a premium, Kappture also offers K-Scan.

K-Scan is designed for speed and convenience for the customer, as well as operational convenience for the on-site team. Kappture can offer a high-quality design for client specific brands. It’s adaptable and can be used in whichever hospitality environment your venue has to offer. The ordering page is built with a digital menu featuring product images, pricing, nutritional and allergen information for the customer to browse through. These menus are fully customisable in your Kappture web-based back office, so you can control all the information as you would do on a traditional EPOS terminal - to make price changes, add or remove sales items and run real time promotions.

K-Scan makes ordering super easy, too.

Simply scan the QR Code using any smartphone to bring up the web app. The solution allows ordering at the table immediately, speeding up the whole process, including payment, and enables customers to order in their own time.

Alternatively, K-Scan can be set up for a Click & Collect-style operation, which is ideal for busy environments where there is little to any seating. Click & Collect allows customers to order for collection straight away or pre-order for a selected time slot that is convenient for them, perfect for half time, performance intervals, or between races.

This flexibility to order freely drives up revenue, as customers no

longer have to wait in line, while also reducing room for order error, with people often being misheard in noisy surroundings.

Collection is simplified from the customer orders placed via the Kiosk and/or K-Scan to the same production location, consolidating orders from tables, kiosks and web orders to one single order display board for the kitchen and bar staff, but also for the customers, so they know the order status and can see quickly when their order is available for collection.

All this powerful technology enables venues to operate smoothly and efficiently. But wouldn’t it be great to see that as an overview of your venue? For example, which areas are the busiest, which areas need more stock, where should we install the Kiosks or K-Scan?

The Kappture analytics module and real-time heatmaps are a manager’s dream; they deliver quality data quickly to improve your venue business intelligence during the event.

The heatmap technology shows you a bird’s eye view of your whole venue, clearly profiling the venue’s sales data at five, 10 or 15 minute intervals. System administrators are able to decide the interval range you want to track.

Drilling down through the sales outlet locations, creating a visual metric for operators, highlighting which areas are serving the highest number of customers and those that are perhaps not attracting as much footfall. This overview means the venue operating teams can make well-informed decisions on stock movement and staff placement to make each event day as efficient as possible. kappture.co.uk WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

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KICK OFF

SECUTIX WEST BROMWICH ALBION West Bromwich Albion FC has appointed the cloud-based ticketing engagement platform SecuTix and mobile ticketing application TIXnGO as its new ticketing technology partners. The systems were in place for the 21/22 season. In using TIXnGO, WBA are pioneering the use of blockchain-secure mobile tickets in football.

TIXnGO’s blockchain technology creates a unique, encrypted ticket for smartphones that is completely traceable. This removes the risk of counterfeit tickets and makes it easy for fans to transfer or resell securely. Additionally, it includes an option for Covid self-certification.

The mobile app fully integrates with the SecuTix 360° platform, 012

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which manages both the ticketing and hospitality for WBA. Using SecuTix’s in-built audience management and business intelligence tools, the club’s aim is to improve the fan experience, as well as drive WBA’s continued commitment to innovation. The platform manages stadium tours, coach travel, some merchandise and supports The Albion Foundation, the club’s charitable arm.

“Fan experience and engagement sits at the core of the SecuTix platform,” said Mark Miles, West Bromwich Albion’s Operations Director. “And it’s this connected nature that really appeals to our values. We’re excited about working with SecuTix over the coming years to improve the all-round ticketing experience for our supporters – existing and new.”

“We are thrilled to welcome West Bromwich Albion to our growing list of sports clients in the UK,” added David Hornby, UK MD of SecuTix & TIXnGO. “The club, like us, is committed to embracing the latest technologies to improve the fan experience.

As football clubs learn to live alongside Covid, having a mobile ticketing tech solution that can be agile and respond efficiently to last-minute changes will help both the club and fans. Combining this with our CRM tools, we can help the Albion connect systems, supporters and partners like never before.” secutix.com

KICK OFF

AXESS HELSINKI OLYMPIC STADIUM The Helsinki Olympic Stadium, which was the venue of the 1952 Olympic Games and is considered one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, now includes innovative solutions from Axess AG - the official outfitter in the access area.

With a capacity of over 36,000 spectators, the Helsinki Olympic Stadium is the largest in Finland and the second largest stadium in Northern Europe. With a total budget of approximately 300 million, the complete modernisation of the stadium is one of the biggest projects regarding the stadium. Among other things, all grandstands will be roofed over, the martial arts arena will be renewed, the safety standards will be adapted to today‘s requirements and a new access system has been installed.

The imposing structure, built between 1934 and 1938, was among other things the venue for the first Bandy (a form of ice hockey) World Championship in 1957. It is also the home stadium of the national football team of Finland and contains a first-class sports museum. The stadium is a listed building and the reconstruction is planned and realised in close cooperation with the monument authorities.

Axess equipped the stadium with 13 mobile AX500 Smart Gates NG Turnstiles, 47 Standard Smart Gates NG Turnstiles, two mobile 014

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gates with Turnstiles ADA and eight Standard ADA. The Turnstile ADA allows easy access through a particularly wide entrance. This is extremely practical for people with prams or wheelchairs, and offers a convenient alternative to the standard gates.

In addition, four AX500 Smart Security Gates were installed by the Axess team in Finland. The robust, vandalism-proof construction fulfils the highest security features and is simultaneously optimised for a high passage rate.

With the additional 40 mobile HANDHELDS, the stadium is now optimally prepared for future events with the latest solutions.

The HANDHELDS are extremely robust and weatherproof, and are used as ticket inspectors or ticket readers. Two of the mobile gates will be equipped with WIFI, a battery and castors and placed at the entrance of the integrated museum. This means that they are extremely flexible in terms of position and can change location if necessary. teamaxess.com

KICK OFF

SKIDATA ETICKETING SOLUTION SKIDATA’s eTicketing solution offers clubs the opportunity to reduce costs and increase revenue from the very first game, and for every subsequent game as well. Top internationally renowned clubs are already on it.

Queuing at the ticket office is an experience that belongs in the past. No sports fan wants to wait in line to buy a ticket to see their favorite team. But is building a web shop to sell tickets online enough? Definitely not. In almost all areas of life, customers have long since become accustomed to the convenience and speed of fully digital processes: You shop, pay, and enjoy your purchases with your smartphone. Why should it be any different when visiting a stadium? Fans appreciate the fast and efficient access to stadiums, where they simply pull out their smartphone at the entrance for admission without rummaging around for a paper ticket.

SKIDATA’s eTicketing solution offers fans a warm welcome when purchasing tickets and entering the stadium. And for stadium operators, the benefits are even greater: eTicketing saves time and staff – and, of course, operating costs at every weekend and every game.

Massive cost advantages immediately with eTicketing SKIDATA’s eTicketing solution integrates QR codes and NFC tickets directly into the Apple and Google wallets that many stadium visitors have on their smartphones anyway. No additional app is necessary. For visitors, it’s an extra convenience. For stadium operators, it’s an immediately significant cost advantage, and one that can be measured as well: It eliminates expenses incurred while printing, mailing, and handling paper tickets. The cost advantage of digital processing runs up to 90 percent when compared to paper ticket handling. It’s a difference that can be observed as soon as eTickets are introduced, and the return on investment is clear within the first season of changeover from mailing tickets to digitally dispatching tickets. eTicketing pays for itself with higher revenue as early as by the second season. eTicketing also offers additional flexibility for the clubs because eTickets are interactive tickets. This means that they can be updated or upgraded, unlike a printed QR code on a paper ticket or PDF printout. Changing start times or a postponed match on game day? No problem – the eTicket updates itself automatically.

More security and additional revenue sources – regardless of the access solution provider An important factor is that SKIDATA’s eTicketing solution also works independently of the world market leader’s access solutions – and it works in conjunction with any desired ticketing partner. However, the full potential of eTicketing is realized when it is combined with SKIDATA’s modern access solutions. This drives further cost and service advantages, which in turn lead to higher revenue for stadium operators.

In combination with NFC solutions at the turnstiles in stadiums, eTickets offer significantly increased security for coming seasons.

Hardly anyone wants to hand over their smartphone to someone else – not even to sneak a friend into a soccer match. NFC offers anti-piracy protection that prevents tickets from being passed on or distributed without permission. Smartphone-based eTickets can be personalized, allowing for unique identification of each ticket holder if necessary. Personalised eTickets for season ticket holders also reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by printing, providing an environmental benefit alongside the cost benefit for the stadium operator.

The benefits of eTickets extend beyond increased security at entrances – they also reduce the cost of ticket checks. The digitalised process requires less staff as visitors can scan their eTickets for themselves.

While the costs are reduced using eTicketing solutions, the visitor-facing touch points are even growing. Clubs can keep their members and guests up to date with push notifications, or share relevant information, including traffic updates around the stadium. This helps foster a bond with fans. The direct line to visitors and guests can also be used for advertising, offering new sources of revenue for stadium operators.

Green pass check at the entrance In the age of COVID, SKIDATA also offers stadium operators a green pass solution that can be easily integrated into a SKIDATA access system. This means, no additional staff at the entrance or any additional apps are required. This ensures the protection of both the venue and the visitors. The GDPR-compliant monitoring of ticket data and access-granting processes also prevent fraud at the same time. skidata.com

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26 THE FULL PITCH

020 Rogers Centre | Ontario, Canada 026 Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne, Australia

THE FULL PITCH

ROGERS CENTRE Ontario, Canada Images: Toronto Blue Jays, MKDrone, Brian Jones, Tim Gouw, Donna Lay, Bobby Singh

A

020

s the Toronto Blue Jays moved into the 2022 season, they improved the home field advantage and game-day experience by continuing a partnership with Daktronics, for 10 new LED displays at the Rogers Centre in Ontario.

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THE FULL PITCH

DAKTRONICS The total of over 14,000 sq feet of displays combining for more

feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing.

than 11 million LEDs were installed in the offseason, including

“The new HDR-capable main video display and center field

an HDR-capable main video display.

display configuration at the Rogers Centre will deliver an

The new main video display is curved, HDR-capable and

amazing viewing experience for the Toronto Blue Jays, their

measures approximately 49 feet high by 110.5 feet wide.

players and fans,” said Daktronics President and CEO, Reece

It is installed in centre field to bring an excellent viewing

Kurtenbach. “We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing

experience to Blue Jays fans throughout the stadium. This

partnership with the team and to introduce this cutting-edge

display features variable content zoning, allowing it to show

technology at their ballpark.”

one large image or multiple zones of content - including any

Additional displays include a main ribbon display installed

combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute

along the seating fascia measures 3.5 feet high by 1,324 feet

statistics and game information, graphics and animations, and

wide and features 16-millimeter pixel spacing. Two displays

sponsorship messages.

near the foul poles each measure 6 feet high by 32.5 feet wide

Flanking the main display are four additional LED displays

and, along the outfield wall, two field-level fence displays

and content can be coordinated across all five displays for one

each measure 9.5 feet high by 65 feet wide. These four displays

main centre field viewing experience. Two displays mounted

feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing.

even with the bottom of the main display measure 15.5 feet

Coordinated together, all of these displays provide additional

high by 75.5 feet wide and two ribbon-style displays appear

statistics, graphics and sponsorship opportunities to entertain

to extend out from the middle of the main display measure

and engage Blue Jays fans during every game.

nearly 5 feet high by 75.5 feet wide. All centre field displays

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THE FULL PITCH

EAW When officials with the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays MLB team, decided it was time to replace the two decades old PA system back in 2019, they could not have predicted the impending pandemic. Working with AV and design consultant Anthony James Partners (AJP), the venue selected a brand new state-of-the-art QX series PA from Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW®). With the building shut down in 2020, the Blue Jays were forced to play the season in the United States. The stadium was unable to reopen its doors due to the lockdown and didn’t have the opportunity to show off its new PA system until the team returned to Toronto for the following season.

SF Marketing (SFM), a Canadian-based provider of customized go-to-market solutions for the audiovisual, live entertainment and media production industries, managed the procurement, delivery and testing of the equipment. AJP and a representative from the Toronto Blue Jays, designed the system, while All Pro supplied the gear and managed the deployment and tuning.

Spark Power handled the integration.

“In addition to being the local EAW representative in Toronto for the last 24 years, I am also a fan of the Jays and the facility,” says Rob Deslauriers of SFM. “It was exciting to see the prior EAW audio system upgraded to the EAW QX series to achieve an even better fan experience. Current Major League sports require a more immersive experience for fans and the new system does not disappoint.”

A total of 125 EAW QX500 and QX300 Series loudspeakers were

024

installed as part of the main PA on the 500 seating level. The

Ideal in sports arenas, the QX series is also designed for a wide

100 level has three-way QX500 Series boxes and the 200 level

range of other venues requiring high power and consistent

features two-way QX300 Series speakers. Over 250 additional

coverage in a compact housing; venues including houses of

EAW products were installed throughout the venue comprised

worship, outdoor stadiums, performing arts spaces, theaters

of mainly MK8126i two-way passive speakers along with

and clubs. The QX’s broadband pattern control helps tame

JF80Z and JF60Z two-way trapezoidal enclosures.

hostile acoustical environments.

The QX Series delivers very high output point source clusters

In addition to the audio upgrade, the stadium also added

in a size-efficient package. The series includes two ranges

several new visual elements, including a brand-new video

– QX500 and QX300 – each of which delivers a choice of

board and several pole displays, as well as a renovated control

coverage patterns from systems that use identical enclosures.

room for the following season.

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Difference

EXPERIENCE THE DAKTRONICS

“

Daktronics is elevating our fan experience with the most LED displays ever installed at a sports venue. With all those pixels it is imperative we think of the guest journey from the moment they arrive to sitting in their seats at Climate Pledge Arena. Having a worldclass sports entertainment facility under a historic roof allows us to find a happy fusion of tradition and technology.”

Seattle Kraken SVP Entertainment Experience & Production Jonny Greco

Scan the QR Code to learn more about the integrated LED and content system from Daktronics at Climate Pledge Arena.

THE FULL PITCH

MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND Melbourne, Australia Images: MCG

“T

here aren’t that many occasions when you encounter a 100,024 seat space; I think there are only eleven in the world.” When the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) contracted Emmy-Award winning AV consultancy, Auditoria, led by Scott Willsallen, the brief was simply to deliver the best possible audio to every seat – and in doing so anchor its reputation as a world class sporting venue. Cricket is the second most watched

sport in the world and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the ‘G’ as it’s affectionately known, is its second largest home. Yet, for Scott, no stranger to stadia, the project was less an issue of scale, than taking care of the subtleties.

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028

With memory-making game days, not ROI, in the driving

doing the Commonwealth Games,” admitted Scott. “And I had

seat, the MCC has reimagined the value of audio in stadia,

no idea there were that many spaces.” Scott rethinks capacity

taking its vision beyond the bowl into every public space,

and designs for 200,000, going above and beyond to transport

including restaurants, bars, atria, concourses, gate entry and

the in-play atmosphere - at the flick of a switch - to every

exit points, as well as broadcast facilities. For those involved

major touchpoint beyond the bowl.

in this highly collaborative project, including Auditoria’s

Of the numerous d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker systems,

Senior Consultant, Luis Miranda, installer Rutledge AV, (now

the first kicks in on arrival. Custom paging allows the MCC

a Diversified company), d&b’s Australian partner, NAS, and

to tailor its messaging to unique zones, supporting the fans

the MCC’s General Manager IT & Innovation, Rey Sumaru,

as they move around, streamlining arrival and departure.

it was an exercise in thinking optimally and working

These are not your typical, irritatingly-hard-to-hear public

backwards. “The brief was quite different,” confirmed Scott.

announcements, but clear, authoritative communications.

“In that it was just give the best possible experience to the

Gate filtering information comfortably reaches crowds

audience. So, one of our first tasks was how to interpret that.”

arriving at the ground, information that becomes gate

To understand the fan’s game day journey, Scott spent time

specific the closer fans get to the building - have your bags

in the venue, tuning in to the detail. His insight-gathering

out, tickets ready. Once inside the attentive voice of the

exercise resulted in a critical realisation: that 100,024 people

MCC imparts all the game day need-to-knows; a reassuring

can either be simultaneously in their seats or elsewhere in

welcome before entering the bowl. “Information that’s

the venue – in any one of the staggering 3,000 plus back of

delivered aurally in front of you has a higher priority than

house rooms. “I’d already spent six months in the building

from any other direction,” explained Scott, on the thoughtful

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THE FULL PITCH

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positioning of speakers. “People don’t need to rotate their

d&b system of its own – standout moves with nothing but the

heads.” For the unseasoned visitor, families, and the

fans’ experience in mind. These once disconnected spaces are

excitedly distracted, it’s simply about easing the journey.

now in total harmony with the dynamic energy elsewhere; as

Stadiums are, by definition, complex spaces structurally

the dramatic highs and lows play out, the audio quality inside

and acoustically and the geometry of the G is no exception.

the bowl remains strikingly natural and consistent - in all

Designed without sound reinforcement in mind, the fifty

100,024 seats.

seven under-balcony bays inside the bowl were, prior to the

Scott’s decision to select products from a single

upgrade, notoriously muffled by reputation; acoustically

manufacturer, whose every loudspeaker shares a common

speaking the worst (but not the cheapest) seats in the venue.

tonality, has resulted in a seamless audio experience

Yet, at capacity the under-balconies seat a staggering number

throughout - an ecosystem of sound. The d&b system, with

of fans – a fact not easily relegated to the side-lines. “What

its innovative software also enabled a more straightforward

our client wanted was to deliver a great experience, the same

commissioning process plus several long-term operational

energy, to everybody,” said Scott. “So we can’t just ignore the

and technological advantages. “It was the efficient, logical

under-balconies and pretend they’re going to be fine. So what

thing to do,” confirmed Scott. “Being able to choose

do you do? You treat every single space like it’s own venue.”

speakers with different dimensions and form factors is really

Not only do the under-balcony bays now benefit from

helpful in terms of delivering the performance we’re after

acoustic treatment, but each one is equipped with a dedicated

with products that meet the architectural demands. The

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THE FULL PITCH

systems are also meticulously built to last, both physically and

the MCG won’t need another audio upgrade anytime soon.

technologically. As for servicing, it didn’t make sense to select

As someone wise once said, it’s been a case of doing it well,

different brands.”

doing it once. In answering the brief - to give fans the best

Meeting EWIS/PAVA life safety standards is, for many venues,

experience possible - Auditoria has mapped the game day

synonymous with the audio brief, but for Scott, knowing the

journey, encompassing every touchpoint, through a holistic

capabilities of the d&b system, this was less a goal than a

eyes-and-ears approach, and in doing so, united the fans’

foregone conclusion - a starting point for thinking beyond

experience through sound.

baseline intelligibility. The result is a system that not only

Fan engagement has led the MCC’s Smart Stadium Strategy

delivers authentic live and pre-recorded messaging, but enables

for several years and while high density WiFi has digitised

performing artists to access musically exciting, production

the customer journey, this carefully curated work of tech’ will

sound.

ensure that journey doesn’t lose its soul. The audio factor at the

Ultimately, the scale, complexity, and small window of

G is at once comfortable and connective, and will see fans in

opportunity to complete the installation, plus the project’s

their thousands freefall, unforgettably, into the life-affirming

lets-aim-for-the best-and-work-backwards approach, means

theatre of sport.

MANUFACTURER: d&b audiotechnik | AV CONSULTANTS: Auditoria | INSTALLER: Rutledge AV, A Diversified Company | DISTRIBUTOR: NAS

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26 VENUE FOCUS

VIDEO 034 Home Park | Plymouth, England 038 ADI Round-Up | England & Scotland 044 AJA ColorBox | Elevating the Fan Experience

EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT 050 2022 World Athletics Championships | Oregon, USA

LIGHTING 056 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup | Antwerp, Belgium

VIDEO

HOME PARK Plymouth, England

F

rom concept through to installation, Bendac provided Plymouth Argyle FC with a full turnkey solution for their 45 sq metre LED scoreboard, which has dramatically improved the fan

engagement and offered significant commercial opportunities, supporting the club in their vision of enhancing the Home Park experience 365 days a year.

Images: Bendac

The Plymouth Argyle installation perfectly exemplifies what Bendac do as a business. Every department in the organisation played a part in this project, with the finished result being nothing short of spectacular.

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The team at Home Park approached Bendac as they wanted to

Bendac’s Chief Technology Officer, Bill Gladwin, attended the

install a large scoreboard screen within their stadium bowl.

site and was able to identify prime locations for a large-scale

As a stadium with a limited digital presence, they wanted to

LED display, and worked closely with the stadium architects

boost the matchday experience for all their fans and create

and engineering team to choose the most suitable location for

opportunities for commercial revenue and ROI.

a screen to be built. This was an in-depth process, considering

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve been working with the team

sight lines and numerous other factors of the two identified

at Bendac Group on the installation of a new 45 sq metre LED

locations to ensure that the position of the screen would have

screen at Home Park, a project which has been ably led by

the best possible benefit to the fans and make sure that the

Ben DaCosta from concept through to delivery,” explained

screen gets the quickest possible payback, thereby ensuring a

James Greenacre, Head of Commercial Operations at Plymouth

high return on investment for the club.

Argyle.

The in-house creative teams at Bendac, alongside Bill, used

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this information to create several concept videos and images

boosted the club’s match-day experience, delivering a much

in order to support the club in their decision-making process.

more professional setup at the ‘Theatre of Greens’.

The Client Experience Manager and Leadership team from

The Home Park project is another impressive example of

Bendac communicated all possible options and took on board

Bendac’s full turnkey solutions, highlighting they are fast

any questions or concerns to reassure the club that their

becoming the go-to LED display provider of choice. A team of

investment would be sure to achieve the goals set out. This

30 passionate individuals, working in total unison, providing

level of attention to detail and care for the ultimate client

outstanding products and services, specialising in challenging

experience highlighted how Bendac will go the extra mile to

retrofitting projects with expert designing and advanced

guarantee total satisfaction.

engineering, all under one roof.

The club proceeded with a 9m x 5m, 10mm, high-bright 8,000

“Ben and his team worked with us to explore and identify

Nit display that a team of Bendac engineers expertly designed

all of the various opportunities that were available to us,

and installed, making a massive impact already at Home

enabling us to ensure that all of our objectives were met by the

Park. The creative team were again called upon to support the

proposed solution,” James concluded.

installation process by providing bespoke content to perform

“What was particularly pleasing was the constant alignment

testing, which was all completed in time for The Pilgrims’ first

with our values and the overarching focus on our core brief,

match of the season.

which ensured that we remained focussed on our goal of

Staff and fans alike have had only positive comments about

improving our supporter experience, whilst also adding a new

the screen so far, with many already saying it has totally

range of opportunities to our commercial portfolio.”

DESIGN & INSTALLATION: Bendac | WEBSITE: bendacgroup.tech

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FULL TURNKEY LED DISPLAY SOLUTIONS From conceptual design and planning, through to installation and commissioning, our expert teams work in unison to create turnkey solutions that push the boundaries of LED Display technology.

+44 1225 700 005 info@bendac.tech www.bendacgroup.tech

VIDEO

ADI ROUND-UP England & Scotland Images: ADI

T

he 2022/23 EFL and SPL seasons are well underway and for new adi.tv clients - Blackpool, Ipswich Town, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian - the new season has marked the dawn of an enhanced matchday experience for supporters and

commercial partners.

During the off-season, all four clubs invested in a variety of ADI’s unique stadium solutions, from digiBOARD perimeter systems and superwide LED screens, through to Live Venue fibre connectivity and content creation.

With three decades of experience, ADI have long established themselves as the UK’s leading LED supplier to sports venues, with over half of the English Premier League and 60% of the EFL Championship currently using their digiBOARD systems. With a wide range of bespoke solutions on offer, EFL and SPL clubs are now beginning to recognise the commercial potential and fan engagement opportunities of digitalising their stadiums with LED screens and signage, and in Ipswich Town’s case, investing in a full stadium-wide digital transformation.

Making Stadium Screens and Signage Accessible While the Preston-based company has a strong pedigree in delivering services to top-tier clubs around Europe – a client list that includes German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – the flexibility of what they offer allows clubs at all levels of the football pyramid to digitalise their stadiums. More recently, Ipswich and fellow League One clubs Oxford United and Forest Green, have turned to ADI for in-stadia LED installations and IT infrastructure, and, in turn, have received the same hardware and technology that sits within some of the world’s most spectacular football stadiums.

Accessibility is something that ADI are proud to provide and their digiBOARD technology now sits within 42 European football stadiums.

Uniquely, ADI are a manufacturer, installer and operator and their latest MT LED technology sits at the heart of their offering and has been developed on the back of nearly 30 years of operating LED in the stadium environment.

MT has been designed specifically for efficiency, reliability and lifetime cost-effectiveness. The modular panels are far lighter and slimmer than previous generations, with a fully-sealed design. For clubs, this translates into lower installation costs, greater operating efficiency and reduced ongoing maintenance costs throughout the lifetime of the technology, which is frequently up to ten years. And of course, all installations are supported by ADI’s renowned levels of service – panels that are damaged

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through the usual abuse that a pitchside perimeter receives

Ipswich Town were the latest club to partner with ADI to

can be easily swapped out and sent back to ADI’s UK service

install an impressive and co-ordinated stadium-wide digital

bench who repair them to be re-used at a later date.

platform. The focus was to improve the matchday experience

MT has reimagined what can be achieved for clubs beneath

for supporters and attract and maximise value for commercial

the top-flight or without endless amounts of resource and

partners.

presented them with the opportunity to make significant

To achieve this, The Tractor Boys opted for the MTD

visual improvements to their stadiums at a reasonable cost.

digiBOARD perimeter solution around the three camerafacing sides of the stadium, along with a 33m2 giant screen

Live Venue Matchday Delivery

in the South-East corner of Portman Road. On top of that,

In addition to hardware, all of the clubs have opted for ADI’s

a brand-new IPTV solution including 164 screens is set to

unique Live Venue solution, taking their total number of

go live in the coming weeks to entertain fans in hospitality,

venues connected to the network to 73.

concourse and corporate areas.

‘Live Venue’ is a nationwide broadcast network that allows

ADI are providing a full-stack solution this season, with

matchday content to be delivered as a full live event

technicians onsite for each match and content created,

production from ADI’s galleries in Preston over dedicated

managed and delivered by ADI’s experienced Studios team

fibre lines. The Club then uses ADI’s experienced Studios

through the Live Venue fibre network.

team - who currently service over 35 UK clubs and create

Whilst most football clubs have fragmented digital platforms

over 2,400 hours of matchday content per year - to create

with multiple operators and disparate control systems,

and manage the content across the digital platforms inside

Portman Road can now seamlessly distribute content

the stadia bowl. Each season over 400 full matchday

across all LED screens and digiBOARDS, enabling far more

productions are delivered from the 16 purpose-built Live

effective management of stadium-wide communications and

Venue galleries.

promotions.

The benefit of managing content remotely is that it removes the expenditure of a matchday production team or for a

Blackpool, Hearts & Hibs

broadcast studio to be built on-site. It also allows for content

With a brief to improve their commercial revenue streams,

across all platforms to be co-ordinated and synchronised,

ADI secured a deal to become Blackpool Football Club’s

and provides a simple upgrade path to additional services,

official Digital Display Partner. The Championship outfit

such as IPTV.

partnered with ADI to install a 10mm digital perimeter system that covers the TV arc, along with an additional

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Ipswich Town

crowd-facing ribbon on the rear. The combination has not

Showcasing the ambition of the club, League One high-flyers

only provided an enhanced experience for both fans and

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MATCHDAY ENGAGEMENT COMPLETE DIGITAL STADIUM SOLUTIONS:

Consultancy > Creative > Manufacture > Installation > Operation 0800 592 346 | info@adi.tv | www.adi.tv/sport

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FC

VIDEO

commercial partners but modernised the feel of Bloomfield

value canvas on which to deliver club or commercial partner

Road.

messaging.

For Scottish Premier League rivals Heart of Midlothian and

“It has been great working with ADI, who understood our

Hibernian FC, ADI has worked closely with the clubs to

needs from the very start and offered a stadium-wide

understand their needs. Hearts opted for two eye-catching,

solution that will undoubtedly enhance the matchday

superwide LED screens in the Main Stand and Wheatfield

experience for all,” said Catriona McCallum, Marketing and

Stand, while Hibernian completed their digital stadium

Communications Director, Heart of Midlothian FC. “We will

transformation last month with a 10mm UEFA-compliant

be working very closely with their specialist team to ensure

perimeter system to compliment the large screens and digital

content creation and delivery is of the highest quality. The

scoreboards that ADI installed last year.

two superwide LED screens have brought a new and improved

The integrated stadium-wide platform now gives Hibs the

feel to Tynecastle Park, and with the integration of ADI’s

opportunity to co-ordinate content using ADI’s Total Stadium

unique Live Venue solution, we are confident that we will be

Takeover technology. Delivered over the Live Venue network,

able to interact with our supporters and commercial partners

it allows them to push out synchronised content across all

in a more engaging way.”

screens and digiBOARDs, creating a high-impact and high-

BRAND: ADI | WEBSITES: ADI.tv 042

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VIDEO

AJA COLORBOX ELEVATING THE FAN EXPERIENCE Images: AJA

E

levating the fan experience in and outside the stadium with AJA ColorBox There’s nothing quite like being in the stands at a live sporting event, and the fan experience is only

getting better as more venues invest in high-end 4K/UltraHD HDR scoreboards and displays, as well as complementary interactive mobile apps. However, delivering all this high-end content to in-venue displays and audience mobile devices, as well as to OB trucks and broadcasters for distribution to audiences outside the stadium, requires in-venue audiovisual (AV) teams to work with a wide range of HDR and SDR sources, and outputs from various cameras. To this end, achieving a consistent, colour-accurate 4K/UltraHD HDR master format is essential.

AV teams in-venue need to be able to load, modify, save, and communicate looks with key production stakeholders easily as content moves across the stadium AV infrastructure; process video with ultra low-latency; deal with round tripping between HDR and SDR devices for items like replay needs and convert signals into a single master HDR format and multiple downstream deliverable formats. AJA’s new ColorBox device meets these demands and more, streamlining and accelerating

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workflows with powerful in-line algorithmic or LUT colour

ColorBox users can access one of five colour processing

transforms and low-latency video processing in a portable

pipelines at a time, including AJA Color Pipeline (ACP),

device.

Colorfront, NBCU LUTs, ORION-CONVERT, and BBC HLG LUTs; the latter two modes require a license for watermark

A powerhouse of colour conversion

removal. ACP includes a 33-point 3D LUT processor with

Look management methodologies in a live stadium

tetrahedral interpolation, four built-in user-configurable 1D

environment are unique from venue to venue or even game

LUTs, and two user-configurable 3x3 matrices. Additional

to game, so AJA designed ColorBox to support a mix of

tools like RGB Color Correctors and ProcAmps are also at your

approaches to colour conversion. The high-performance

disposal to match cameras or correct a source.

device supports 12G-SDI in/out and HDMI 2.0 out for up to

ColorBox makes set up and operation simple; an intuitive web-

4K/UltraHD 60p 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 and 30p 12-bit RGB 4:4:4

based user interface (UI) can be accessed directly from a wired

signal support for a wide range of live, on-set, and post-

ethernet connection or wirelessly via a built-in USB OTG port

production needs. Compact and weighing less than half a

and a third-party USB WiFi adapter. The web browser-based

kilo, it doesn’t take up much desktop real-estate, and four

UI includes a confidence monitor for previewing incoming

ColorBoxes can easily be mounted in 1RU for fly away kits and

signals and changes are reflected in real-time. Among many

equipment racks. An additional 12G-SDI loop-through output

other valuable features, ColorBox also includes an RGB colour

is available for passing through the clean signal to other

corrector and ProcAmp; extensive LUT, 3x3 matrix, and

devices.

image libraries; powerful 4K still image capture and recall

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VIDEO

capabilities; and ancillary (ANC) metadata management.

ColorBox with this in mind, ensuring high-quality colour

Flexible tools to meet nearly any live venue production scenario

processing with ultra low-latency that is less than half of a

Additionally, AV teams are often working with many log signals

video line.

originating from a range of broadcast and cinema cameras in

Furthermore, AJA built ColorBox to support the hardware

SDR and HDR located inside the venue. Ensuring content that

control solutions that AV teams use for every stadium

is pleasing to the eye, whether on the stadium videoboard or

production including integrations with SKAARHOJ and

mobile application, or shared with remote audiences, requires

CyanView technologies. Dedicated support for these tools

one master HDR production format. Supporting this need, AJA

allows live production professionals to control one or many

ColorBox enables a wide range of conversion options to go from

ColorBox channels at the same time. If multiple ColorBox

SDR to HDR and HDR to SDR, roundtripping, and even camera

units need to perform the same conversion on similar sources

log formats to production formats.

but they all require a modification, these integrations allow

Depending upon the venue and AV team, HDR approaches

you to easily make changes with your preferred tool. Simply

vary based on the deliverable (i.e., HLG or PQ). One AV team

choose the parameter to modify in the RGB Color Corrector

may prefer NBC Universal LUTs while another might use BBC

for example and adjust all of the sources simultaneously. AJA

HLG LUTs or something else entirely. AJA ColorBox supports

expects additional ColorBox integrations to follow, with its

a wide range of pipelines, including BBC HLG and NBCU, but

Software Development Kit (SDK) also available to developer

also allows AV teams to create a custom look with AJA Color

partners.

Pipeline, or leverage the colour science of Colorfront with a Colorfront pipeline. For teams interested in eliminating

Look consistency through communication

interpolation errors, AJA ColorBox’s optional license for

Communicating image details at the start of the production –

ORION-CONVERT may be a good fit as it uses floating-point

including the LUT and colour space conversion – downstream

math to ensure greater color precision.

can be challenging. AJA ColorBox offers configuration overlays with user text fields to ensure configuration data is retained

046

Streamlining operations without compromising on image

and shared accurately as signals move throughout the venue.

quality

In-stadium AV teams can enter custom information (i.e.

There is no second shot in live stadium event production, and

camera and lens type, camera operator, location , etc.) and

most of today’s standard live production colour processing

node status (i.e. on, off, enabled, disabled, transform selected

pipelines don’t come without multi-frame delays. AJA designed

or file loaded, etc.) and overlay it onto the video output. All

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ColorBox

Compact Inline Color Management

Manage complex HDR/SDR and Color workflows with integrated Colorfront technology, ORION-CONVERT, BBC HLG LUTs, NBCU LUTs and more!

ColorBox from AJA is a compact, ultra-low latency, high-performance solution for color managed workflows designed to specifically meet the color conversion needs of broadcast, live events, on-set applications and post. Supporting Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) signals, it utilizes 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 for single-wire 4K/UltraHD HDR up to 4:2:2 10-bit 60p or 4:4:4 12-bit 30p with a unique color processing pipeline.

Built around a 33-point 3D LUT processor with tetrahedral interpolation, ColorBox’s AJA Color Pipeline provides an additional four 1D LUTs and two 3x3 matrices that are each individually configurable even as Proc Amps or RGB color correctors for unparalleled control over your color conversion.

ColorBox also includes field-proven Colorfront™ Engine optimized algorithmic transforms and NBCU LUTs, with licensable upgrade options for BBC HLG LUTs and the all new ORION-CONVERT that offers a unique real-time floating point math approach to color transforms for higher precision results. Get all of this power and control in a very compact and easy to use design. www.aja.com/colorbox

VIDEO

the status and details of the signal and the filenames or

that you can also save as a preset giving you a matched set of

transforms used to create it can be also be captured on a high-

custom conversions that achieve your look.

quality TIFF or JPEG image so that it can be communicated to other stadium crew with the proper context.

Accelerating content production post-game

Presets also make it easy for multiple parties across the

Capturing footage in-stadium is vital, whether to create VOD

stadium production to share and access established looks.

assets, highlights reels, and promotional content, or to share

All files loaded into AJA Color Pipeline nodes can easily be

with teams for post-match analysis. Tweaking or auditioning

exported as a single preset file with all the others nested

alternate looks in real-time is straightforward when using

inside. When a team member shares the original image and

ColorBox with a laptop, monitor, and a professional video

preset created in-venue with another ColorBox user on the

recorder like AJA Ki Pro Ultra 12G. Since LUT files can be

project, they can load the preset. ColorBox then automatically

uploaded to ColorBox and played out directly, post-production

populates the library with all the files used to create the look

teams can also easily preview and try out different looks

and configure the colour pipeline as it was seen previously.

without waiting for various renders, which ultimately saves

In other pipelines, all node states and settings are saved as

stadium AV teams time.

part of a preset in a similar way. Presets are a great way

ColorBox is an incredibly valuable tool for stadium AV

to manage roundtripping settings in ORION-CONVERT for

pipelines, especially as high-quality 4K/Ultra HD HDR

example. Simply create a SDR to HLG transform for example

experiences become the fan expectation. It packs an expansive

with the knee controls set where you like, create a preset, and

toolset into a small device that’s easy to use, and provides

then select the HLG to SDR conversion and ORION-CONVERT

every tool imaginable to handle nearly any conversion needed

automatically creates the mathematically inverse conversion

in the field with unprecedented flexibility.

MANUFACTURER: AJA | WEBSITES: www.aja.com/colorbox

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EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT

2022 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Oregon, USA Images: The Parker Company, Rei Yamazaki

T

he 2022 World Athletics Championships took place from July 15-24 at Hayward Field, Oregon, with the eighteenth edition of the event having been postponed for as year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Televised in 200 countries, with some of the best athletes from

across the world competing, the venue had to be ready for what promised to be a monumental few days of sport.

To ensure Hayward Field was equipped to host the World Athletics Championships, The Parker Company – having worked on numerous stadiums and sporting events in the USA and Europe – was enlisted to offer its expertise.

The husband-and-wife CEO and COO team of the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Sarah Massey (CEO) and James Tolputt (CEO) reached out to Parker’s Sports & Events division Managing Director, Don Lockerbie, in May 2021 to serve as the Overlay & Procurement Lead for the Championships. The three had first worked well together on the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007, where Lockerbie was COO, as well as on several Olympic Games – for which Massey and Tolputt were previously long-time executives at the IOC. “We were honoured to get the call and ready to take our big stadium procurement and project management model to the world of mega events,” explained Lockerbie. “The old saying that ‘you don’t build a church for Easter Sunday’ could not be truer in the big events world and the sparkling new cathedral for Athletics that is Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene is front and centre - the poster child for that old quote.”

The new Hayward Field is a $250m fit-for-purpose, track and field monument to the history of the sport at Oregon. Boldly visioned and sponsored by Nike founder, Phil Knight, there is no athletics stadium in the world it - and World Athletics were keen to see it built and bring their world championships to the USA for the first time.

That said, this cathedral to the sport was in no way ready to host the world championships without a tremendous amount of event overlay – temporary upgrades were needed to meet the full requirements.

Lockerbie added: “We took on the role to lead the planning and execution process to take Hayward Field from a university facility to a world championships venue – needing a great deal of space and buildings on the campus of the University of Oregon to make it all work.

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EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT

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“Of prime importance was to make sure the athletes

“From May 2021 to May 2022, the planning, design,

themselves had the proper training, warm-up, medical

scheduling, budgeting, and supplier/contractor award

treatment, and final preparation areas before they took the

operations took place. Then, from 1 May to 15 July 2022, the

stadium bowl for competitions. To cover that, two football

construction and FF&E delivery was executed in time for

fields adjacent to the stadium were filled to the brim with

all permitting and safety approvals and the Games went on

marquee tents and equipment. The host broadcasters and

without a hitch.

international broadcast centre used another football field

“From there, 1 August to 15 September 2022 saw the

to build 20,000 sq ft of modular structures to produce the

overlay programme ‘disappear’, so that Hayward Field and

television and digital feeds across the world – adding an

surrounding football fields and University of Oregon buildings

additional 30,000 sq ft of space to host the international rights

used were returned to their rightful university programmes

holders who carried on their own added productions.”

and without damages as well.”

The broadcasters required 54 commentator boxes at the finish

As mentioned, seating was an area that needed to be addressed

line in the venue and over three-dozen camera positions –

by The Parker Company. Hayward Field’s construction team

whilst the media required an additional 450 press table top

selected the up-and-coming Colombia and Miami-based

positions just past the finish line to cover the competitions.

Series Seating. Each of the 12,650 seats in the stadium are

The media were also housed in an indoor tennis venue

considered premium or even VIP quality, with the feedback

transitioned into the MPC. A good $10-15m of overlay and

from the visitors being very positive.

equipment procurement was required to set the stadium to

However, the venue’s capacity is 12,650 – much lower than

World Athletics standards.

the World Athletics requirements for seating, which proved a

Additionally, a massive new videoboard was added to the

challenge for the Parker Overlay team. Over 1,700 seats in the

stadium, 3,500 temporary grandstand seats, a hospitality

premium finish line area were required to be removed to build

village for patrons and sponsors, temporary power to generate

in the broadcast commentator positions, media tribune desks,

all the overlay build and operations – all planned for over two

athletes mixed zone, finish line broadcast camera platforms

years and executed in 60 days of construction in time for the

and finish line timing and results operations.

championships to shine.

Series Seating provided both the removal/storage and post

Parker was charged by the LOC leadership to develop a

championships re-install of the 1,700 seats and in record time.

worldwide tender to bid and award the overlay works to highly

To cover for the 1,700-seat loss, the overlay team contracted

experienced experts and supplier/contractors in the industry.

InProduction to provide 3,500 temporary grandstand seats

GL Events (France) and Eventstar Structures (USA)

to bring the Championships venue total for saleable seats to

collaborated on and won the worldwide tender to become the

14,450

Overlay General Contractor for the Oregon22 LOC.

World Athletics Productions (WAP) is a master class

Kyle Parker, Director, Sports & Events at The Parker Company,

organisation, developed with the World Athletics governing

takes up the story: “Our focus was to first develop a strategic

body to manage the worldwide broadcast for all championship

plan on best practices in planning and executing a robust

events around the world. Led by long time sports television

overlay programme where a significant amount of modular

executives, producers, directors, and technical managers – the

construction was required, along with thousands of pieces

assignment for Parker was to work closely with WAP to make

of equipment and FF&E. Miles of cabling, over 100,000 sq ft

sure all the technical requirements and standards were met, if

of tents and buildings all had to come together on a college

not exceeded for flawless broadcasting of the championships

campus fully operational and integrated with its student body

by 54 international rights holders to over 200 countries.

and university operations. The University of Oregon was a

Led by senior broadcast professionals, James Lord, Alastair

tremendous partner and became an advantage for the world

Waddington, and Catherine Simpson, whom have international

championship organising committee.

experience on Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, and other

WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

THE FULL PITCH

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EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT

sports such as cricket, rugby, golf and more – WAP came to

and the record performances prove the overall atmosphere and

the table ready to make the stadium ready for international

conditions built for them motivated the excellence that the

broadcasting.

spectators witnessed.

Lockerbie added: “In many respects and following the always-

LOC Executive Director, Niels de Vos, along with Sarah and

changing requirements and protocols caused by the Covid-19

James, led a local team, with national and international

pandemic – the event truly became a made-for-television

experts added in, to create the perfect combination of passion

experience and the new technologies added were also

and focus for the event.

extraordinary and perfectly introduced and implemented.

Longtime British event planner for World Athletics, Kenny

“Broadcasting the World Athletics Championships is truly

Underwood, made sure all event stakeholders and functional

a herculean production effort, requiring nearly 1000 people

areas were programmed to ensure excellence was provided for

on site, 19 Aggreko generators and over 20 miles of NEP

and executed. The Overlay program required this input to fully

cabling just to direct and produce the event with all the

understand what needed to be built, where and when.

required technical equipment. WAP’s Mark Fulton, a former

In the end, however, while it took everything Lockerbie’s

international 400m hurdler for Great Britain, directed the

40-plus years in international sport had taught him and the

coverage and sent them around the world, leading to record-

implementation of Parker’s bespoke procurement model – the

setting television audiences in the USA and across the world.

overall Overlay programme was a major success thanks in

“From the LOC side, long-time Olympic broadcaster, Jim

large part to the GL/E team led by Issa Moret (GL events) and

Carr of Carr-Hughes Productions led the planning and

Cedric Fournier (Eventstar), as well as Overlay Managers at

guided Parker with all the Overlay programme requirements,

Parker, Jordan Feldman and Kyle Parker, and Kevin Marschke

schedules and navigated the challenges throughout.”

of ME Engineers – who all contributed mightily to the Overlay

The LOC also worked closely with the World Athletics partner

programme.

for sponsorship and hospitality, Dentsu Sports. The Overlay

Parker added: “The LOC should be well congratulated for

programme, managed by Parker, required build out and

producing a spectacular World Athletics Championships

outfitting food and beverage operations for over 10,000

and for their leadership in introducing major sustainability

accredited personnel and staff, for which a robust catering

programmes to the sport. Under the LOC leadership – fresh

programme was developed in an on-campus basketball

drinking water was provided to spectators via a non-plastic

arena. Areas for World Athletics family and partners, as well

bottle programme, recycling was a priority, and all generators

as VIP patrons were planned and executed by the LOC, with

were operated on bio-diesel fuel.”

international hospitality provider, Swiss-based Daimani.

For Parker, the opportunity was a dream come true for

World Athletics selecting the USA and Eugene, Oregon was

Lockerbie, a former professional middle-distance champion

a tip of the hat to the history of the sport’s success in this

athlete and university coach.

college town of 170,000 residents. However, the city – well

“It can be said, with pride, that the Overlay programme for the

known as Track Town USA – really stepped up to the occasion

World Athletics Championships was executed seamlessly and

and produced a memorable experience for all those involved.

coordinated with such great partners – a total success in the

All the production challenges aside, the athletes came first,

end,” concluded Lockerbie.

EVENT DESIGN & PROCUREMENT: The Parker Company | OVERLAY CONTRACTOR: GL/E | POWER CONSULTANTS: ME Engineers | POWER: Aggreko | GRANDSTANDS: InProduction | LED PERIMETER: Sport Logistics | HOST BROADCASTER: World Athletics Productions | BROADCAST TECHNICAL: NEP | STAGES/STUDIOS: Stages Northwest 054

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For more than fifty years, we have programmed, procured, and furnished thousands of hospitality & sports projects worldwide

Miami + London + Zurich + Dubai 6205 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 300 Miami, Florida 33126 • Mobile: 305.335.7172 • dlockerbie@parkerinternational.com www.parkerinternational.com

LIGHTING

2022 FIBA 3X3 WORLD CUP

F

rom 21 to 26 June 2022, 20 teams competed in the Crelan FIBA 3×3 World Cup in front of a capacity crowd in the famous Groenplaats square in Antwerp, Belgium. Serbia won its fifth world

championship title in the men’s final, while France prevailed against Canada in the women’s finals. To make it camerafriendly, the urban sporting event was illuminated by Cameo

Antwerp, Belgium

F4 D Fresnel spotlights and Cameo ZENIT outdoor LED wash lights.

The S2 Group and its companies S2 Pro and S2 Rent were

Images: Adam Hall

responsible for lighting. The challenge was to illuminate the 19 x 15 metre court with approx. 1,000–1,500 lx at a colour temperature of 5,600 K and a CRI value >90 in a consistent, camera-friendly and shadow-free manner.

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The event specialists from the S2 Group were supported by

of 7.5 metres, where they could be easily positioned without

Darius Ansari (Adam Hall Field Application Engineer Light

impeding the event-specific ball throwing safety.

Technology), whose precise lighting calculations were a

The decision was made to use 32 x Cameo F4 D Fresnel

deciding factor in finding the perfect spotlights for the task at

spotlights for the court lighting and 32 x Cameo ZENIT®

hand:

W600 outdoor LED wash lights for the indirect dynamic

“In an initial calculation, it quickly became apparent that

lighting of the Magic Sky canopy in line with the corporate

this was the perfect job for the Cameo F4 D, which performs

identity colours of the event and its sponsors. The court

impressively thanks to its high luminosity, a CRI value of

lighting met TV and photo standards of at least 1,500 lux

over 90 and the desired cool white colour temperature. The

vertically with an even distribution on the main court without

following photometric simulations were then created using

any shadows or spots.

these parameters,” explained Darius Ansari, Adam Hall Field

“The required minimum of 1,500 lux was easily achieved, and

Application Engineer Light Technology

on average even exceeded at up to 2,500 lux,” added Joery

The spotlights were rigged in a truss circle with a diameter

Gysen, S2 Rent.

of 33 metres along a Magic Sky canopy system at a height

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057

Football & Rugby

BUSINESS NETWORKING DAY THURS NOV 3RD HAMPDEN PARK, 10:30AM - 3.00PM GLASGOW ■ ■ ■

■ ■

PRESENTATIONS BY FUTURE TICKETING 25 EXHIBITORS AND 100 DELEGATES EXPECTED FOOTBALL AND RUGBY CLUBS FROM ALL LEVELS OF THE GAME ARE WELCOME DELEGATE TICKETS ARE FREE EXHIBITOR SPACES ONLY £400+VAT

MPANIES

FOR LIST OF CURRENT EXHIBITORS & MORE INFORMATION

SCAN THE QR CODE

Team Spirit Event Management MAIN PARTNERS Limited Boarshurst Business Park Boarshurst Lane, Greenfi eld Event Management Team Spirit MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNE Oldham Limited OL3 7ER Boarshurst Business Park 0870 855 0606 Boarshurst Lane, GreenfiSMMEX eld

COMPANIES MAINTHE PARTNERS

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT EXHIBITING CALL

01772 875184

tsglobal www.team-spirit.co.uk Oldham OR EMAIL OFFICE@FOOTBALLTRADEDIRECTORY.COM PO Box 3049 sglobal (UK) Ltd OL3 7ER London SW1V 3XG VCM Events ston House 0870 855 0606 SMMEX Wellesley House www.team-spirit.co.uk +44(0)20 7821 Sportsglobal 8221 ashire Business Park PO Box 3049 Manor Road www.smmex.co.uk Sportsglobal (UK) Ltd urian Way, Leyland Hurstpierpoint London SW1V 3XG VCM Events 3 Croston House BN6 9UH ashire PR26 6TU SMMEX -.The.Souvenirs, Wellesley House +44(0)20 7821 82 Lancashire Business Park836800 Merchandise and Memorabilia 01273

26 EXTRA TIME

VENUE TECH DIRECTORY 060 Sporting Venue Technology

EVENT DIARY 062 Conferences & Exhibitions

FULL TIME 064 Mountain Productions

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

MESHLINK - THE NEW WIRELESS BROADCAST SOLUTIONS www.mesh-link,de • • •

• •

IP mesh wireless video transmission system for live broadcast in stadia or any event location Super-low latency (down to 45 ms in HD and 75 ms in 4K) Mesh functionality: A radio is a transmitter, receiver and repeater at the same time – offering save and uninterrupted signal transmission in non-line-of-sight situations and congested environments 1 to 4 HD encoding channels (4 channels coming soon) on one frequency only Makes use of existing IP infrastructure to enhance networks and can be managed from any access point via user-friendly GUI without touching the system on the side of the pitch

VLA COMPACT SERIES JBL PRO www.jblpro.com/en/product_families/vla-compact-series-linearray •

•

•

IS213 SUBWOOFER ADAMSON www.adamsonsystems.com • • • • • •

060

An ultra-compact, high-powered subwoofer intended to be used in ground stack configurations and to fit in compact spaces Loaded with two lightweight, 13” ND13-S Neodymium drivers, utilising Adamson’s Advanced Cone Architecture Mounted in an ultra-efficient front-loaded enclosure, designed to reproduce clean, musical low frequency information Marine grade birch plywood, as well as aircraft grade steel and aluminium Equipped with two front and back Speakon™ NL4 connectors, or barrier strips, available upon request Ships with removable handles for easy handling, while allowing it to fit in tight spaces when the handles are removed, as well as rubber scuff guards on top and bottom that mate with additional IS213s for vertical stacking

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•

•

The Variable Line Array (VLA) Compact Series is a family of three loudspeaker array modules designed to fill the needs of system designers for applications requiring a more compact line array solution with weather protection for stadia and arenas or any other project in need of compact line arrays Fiberglass box construction and weatherized components mean it ships with an IP 55 rating and is designed specifically for permanent installations where even coverage, intelligibility and high sound pressure levels are required Advanced technology component transducers utilizing Differential Drive® in the LF section and D2415 annular ring diaphragms in the HF section are optimized for low weight, high output and offer the incredible low distortion associated with JBL’s performance system Comprehensive rigging points for creating a line array configuration and dedicated Line-Array Calculator software to design effective vertical coverage The range is comprised of the C2100, a dual 10” full range speaker with a 100° horizontal coverage pattern and the C265, a dual 10” full range speaker with a 65° horizontal coverage pattern. The C125S is a dual 15 inch cabinet that can be set as an LF extension or as a Sub Bass unit

VENUE TECH DIRECTORY

SK-F LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM AUDIO PERFORMANCE www.audio-performance.com/products/sk-f • • • • •

Compact three-way (two-way active) fully horn-loaded design Active or self-powered options Arrayable: H 45° x V 50° Flat and smooth frequency response from 60hz to 20Khz +/-3dB SPL max: 140dB

ARCADIA™ CENTRAL STATION CLEAR-COM www.clearcom.com/arcadia-ip-intercom/ •

• • • •

All the Intercom you need - Scalable IP platform integrates wired and wireless partyline systems, including all FreeSpeak™ products Integrates with complete audio system via third-party Dante devices System is configured in a redesigned Core Configuration Manager (CCM™) enabling rapid setup, configuration and monitoring Scalable – port licenses are available in increments of 16, starting at 32 ports for the base system Future-proof platform, with more features being added, including HelixNet integration coming soon

TRIPLEPLAY LOW LATENCY HD ENCODER TRIPLEPLAY www.tripleplay.tv/iptv-hd-encoder/ • • • • •

Tripleplay Low Latency HD Encoder where low latency is critical to optimise fan experience when viewing live streamed content An incredible glass-to-glass latency as low as 98ms, when used with the optimised Tripleplay PLAY3R-SP1 Appliance is fully supported and integrated with Tripleplay IPTV, signage and video streaming Can support two channels (HDMI or SDI), converting them into an IPTV stream Coming soon! Tripleplay Low Latency 4K Encoder

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061

EVENT DIARY 2022/23

EVENT DIARY ALSD International 17th - 18th October, London alsdinternational.com

WFS Africa 16th - 17th November, Durban africa.worldfootballsummit.com

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

ISE 31st January - 3rd February 2023, Barcelona iseurope.org

UK Events Summit 26th October, Manchester ukeventssummit.com

NAB Show 15th - 19th April 2023, Las Vegas nabshow.com

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

InfoComm 10th - 16th June 2023, Orlando infocommshow.org

2020/21

MTS SERIES H I G H-O UTP UT P O I NT-S O U R C E LO U D S P EAKE R S

ENGINEERED TO

AMAZE

MARKET-LEADING OUTPUT WITH EXACT COVERAGE The MTS series consists of four base models. These include two standard three-way configurations with 60° x 40° or 40° x 30° coverage, and two cardioid configurations that provide the same coverage patterns with enhanced low-frequency directional control. The 60° x 40° models can deliver extremely high SPL: 151 dB peak (music) down to 55 Hz at -10 dB and 154 dB peak (speech); the 40° x 30° models are capable of 152 dB peak (music) down to 50 Hz at -10 dB and 155 dB peak (speech).

THE NEW STANDARD IN POINT-SOURCE SOUND Each MTS standard model is equipped with four 15” woofers and dual coaxial mid/high frequency compression drivers. The four slot-loaded, high-efficiency low-frequency drivers are symmetrically coupled to the same full-range waveguide as the compression drivers to create a true pointsource with substantial bass response, eliminating the need for additional subwoofers in many applications. Stunning acoustic performance for indoor and outdoor installations of all sizes.

UNIQUE CARDIOID MODELS The MTS series offers another key differentiator from the current competition. Equipped with two additional woofers, cardioid models deliver full-bandwidth directivity control that reduces sound spill outside the pattern, enhancing dynamics, improving sound quality and clarifying speech intelligibility.

electrovoice.com | #EngineeredToAmaze ©2022 Bosch Security Systems, LLC

MTS_ad_318x245_EN.indd 1

06/10/2022 11:49:25

MOUNTAIN PRODUCTIONS The largest staging company in North America - and a world leader in rigging sales and installations.

G

ive our readers an introduction to Mountain Productions...

Founded in 1979, Mountain Productions is the largest staging company in North America and a world leader in rigging sales and installations. The company has worked on more than 20,000 events with thousands of world-renowned clients. For over forty years, we have been providing high quality temporary and permanent entertainment structures for all kinds of events. Offering fully customisable stage design and construction, we have a variety of staging options and rigging accessories for both rent and sale, making the possibilities for unique staging solutions endless.

In addition to staging, we also have a broadbased Installations Department who can assist clients with all phases of their project through a variety of disciplines, such as design, engineering, fabrication, installation labour, and commissioning. With our team of world-class engineers, at MTN we have the capabilities and expertise to create custom installation solutions that are tailored specifically to each of our clients’ requirements.

Proudly based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, our team has four decades of experience working with professional sports teams, large scale venues and promoters, universities, fashion houses, multinationals, and government bodies.

Our scope can range from something as basic as a bandstand for a local musician, to helping fit out a multi-billion-dollar stadium. We pride ourselves with being able to grow with our customers.

Your installation department is launching new services - can you tell us more?

This is an exciting time for the MTN Installations Department. Not only have we recently welcomed new leadership, but also additional staff to accommodate our growth and new services. We are in the process of expanding the department’s business offerings outside of our current installation capabilities, that traditionally revolve around turnkey offerings that are exclusive to our on-site projects and not to other integrators.

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We want to maximise our internal capabilities and are moving further downstream by providing vendor services in design, engineering, and fabrication as stand-alone offerings. With this new investment, anyone can approach us as a trusted third-party vendor that provides design/engineering or fabrication to assist in entertainment and industrial installations.

Design/Engineering One of the many things that sets MTN Installs apart from the competition is our in-house Design and Engineering Department. Our team can design build anything from temporary structures to permanent installation systems that are tailorfit to a diverse range of industries. These services include: • Providing 2D or 3D rigging layouts to visualize how equipment will interact in your building • Developing custom mounting and rigging solutions • Performing 3D laser scanning to capture As Built conditions and creating a point cloud deliverable of the space for future use • Performing calculations for wind, snow and seismic loads • Providing stamped drawings from our team of PE’s in 43 states, with applications pending in the remaining seven • Consulting services by specifying off-the-shelf rigging components that safely support your equipment or custom solutions Fabrication With our full team of in-house welders, carpenters, and finishers, we can take our clients’ ideas one step further with the fabrication of end-product solutions. Some of our fabrication capabilities include: • Steel and aluminum welding and machining • CNC, laser, or water jet cutting • Powder coating and galvanising • Assembly preparation and component test fitting

Which sporting venues has Mountain Productions worked on previously?

We have carried out work for professional sports franchises, buildings and arenas from the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLS. Some recent examples include Capital One Arena, Chase Center, Ford Field, and Red Bull Arena. We’ve also worked with collegiate venues such as: Neyland Stadium (Univ. Tennessee), Alumni Stadium (Boston College), Bryce Jordan Center (Penn State), and Moody Center (Univ. Texas). For these projects, we have installed a variety of rigging solutions for audio, video, lighting, and projection.

Do you have any upcoming sporting venue projects We are in the process of finalising a number of sports venue installations that we are unable to discuss publicly at the moment. Check our website: www.mountainproductions.com for updates on all of our current projects.

What are Mountain Productions’ aims for the next five years?

Building the MTN brand is about expanding on our strengths, both geographically and in our offerings. You will continue to see that expansion in our home market and throughout EMEA and Latin America.

“The addition of a new office in Berlin is just the start. For us, it is about keeping our eyes open to identify complimentary goods and services as they emerge and develop from our learnings or from organic feedback from customers.” - Ricky Rose, CEO. Pinpointing these opportunities, like providing bespoke installations-oriented engineering services to other integrators as a stand-alone firm, was one of those discoveries. Many small to medium size integrators don’t have internal engineering, design, and fabrication while larger companies’ sub-contract out some of these disciplines depending on the project. Over the next five years, we will continue to build our team to be the go-to vendor and service provider for these organisations to help them fill in the gaps and provide support.

FULL TIME

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065

FULL TIME

ANDREW HAWK, DIRECTOR OF INSTALLATIONS

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your career background?

My name is Andrew Hawk, and I joined Mountain Productions in 2015 as a Design Engineer after graduating from Penn State Behrend with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I initially began by working with our Staging team, with a focus on product development. In 2016, I began working more heavily with the Installations Department and increased my focus and involvement across every facet of its development from budgeting and site surveys in the proposal phase, to working with our teams in the field to guide what is necessary from the standpoint of a professional engineer.

Growing up, I spent a large amount of time working in and around live events as my father owns a company which focuses on audio and video installs and rentals. We primarily worked on schools, churches, and concerts using a variety of AV equipment. This experience was extremely beneficial to my professional development within the MTN Installations Department.

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Working in the Installations Department has afforded me the opportunity to design and develop rigging solutions for over 30 venues of all sizes, from small theatres to the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. In managing these projects, I have learned that no two venues are the same, and each project comes with its own set of challenges, which keeps our team constantly engaged.

As I transition to the role of Director of Installations, I look forward to developing new business methods and strategies to help our team continually exceed our clients’ expectations.

fan experience. The MTN Installations Department is working on both retrofits for older installations and new builds, keeping our clients on the cutting edge of technology and design.

Next big thing in sporting venue design/ installations?

www.mountainproductions.com

A positive trend that we’ve noticed is that venues are putting more and more thought into their rigging needs. Whether it’s through increasing structure capacities or strategically positioning rigging points, venues are finding ways to increase their flexibility and speed of rigging. Small changes like these may often be overlooked, but they ultimately lead to a better

Favourite sporting venue?

My favourite sporting venue has to be Beaver Stadium (State College, PA). Being in the stadium with 106,000 other fans is always an exciting time!

More than a match.

A great lineup of sound reinforcement technology. A customized look. The renowned d&b Workflow. All this and world-class support from start to finish. d&b Stadium solutions are designed so that everyone wins. (We like to play fair.)

Discover more: dbaudio.com/sports-venues

The art of creative engineering.

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06.10.2022 13:26:10