We reflect on a hugely successful event, which brought together the entire ecosystem around sporting venues.
CPKC STADIUM
We take a look at Henderson’s contribution to the world’s first purpose-built stadium for women’s soccer.
SIDEKICK INTERVIEW
Paul Carlson, Founder & Owner, discusses his career and award-winning sod installation machine ahead of a big 2026.
ARENA EVENTS + VENUES COLUMN
Ramon Jesus Gonzalez-Marquez tells us about the power of an informed client and collaborative briefing.
IWELCOME
t’s always a thrill to get one of English football’s iconic grounds as the cover story, so we were delighted when the news came out about the audio revamp at Elland Road. Imperium Integration took on the project and went about installing a state-of-the-art Martin
Audio system at the home of Leeds United. Perfect timing, too, following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League. It’s been a huge success so far - read more about the project on page 32.
We’ve also taken a look ahead to the new Nissan Stadium, with Daktronics having been selected as the official large display partner of the Tennesee Titans. Scheduled to open in 2027, it’s certainly one we can’t wait to see!
Our interview is with Paul Carlson, Founder & Owner of SIDEKICK USA - the company that is quietly transforming the way natural grass is laid and maintained at elite sports venues. We spoke to him about his award-winning sod installation machine ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, which promises to be a huge event for the team.
Elsewhere, we’ve covered Grass Valley’s live production upgrade at Intuit Dome, as well as L-Acoustic’s new system at FedExForum. It’s also fantastic to cover Henderson’s work at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City - the world’s first, purpose-built stsdium for women’s soccer. One for the history books.
There’s plenty of fascinating insight, too, with columns from VITEC, LED Studio & Navori Labs, ARENA events + venues, The Digital Line, and Sean Miller of Orion Creative Services. Something for everyone, so be sure to check them out!
We hope you enjoy ISSUE 42 - have a great summer!
Sam Hughes Editorial Director
From Venue to Destination
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MONDO | STADIA is published by Mondiale Media Limited, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK
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INSIDE…
TEAM TALK
006 AI & IP Video Set to Redefine Live Entertainment Venues Across Europe | VITEC
DRAWING BOARD
010 Nissan Stadium | Daktronics
INTERVIEW
014 Paul Carlson | SIDEKICK USA
THE FULL PITCH
020 STADIA | SESSIONS #02 | Mykonos, Greece
032 Elland Road | Leeds, England
VENUE FOCUS
STADIUM DEVELOPMENT
044 CPKC Stadium | Kansas City, USA
LIVE PRODUCTION
050 Intuit Dome | California, USA
AUDIO
054 FedExForum | Memphis, USA
VIDEO
058 Stade Michel d’Ornano | Caen, France
EXTRA TIME
064 Tasker | New CPR Cables
066 Building Success from Day One: The Power of an Informed Client & Collaborative Briefing | ARENA events + venues
070 Greener Goals: Why the Future of Stadium LED Must Be Sustainable | LED Studio & Navori Labs
072 Smart Accreditation: The Silent Force Behind Seamless Events | George Vaughan, The Digital Line
078 Evolving the Live Experience in European Sport| Sean Miller, Orion Creative Services
Cover Image: Sophie Hoult / Martin Audio
AI & IP VIDEO SET TO REDEFINE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUES ACROSS EUROPE
As sports and entertainment venues across Europe evolve into multipurpose digital platforms, VITEC’s Myriam Calaber explains how AI, IP video, and sustainable technologies are driving a smarter, more flexible future for stadiums and arenas.
As sports and entertainment venues across Europe prepare for a new era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), IP video technologies, and sustainability initiatives are poised to redefine fan experiences, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability. That’s the message from Myriam Calaber, EMEA Venue Sector Industry Engagement Executive at VITEC.
“The venues that will thrive over the next decade are those that recognize adaptability as their greatest competitive asset,” said Calaber. “AI and IP video systems won’t just support operations — they will be core to how venues grow, engage audiences, and build new revenue streams.”
According to Calaber, the convergence of intelligent video distribution, real-time analytics, and smart automation will allow stadiums and arenas to transition from rigid, single-purpose facilities into dynamic multiuse spaces. From football matches to corporate events and children’s festivals, modern venues will be able to seamlessly shift branding, signage, and digital experiences to match
diverse audiences — with minimal manual intervention.
AI plays a crucial role in enabling this transformation. “Venue operators are drowning in complexity,” she noted. “Dozens of disjointed systems can create inefficiencies and drive up costs. AI allows us to automate repetitive tasks, streamline event preparation, and personalize the fan journey — all while reducing the operational burden on human teams.”
One of the most significant shifts Calaber sees is in how these technologies will enable new business models. With intelligent infrastructure, venues can extend their activity calendar from a handful of annual matches or concerts to hundreds of tailored events. This shift not only boosts utilization rates, but also transforms digital signage and IPTV systems into lucrative advertising and sponsorship platforms.
“A stadium that can operate 150 days a year instead of 50 radically changes its economics,” Calaber explained. “Sponsors are eager to invest in flexible digital assets that offer realtime, targeted messaging. And with lower
overhead and energy-efficient systems, ROI improves across the board.”
Sustainability is not an afterthought in this digital reinvention — it’s foundational.
From VITEC’s low-energy media players to AI-driven systems that track environmental impact, Calaber emphasized that eco-friendly practices are increasingly tied to financial incentives.
“In Europe especially, sustainability is a business imperative,” she said. “Our customers are looking for technology that helps them meet ESG goals and regulatory requirements while also cutting costs. Smart systems that reduce energy use and simplify environmental reporting provide both operational and reputational advantages.”
The key to success, Calaber stressed, is collaborative innovation. VITEC works closely with CRM vendors, signage providers, architects, and consultants to design interoperable systems that align with venue operators’ long-term visions. She cited recent partnerships on stadium projects in France and Eastern Europe, where early-stage collaboration with fan engagement platforms
helped deliver integrated, proven solutions even before contracts were finalized.
“Great venues aren’t built by a single vendor — they are co-created by an ecosystem of partners,” Calaber said. “By working together from the start, we ensure our systems are scalable, compatible, and ready to evolve.”
This partnership model is exemplified by VITEC’s work with high-profile clubs like Decathlon Arena. These venues not only deploy cutting-edge video and data systems, but also serve as testbeds for innovation — showcasing how technology can support broader community engagement and multifunctional use.
Looking ahead, Calaber believes that open standards and modular architectures will be
essential for next-generation venues to stay competitive. “You need flexibility to adopt future tools without ripping out what you already have,” she said. “That’s why VITEC is committed to building open, IP-based platforms that integrate easily with other systems.”
As digital transformation continues to accelerate across Europe’s live event sector, Calaber’s vision offers a clear roadmap for venue operators aiming to simplify complexity, future-proof their infrastructure, and deliver engaging, personalized experiences at scale.
“The opportunity is massive,” she concluded. “We’re not just talking about better tech — we’re talking about fundamentally reimagining what a venue can be.”
NISSAN STADIUM
Nashville, USA
Rendering: MANICA
Daktronics has been selected as the official large display partner of the Tennessee Titans and will manufacture and install 37 displays totaling more than 77,000 square feet at the team’s newly constructed Nissan Stadium set to open in 2027. This puts the stadium in the top three for total square footage of LED in the league.
The installation is highlighted by the first-of-its-kind Ring of Fire display circling the entire upper bowl of the stadium. LED technology will inform and engage fans the moment they arrive at the stadium until they find their seats with displays on the exterior, throughout the concourses, on vomitory entrances and exits from the seating bowl, ribbon displays on the seating fascia and main end zone video displays in addition to the Ring of Fire.
“Daktronics brings the kind of innovation and quality we were looking for in a visual experience partner,” said Tennessee Titans Senior Vice President Adam Nuse. “Their technology will help us create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that keeps fans engaged, energized and connected throughout the entire event.”
The Ring of Fire is an upper bowl ribbon-style LED display that surrounds the entire stadium in lights. It measures 13 feet high by 2,275 feet wide – the longest display in the league. At a total of 29,575 square feet, it will be one of the largest displays in all of professional football. It features a 10-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver crisp, clear images to fans in every seat.
“When it comes to building something new and never-been-donebefore, including this Ring of Fire display, that’s where our team of engineers come alive to deliver for our customers,” said Jay Parker, Daktronics vice president of live events. “Our entire team is looking forward to being a part of Nashville’s biggest stage at the new Nissan Stadium and appreciates the Tennessee Titans for putting their trust in Daktronics to help entertain their fans and audiences for years to come.”
The main video displays will be located in the east, northwest and
southwest end zones. The east end zone display will measure 41 feet high by 343 feet wide while the northwest and southwest displays will each measure 41 feet high by 136 feet wide. The east display will measure in at 14,063 square feet.
These three displays combined will provide 25,215 square feet of LED video display space to provide all the live video, instant replays, graphics and animation, game statistics and information, and sponsorship messages that fans crave at live events. All three main video displays feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing.
Adding to the ambiance in the stadium, 23 ribbon and vomitory displays will be mounted to the seating fascia and above entrances and exits to the seating bowl. These displays total more than 17,000 square feet to supplement information and graphics on the main displays throughout games and other special events. These displays all feature 10-millimeter pixel spacing.
Four concourse displays total 1,125 square feet and the west entry lobby display features 161.5 square feet to connect with fans as they enter and move about the stadium. These displays feature Daktronics’ narrow pixel pitch technology at 1.5-millimeter pixel spacing for up-close viewing and pristine imagery.
A south exterior display measures 3,750 square feet and features 10-millimeter pixel spacing – also the largest of its type in the league. An east lower bowl exterior display features another 140 square feet with a 4.4-millimeter pixel spacing. Together, these displays engage fans and brand their experience before they find their seats.
Outfitting additional areas of the stadium, the Titans’ locker room and interview room will also feature LED displays with narrow pixel pitch technology. The locker room display measures 5 feet high by 13 feet wide and features a 1.2-millimeter pixel spacing while the interview room display measures 7 feet high by 12.5 feet wide and features a 1.5-millimeter pixel spacing.
Finally, two game clocks and two play clocks will sit at each end beneath the ribbon displays to help facilitate the flow of the game.
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INTERVIEW
“We needed a tool that would take the burden off of the workforce, while also making the installed playing surface seamless. And, well, the rest is history. ”
Paul Carlson Founder & Owner SIDEKICK USA
PAUL CARLSON FOUNDER & OWNER SIDEKICK USA
As preparations ramp up across North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the spotlight is turning not just to stadiums and teams, but also to the technology behind the scenes making it all possible. One such innovation is SideKick® - the award-winning and internationally-patented sod installation machine from SIDEKICK USA that’s quietly transforming the way natural grass is laid and maintained at elite sports venues.
Developed specifically to assist sports turf managers and contractors, SideKick® addresses one of the more challenging aspects of pitch maintenance: the installation of thick-cut sod. Often used when a natural grass surface needs to be replaced quickly and reliably, thickcut sod – up to four inches thick – offers greater stability and playability. But the traditional installation methods have long been inefficient and prone to damaging the turf.
SideKick® changes that. Designed to install sod from ¾ of an inch to four inches thick, the machine improves speed, precision and quality – all without touching the grass itself. The result is tighter seams, minimal turf damage, and stronger, more consistent playing surfaces. With World Cup venues and training grounds making upgrades ahead of 2026, we spoke with Paul Carlson...
How long have you been in the sod industry?
Over 45 years now...
Can you tell us a bit about your career, and how SIDEKICK first began?
I started as a labourer and then moved up into sod sales. I eventually started a sod installation company. Then came the invention of SIDEKICK, followed by my own sod farm that specialises in premium bentgrass varieties.
Do you have any sort of formal education in natural grass?
No, I took some general classes in the local community college after high school, but I never graduatedwhich is not unusual in the natural grass industry. Everything I have learned about sod has been on the job or from conference seminars and industry publications. This is one aspect that I truly appreciate about the line of work: that someone can become an expert without necessarily needing to have a formal education.
When were you first introduced to thick-cut-turf?
It had to be some time in the mid 2000s. Back then, thick-cut was a new concept. It’s just such a different beast than traditional grass. It’s takes a special grower. We have our hands full just with installing it. That’s why I came up with SIDEKICK - out of necessity really.
My crew was breaking their backs during installs, and the results were not optimal. We needed a tool that would take the burden off of the workforce while also making the installed playing surface seamless. And, well, the rest is history.
How many years were you installing thick cut prior to SIDEKICK?
We were doing it for about six years prior to our first SIDEKICK prototype. Less than a decade of installing thick-cut by hand feels like a lifetime.
How long did the process of creating the SIDEKICK take - from conception to design to initial prototype?
The whole process took us only about couple months of tinkering. We spent a lot of time in our shop and our of the cold during the winter in Chicago that year. Come spring, we had a prototype ready to try out at Soldier Field in Chicago.
What was your biggest challenge with starting SIDEKICK?
Aside from the initial engineering hurdles, I would say the hardest part was convincing other contractors of SIDEKICK’s usefulness. There are an infinite number of ways to install sod, and when someone has -- in their own eyes -- perfected a method, it can be extremely difficult to convince them of trying another way. Which is understandable since contractors are under an enormous amount of pressure to install the
best playing surface as fast as possible. So, trying a new method is seen as a risk to successfully completing the task at hand. But, through persistence and thanks to the trust of contractors and facilities, SIDEKICK was given chances to show what it can do for a field install. Once it was clear how much time, effort, and money it saves, SIDEKICK units began selling across the USA and abroad.
What has been the highlight moment of SIDEKICK?
Probably Super Bowl 50. That was the first time a SIDEKICK was used in preparation for the Super Bowl. SIDEKICKS had been used in various championships around the world, but the Super Bowl is the championship in America. After that, it would be SIDEKICK units being used for the World Cup and Olympics. I am also extremely excited for all the SIDEKICK units that will be seeing action in preparation for the 2026 World Cup!
A piece of advice you would give your younger self just getting started in your career?
You will never be able to make a career off of selling a product you don’t 100% believe in. I know that SIDEKICK is worth it for contractors because I am a contractor, and I would have purchased SIDEKICK units if I had not invented it. The second thing I would say is to value your friendships in the industry. I would not be where I am today if not for the help and cooperation with the people I’ve met and become friends with from all around the world.
Any goals left for SIDEKICK moving forward?
To get SIDEKICK on every continent... maybe not Antarctica.
STADIA | SESSIONS #02
MYKONOS, GREECE
As we reflect on the second edition of STADIA | SESSIONS, firstly, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event such a resounding success. The energy, insight, and engagement from professionals across the sporting venue industry once again brought our vision to life, and we are truly grateful for the continued support from all those who came along and embraced the event.
STADIA | SESSIONS #02 brought together key decision makers and innovators from across the global sporting venue ecosystem for three remarkable days of connection, collaboration, and insight. Held on the stunning island of Mykonos, the event provided a unique platform for clubs, stadiums, arenas, venue operators, architects, consultants, federations, government representatives, and leading suppliers to engage and explore new opportunities like never before.
With over 500 one-to-one meetings taking place
throughout the event, STADIA | SESSIONS #02 facilitated genuine, high-value conversations designed to spark long-term partnerships and strategic thinking. Delegates participated in a curated programme of one-to-one meetings, and concise, thought-provoking presentations - all within a relaxed, immersive setting that encouraged meaningful interaction away from the usual pressures of the work environment.
Complemented by a bespoke social schedule, framed by the idyllic backdrop of the Aegean, the atmosphere fostered informal networking and strengthened connections across every corner of the industry. The level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the event was a clear reflection of the sector’s appetite for innovation, collaboration, and progress.
Conference Highlights
Our conference programme featured an impressive line-up of expert speakers, all of whom shared valuable insights
within various areas of the sporting venue industry. Highlights include:
• Ramon Jesus Conzalez-Marquez, Thiago De Rose, and Graeme Pattison from Arena Events + Venues discussed the vital role of client advisors in sporting venue projects.
• Pavel Hruza of Chybik & Kristof Architects introduced Jihlava Multipurpose Arena and how the new venue is a catalyst for city renewal.
• George Vaughan, The Digital Line, introduced us to AI for the sporting venue industry – delivering us cross-sector insight for smart engagement.
• Ryan Austin-Smith, LED Studio, and Xavier Carreras, Navori Labs took us on a journey through sporting venues, posing the question of whether your stadium or arena is truly built for the future.
• Ryan Sickman & Tayomara Gama, Gensler, discussed the spectacular Al-Ahly stadium - a world-class, 42,000-seat stadium that redefines the fan experience, drives economic growth, and sets a new benchmark in sports architecture globally.
• Guillaume Lairloup, Event Venue Experts, discussed how a data-driven approach can help venues improve maintenance, efficiency and sustainability, develop fan engagement and client experience, and increase revenue.
• Mike Bedford and Chris Lane, Experience Studios, led us on a fascinating exploration of the technical and creative visual workflow behind venues and events.
• Thyr Rodrigues introduced us to FanAlytics – a vision for data-driven spectator journey management.
Feedback
Adrian Cefalan, National Investment Company of Romania: “I think that it’s very well-organised event in the beautiful location. From my point of view, you can learn about all the new technologies and trends in hospitality and VIP experience, but also for the design of new-build sporting venues… I’ve seen lots of technologies that we’d like to implement in Romania. We’ve been building new stadiums for the past five or six years, so that’s why we’ve come to learn from others about how to produce revenue and create
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a great fan experience. That’s why it’s so impotant for me to be here.”
Alexander Balzuhn, Qiddiya: “I’m really excited to be here – it was a very good event that was really well organised. I met a lot of suppliers that showcased their products to us, which is really important for the projects I’m working on. It’s very important to understand what’s on the market, to allow us to achieve the best outcome possible in our projects.”
David Hines, David Hines Sports Consulting: “It’s a really, really positive event. Everyone gets time with different people around the table one-to-one. I think you can miss people at other conferences, so to actually have this agenda where you sit down and have a real connection with people – it’s very unique and really worthwhile. They’ve been real, two-way conversations, too – you benefit from the information from the suppliers, meaning there’s lots of connections and opportunities throughout.”
Farid Asadzade, Baku Olympic Stadium: “We’re very happy to be at STADIA | SESSIONS! We came here to learn about new technologies that we could look to implement in our stadium. In three days, we met with industry legends, our colleagues from different stadiums, and, perhaps, some future partners. Incredibly productive meetings – I hope we’ll be back here next year!”
George Vaughan, The Digital Line: “Second year - even better than it was the year before! What I think makes STADIA | SESSIONS really unique is the networking element of it. It has a personality to it that you don’t see in many other conferences - so you actually can really engage with other venues, other operators, and other suppliers. And I think that really makes it stand out above all the other conferences. And plus, you’ve got wonderful surroundings to enjoy as well! Put this one at the top of your list if you’re looking at conferences for information on new builds and new projects. I’ll be back next year!”
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Guillermo Garcia, IMG: “The experience is great. You have the opportunity to talk to top industry performers, with dedicated time with different companies that are able to explain to you, in the dimension that you need, how they can best support you. So, it’s a perfect experience that’s been very helpful for us. I really invite people to comethe setup is magnificent, but also, you’re able to talk to different providers that could really change the industry in the next years - and you can tell how passionate they are about it.”
Jack Colton, CUE: “I think the event’s been brilliant! As a business involved in digital fan experience and live events, we often go to fairly generic sports event, but I think coming to something like this that is so targeted around stadiums – with a mixture of clubs, consultants, and stadia-focussed professionals – it’s been awesome. We’ve already come away with some really high-quality connections – and what a place to do it with a location like this!”
Tapio Rosenius, Poet Creator Software: “It’s been really positive – the feedback has been absolutely amazing. We’re trying to bring a new technology into the world of stadiums and arenas, and we’ve got the assurance that we’re in the right place. The quality of the people has been absolutely
tremendous. I reckon we saved probably two years of our marketing efforts by attending here for two days.”
Luis Silva, Bluerock Sports & Entertainment: “It’s a really great concept – a fantastic model with lots of interesting contacts here. We’ve had a wonderful time, and have been able to reconnect with a lot of good friends, too. There were some really interesting topics discussed in the conference room, too. For me, it was one of the most impressive events that I’ve been to.”
STADIA | SESSIONS #03 | May 2026
There’s been an unprecedented demand following the success of STADIA | SESSIONS #02, so we’re already hard at work planning for 2026. Spaces will be strictly limited for both specifiers and suppliers - if you’re thinking about being part of an event like no other, don’t wait.
Register your interest: tinyurl.com/stadiasessions
While they’re widely recognised as one of the giants of English football, Leeds United’s fortunes on the pitch have been up and down over the past couple of decades. However, throughout the relegations and promotions, Elland Road has never wavered as one of the most iconic, atmospheric stadiums in the football league.
Like many historic grounds, Elland Road has evolved gradually over the years, with upgrades carried out stand by stand – and that made the task of delivering a fully integrated PA and voice alarm system across the stadium no small task
This is where Imperium Integration, the club’s long-standing AV partner, played a crucial role. Alan Inkster, Managing Director, takes up the story:
“We actually started working with Leeds United back in 2001, which is going back a bit now! We did the audio system for them then, and we’ve been working with them ever since. So, the best part of 25 years, which definitely makes me feel old,
but it’s been a great relationship.
“As much as we can maintain a system, eventually there comes a time when a full upgrade is needed, so it was certainly the right time to look for a new solution. Once the necessary budget was secured, the brief we were given was actually quite simple but ambitious: first, the new system had to be one of the best-sounding stadium systems in the UK. Second, the loudspeakers had to be capable of being raised and lowered without the need to bring a cherry picker onto the pitch - everything had to be done via electric winches.
Beyond that, it had to comply with EN54 standards, which was a key requirement, particularly with the potential for European competition in the future. That sort of forward thinking was impressive, especially given the club’s position at the time.”
During that period, several changes at board level led to the eventual takeover of the club by the 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group. “The club got bought, sold twice in quick succession, and the 49ers investment vehicle approved
the audio upgrade virtually straight away, because it was a safety issue,” explained Alan. “So, the timing of that worked really well for the new product that was coming out.”
The product in question was Martin Audio’s TORUS array system, which had just been launched at the time.
Alan added: “We initially started developing the system design before TORUS had even been launched - so, at the outset, it wasn’t even on the table. We explored a few different options, and many did the job, but they were just lacking the quality that we were aiming for.
“Martin Audio already had a presence in the stadium, so we decided to give them serious consideration. Once we heard it, we were genuinely impressed. The audio quality was outstanding, and the rigging options were really straightforward, which was a big advantage given the brief.
“The system lends itself really well to being raised and lowered via electric winches. So, while the scope might have seemed relatively straightforward - meet statutory
requirements, hit EN54 compliance, and deliver worldclass sound - the execution had to be spot on. And I think we achieved that with Martin Audio. TORUS ticked all the boxes in terms of performance, weight, flexibility, and ease of deployment. It was the right product at exactly the right time.”
The system installed by Imperium features a comprehensive Martin Audio loudspeaker deployment across Elland Road. This includes 18 Martin Audio T1230 Torus arrays in both the North and South Stands, 24 in the West Stand, and 30 in the East Stand, with an additional 12 arrays positioned around the stadium’s corners to ensure seamless coverage. Supplementing these, 10 Martin Audio CDD 12 loudspeakers have been installed at the rear of the West Stand, completing full-area sound distribution. There are Martin Audio SXCF118 subwoofers, too, with three units each in the North and South Stands, four in the West Stand, and six in the East Stand. A single Martin Audio CDD Live 12 loudspeaker has been strategically placed within
Yeboah’s Crossbar, a hospitality area opposite the East Stand. Meanwhile, eight Martin Audio CDD 5 loudspeakers serve the LUTV production studio housed within the South Stand. Ceiling audio coverage across all stands is managed by 180 Bosch EN54 certified loudspeakers, supplemented by 50 RCF ceiling speakers installed in the South Stand concourses and other key areas.
40 Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 loudspeakers are also installed throughout various banqueting suites and other locations, alongside 20 Optimal Audio Cuboid 5 models positioned around the venue.
Amplification throughout is provided by a mixture of Powersoft Ottocanali 4K, 8K and 12K DSPs. Two Powersoft Unica amps and a Mezzo 604 amp can be found in the Pavillion Banqueting Hall and East Stand Banqueting area
respectively. Control for the system is all managed centrally. Alan said: “At one point we said, ‘This system deserves better front-end equipment - what’s going in isn’t doing it justice.’ And the club responded immediately: ‘Right, what do we need to put in?’ So we brought in a proper mixing desk for the matchday announcer. Everything is running on Dante - literally everything - from the DJ inputs to system control. We even invested in high-quality Technics gear for the DJ side, because the source material really matters. That kind of upgrade takes a bit of education, but, once people hear the difference, they get it.”
It’s not just about the PA system, though. Imperium integrated everything into the wider matchday experience. The screen, scoreboard, sponsor content - it’s all tied into the audio network. The club owns its media, and everything
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Principality Stadium Cardiff, Wales, Home of the Welsh National Rugby Team
routes through the Dante-based system, including the director’s and control feeds.
“That adds a layer of complexity, but it’s the way it should be done - properly integrated,” added Alan.
The feedback has been fantastic so far – though the system is still being expanded by the Imperium team, as Alan explained further: “For example, in the East Stand, there are five banqueting suites. Previously, they had standalone systems which weren’t integrated with the stadium’s voice evacuation system. So, we revisited that.
“Rather than just shut those spaces down in an emergency, we designed it so the main EN54 system can override and use the local system as an extension. We brought in Powersoft amps on the Dante network with full override capability. It’s been a revelation to the club - they didn’t realise this kind of control was even possible.”
Over in the South Stand, there are two soundproof studios for television broadcasters. When they’re not being used, the club sells them as hospitality boxes, however, the issue was that guests couldn’t hear the atmosphere inside. This led to Imperium installing ambient mics on the roof that pick up crowd noise and feed it into those rooms, or anywhere else in the stadium. This allows the club to enhance the fan experience wherever they are.
Another recent improvement is with their internal TV advertising system - the screens in the bars and lounges. Previously, the audio just came from the TV speakers, however, now the audio is routed through the system to give proper sound reinforcement to match the visuals.
“So, really, the core installation is finished, but it’s always evolving - as it should be,” said Alan.
The project at Elland Road has been a resounding success for
the club, with fans immediately recognising the impact at the famous old ground.
“‘Turn it down - it’s too loud!’ - that’s the first bit of feedback you always get when you install a proper system,” Alan joked. “People aren’t used to that level of clarity and impact in a stadium. Leeds fans were certainly taken aback at first - but in a good way. If you look on social media, there’s footage from the South Stand where the fans are singing along. It’s absolutely electric! The music sounds fantastic, and the crowd’s fully engaged. It’s one of the best things you’ll ever see in a stadium – and the Martin Audio system helped create that.”
“Of course, the jump in quality is huge - we’re talking about replacing 25-year-old technology. It’s a major leap. But credit to the club - they’ve really invested properly.”
With the arrival of ambitious new owners, Leeds United is poised for a new era of growth and development at Elland Road. Plans are already underway to expand the stadium,
reflecting the club’s commitment to enhancing the matchday experience and taking the club back to the top.
Crucially, the forward-thinking design implemented by Imperium Integration ensures that the PA and voice alarm system can scale seamlessly alongside any expansion, futureproofing Elland Road’s audio infrastructure for years to come.
VENUE FOCUS
CPKC STADIUM
Kansas CIty, USA
Images: Henderson Engineers
Seventeen months. That’s how long it took from the groundbreaking to the grand opening of CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current and the world’s first stadium purpose-built for a professional women’s soccer team. It’s an enviable timeline in sports venue design and construction, where just acquiring a site for a new facility can often take longer. The pace called for an experienced development team to see the $140 million, 11,500 capacity project through on time and on budget, and a high level of checks and balances to ensure the building runs smoothly as intended.
“Since stadiums mix entertainment, hospitality, and retail all in one, they’re some of the most complex facilities to get right from a functionality and maintainability standpoint,” explains Commissioning Project Manager Grant Metsker from Henderson Building Solutions, the national designbuild firm tasked with providing commissioning services for CPKC Stadium. Metsker’s team was responsible for reviewing designs before construction began and assessing building systems to ensure they were functional and could be maintained long term once the stadium was up and running.
Amplifying the significance of the task was the project’s stature on the world stage. In addition to being charged with providing a stellar gameday experience, CPKC Stadium would forever stand as a pioneering symbol for women’s sports globally, adding to the pressure to get it right. Locally, it’s the centerpiece of the revitalization of Kansas City, Missouri’s riverfront, which had been a dumping ground and tow lot for decades and is experiencing a resurgence after numerous false starts.
“Commissioning isn’t necessarily required on most projects, but it’s one of the most impactful risk management strategies that we have at our disposal, especially on a fast timeline like CPKC Stadium,” explains Metsker. “A great commissioning agent is there to make sure that what designers lay out and specify on the page and what builders put up on the site accurately match up. It allows us to identify and address issues before a project is open and occupied, when they would otherwise be much more complicated to fix.”
Henderson Building Solutions benefited from a key relationship within the CPKC Stadium project team. Its sister company, Henderson Engineers, was the Engineer of Record
for the project, providing a seamless bridge between the design and construction disciplines. Rounding out the allstar development roster were Generator Studio, Taliaferro & Browne, Thornton Tomasetti, and a joint venture between Monarch Build and JE Dunn.
The result is a facility that has quickly become an iconic landmark on the Kansas City, Missouri skyline. The u-shaped venue is eye catching, and the efficiency of the building systems that keep it humming along are equally as impressive, including a variety of sustainable features such as on-site solar power and low-flow water fixtures. A LEED Gold certification attests to this.
“The significance of CPKC Stadium was top of mind for the entire project team,” says Metsker. “So, we tested, tested, and tested again to make sure all the systems were working smoothly, but the first game was the litmus test for the success of our efforts.”
Beginning with the first match, the KC Current’s entire debut season at CPKC Stadium in 2024 went off without a hitch, selling out every home game and hosting the National Women’s Soccer League Championship game to boot.
“Every project is special but getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build the standard for women’s sports makes CPKC Stadium stand in a league of its own,” notes Metsker.
When innovation and sustainability are the goals, we don’t just stay current, we direct it. Our experts lead the way, designing award-winning arenas, stadiums, ballparks, and practice facilities that enhance the game day atmosphere through technology, audio-video, specialty lighting, and more. We deliver state-of-the-art facilities and unforgettable experiences.
INTUIT DOME
California, USA
Images: LA Clippers, Grass Valley
Grass Valley, the leading provider of live production solutions, has secured an agreement to provide fully native 2110 IP 4K switcher solutions for Intuit Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers. This installation, facilitated through longstanding Grass Valley partner BeckTV, further underscores Grass Valley’s position at the forefront of large-scale venue production technology.
Intuit Dome, located in Inglewood, California, opened for the 2024-25 season as a premier destination for basketball and live entertainment. Designed to be the most technologically advanced arena in the United States, the venue required a nocompromise, state-of-the-art IP production infrastructure to support Clippers basketball, concerts, and other live events.
To meet these demands, Grass Valley supplied three fully native 2110 IP switcher systems, all paired with top-ofthe-line Kayenne control panels. These systems will serve as the heart of production across three different control rooms, ensuring seamless operations for dozens of operators working on a variety of high-profile events.
“We needed a solution that could deliver uncompromised IP 2110 switching across all of Intuit Dome’s productions, and Grass Valley provided exactly that,” said Brock Raum, Senior Engineer at BeckTV. “The ease of use of the Kayenne panels
ensures that operators can move between control rooms seamlessly, which is essential for a venue of this scale.”
To support the ambition for Intuit Dome to be the most advanced venue in the country, integration partner Beck TV recommended Grass Valley’s solutions as the only true native 2110 IP 4K full raster switchers on the market, with the ability to provide the required flexibility, reliability, and scalability of the facility’s production operations.
Additionally, the collaboration with BeckTV, a top-tier partner of Grass Valley, ensured a seamless integration process.
“This deployment, in collaboration with our trusted partners BeckTV, further solidifies Grass Valley’s leadership in large venue builds and elite sports productions,” said Alex Keighley, Sr. VP of Sales for North America at Grass Valley.
“As more venues transition to fully IP-based workflows, Grass Valley continues to set the standard for innovation and performance in live event production.”
FEDEXFORUM
Memphis, USA
Memphis, Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues, so fan expectations for sound are high in this “Music City.” It’s fitting then that fans of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies and the NCAA Division I men’s basketball of the University of Memphis are now enjoying impactful and engaging sound from an L-Acoustics Kara IIi system at FedExForum. Designed by consultancy WJHW and installed by integrator Solotech’s Nashville office, the 19,000-capacity multipurpose arena’s new audio rig first went live on October 26th for the Grizzlies versus Orlando Magic game, and has also recently been used by
Images: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
key visiting music artists, including Billy Strings, Jhené Aiko, Justin Timberlake, and Maxwell.
“The original system from 2004 couldn’t meet current requirements for music playback expected by todays fans,” explains WJHW Principal Mark Graham, who led the system design. “The arena’s new rigging infrastructure covering two-thirds of the venue floor required an audio design that could deliver powerful performance within a compact footprint. Kara IIi meets these requirements perfectly.”
FedExForum’s new L-Acoustics professional sound system features eight arrays of 15 Kara IIi each, powered by LA7.16i amplified controllers, with two KS28 subs per hang powered by LA12X. In addition, two dozen coaxial X12 enclosures are used as delays for the upper-deck seating on the north and south ends, with eight larger X15 installed directly under the scoreboard as court-fills.
“L-Acoustics has elevated the experience for fans at FedExForum with world-class sound,” says Seth Tackett,
Senior Director, Arena Operations. “Whether it is watching the Grizzlies or Tigers, or attending one of our many concerts or shows, guests of FedExForum are experiencing connections to our events like never before and we could not be more thrilled about it.”
The 800,000-plus-square-foot arena’s interior celebrates Memphis’ musical heritage, with artwork featuring locals like Justin Timberlake, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. Even the venue’s dining spaces reflect this theme, including the Opus Restaurant and the Blue Note Lounge.
“Kara IIi sounds fantastic across various music genres,” adds Graham. “Its consistent coverage, both vertically and horizontally, combined with consistent speech intelligibility make it ideal for this installation.” And the system has one more ace up its sleeve: it’s a perfect fit for the arena’s new rigging system. “Combined with the great support from L-Acoustics, this system is the right choice for FedExForum,” he concludes.
STADE MICHEL D’ORNANO
Caen, France
rench Ligue 2 football club Stade Malherbe Caen has upgraded its home venue, Stade Michel d’Ornano, with a cutting-edge LED display solution from INFiLED, working in close collaboration with AV integration specialist AUVISYS. The upgrade marks a new chapter for the 20,000-capacity stadium, with vibrant digital signage replacing outdated static boards and transforming the experience for fans, sponsors and stadium operators alike.
After more than 15 years of service, the stadium’s previous LED screens had reached the end of their lifespan. Rather than simply replacing like for like, the club’s management team used the opportunity to rethink their approach to digital
signage. Their goals were clear: to provide an engaging visual platform for sponsors, enrich the fan experience with vivid, high-impact content, ensure long-term reliability in all weather conditions, and simplify day-to-day technical operations.
To achieve this, they turned to AUVISYS, a well-established French AV integrator known for its expertise in delivering large-scale, technically sound installations. Together with INFiLED, AUVISYS designed and delivered a new solution built around INFiLED’s robust MV Series, and specifically the ORMV P7.8 Max – an LED panel engineered for demanding outdoor environments.
A total of 72 square metres of LED was installed, with
F Images: INFiLED
two large-format screens each measuring 8 by 4.5 metres. Offering a resolution of 1024 x 576 pixels and a brightness level of 8,000 nits, the new displays ensure excellent visibility even in full daylight, delivering rich colours and sharp visuals from every seat in the house. The system’s modular design allowed for seamless integration into the stadium’s existing architecture, with bespoke mounting systems developed to secure the displays at optimal viewing heights.
Reliability was a core requirement for the project, and the ORMV P7.8 Max delivered on all fronts. The IP65-rated enclosures offer protection against rain, dust and humidity – ensuring consistent performance in all weather – while front and rear access, along with redundant power and signal inputs, enable fast maintenance and minimise downtime during busy match schedules.
Installation was completed smoothly and on schedule, despite tight timelines. INFiLED’s French team remained closely involved throughout the process, supporting AUVISYS from initial site assessment through to colour and brightness calibration, and final handover.
AUVISYS described their decision to work with INFiLED as being based on three factors: product quality, costeffectiveness, and outstanding local support. The company
noted that the choice wasn’t based solely on initial cost but also on the long-term value of the solution – including reliability, energy efficiency, and revenue potential from new advertising opportunities. AUVISYS also highlighted the “human support” provided by INFiLED’s local team as a key ingredient in the project’s success, praising their accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit.
Since going live, the new displays have had a visible impact on the atmosphere inside the stadium. Fans have responded positively to the improved visual quality, and the upgraded platform has created new possibilities for partner engagement and content delivery.
By combining advanced LED display technology with expert local integration and support, INFiLED has helped Stade Malherbe Caen take a significant step forward in its digital transformation. The Michel d’Ornano Stadium project is the latest in a series of successful outdoor and sports venue installations for INFiLED, reinforcing the company’s position as a trusted partner for high-performance display solutions across Europe.
Credit: Elland Road, Leeds United, UK
Credit: MTSU, Murfreesboro, TN
Credit: Lee Valley, Leytonstone, UK
Credit: The ‘A’s’ Sutter Health Park, CA
EXTRA TIME
IN DETAIL
064 Tasker | New CPR Cables
066 Building Success from Day One: The Power of an Informed Client & Collaborative Briefing | ARENA events + venues
070 Greener Goals: Why the Future of Stadium LED Must Be Sustainable | LED Studio & Navori Labs
072 Smart Accreditation: The Silent Force Behind Seamless Events | George Vaughan, The Digital Line
078 Evolving the Live Experience in European Sport| Sean Miller, Orion Creative Services
New CPR Cables
TASKER I
n recent years, Tasker has consistently expanded its range of CPR-approved cables to comprehensively meet the demands of audio and broadcast installations. This ongoing development reflects the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in line with the latest European regulations.
At the upcoming international trade fairs, Tasker will unveil 18 new CPR-compliant products, all manufactured using advanced materials to meet stringent global homologation standards. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these new cables maintain exceptional flexibility and softness, even in challenging installation environments.
New Speaker Cable Series
Expanding its speaker cable portfolio, Tasker introduces seven new models. Among these are two low-section variants - TSK399 CPR Cca (2x0.50 mm²) and TSK400 CPR Cca (2x0.75 mm²) - designed for compact installations. The range also includes five new models with braided shielding to minimise signal interference. Key additions in this series include:
TSK1112 CPR Cca – 2x1.00 mm²
TSK1113 CPR Cca – 2x1.50 mm²
TSK1115 CPR Cca
Other models up to 2x6.00 mm²
These new options ensure greater flexibility for system integrators seeking both performance and compliance in loudspeaker cabling.
Expansion in Digital Audio Cabling
In the professional audio segment, Tasker is launching a new line of digital multipair cables. The series includes:
TSK902 CPR Cca – 2x2x0.22 mm²
TSK904 CPR Cca
TSK908 CPR Cca
TSK912 CPR Cca
These models offer 4, 8, and 12 pair configurations respectively, designed to meet modern installation needs with CPR Cca rating.
Additionally, Tasker introduces three digital audio cables with integrated power lines, providing hybrid functionality ideal for fixed or touring applications:
• C283 CPR Cca – 1x DMX + power (3x1.50 mm²)
• C284 CPR Cca – 2x DMX
• C290 CPR Cca – 2x DMX + power (3x2.50 mm²)
These multifunctional cables deliver streamlined installation and reduced cabling complexity.
Broadcast Solutions for 12G-SDI
To support the evolving demands of broadcast infrastructures, Tasker has further enhanced its range of video cables for high-resolution transmission. The new models:
• TSK1078 CPR Cca
• TSK1079 CPR Cca
• TSK1080 CPR Cca
These are specifically engineered for 12G-SDI signal transmission at 4K resolution, with guaranteed performance over distances of 60, 80, and 100 metres, respectively. Each model is also available with CPR B2ca homologation for higher safety classifications.
Tasker continues to invest in R&D to create products that meet emerging technical and regulatory requirements. Future developments will focus on expanding the range of CPR-compliant cables, particularly targeting higher-risk classes to support increasingly demanding operational scenarios.
The company also offers custom manufacturing services, enabling bespoke solutions tailored to individual project requirements. This customer-first approach ensures that Tasker remains at the forefront of technological advancement - not only meeting the needs of today, but anticipating those of tomorrow.
BUILDING SUCCESS FROM DAY ONE: THE POWER OF AN INFORMED CLIENT & COLLABORATIVE BRIEFING
Ramon Jesus Gonzalez-Marquez, ARENA events + venues
Ever seen a state-of-the-art stadium or a stunning arena open late, bust its budget, or simply fail to meet the real needs of its users? The reasons are often complex, but a surprising number of these issues trace back to one critical period: the very beginning. Before a single line is drawn on a blueprint, the groundwork for success – or failure – is laid.
At Arena Events+Venues, we’ve seen firsthand that the most successful sport and entertainment venue projects aren’t just built well; they’re started well. This means embracing the power of an informed client and a truly collaborative briefing process.
In the rush to get projects off the ground, it’s tempting to fast-track the initial strategic thinking and briefing stages. This is a false economy. The RIBA Plan of Work clearly outlines Stage 0 (Strategic Definition) and Stage 1 (Preparation & Briefing) as foundational.
- Stage 0 is about asking “Why?”: What is the core business case? What are the
strategic objectives? What are the real client requirements and risks?
- Stage 1 is about defining “What?”: This translates the “why” into a detailed Project Brief, undertakes feasibility studies, establishes the budget, and assembles the initial team structure.
Skipping or superficially addressing these phases is a primary driver of scope creep, budget blowouts, and projects that ultimately don’t deliver on their strategic promise.
The “Good client”
The legendary architect Joseph Allen Stein once said, “I’ve not yet succeeded in building a good job except for a good client.” This isn’t about clients needing to be construction experts. It’s about them being informed, empowered, and engaged participants in their own project.
An informed client:
- Clearly articulates their strategic needs and objectives.
- Defines their functional, quality, and sustainability requirements.
- Commits to and agrees on a realistic budget.
- Makes timely, informed decisions.
When clients are passive or uninformed, briefs are often ambiguous, leading to misunderstandings, rework, and frustration. Conversely, an engaged client working with a robust brief leads to better alignment, smoother processes, and projects that truly meet strategic needs.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Early-Stage Advisory
Many clients, especially those for whom a major venue is a once-in-a-lifetime project, may lack the specific expertise or internal bandwidth to navigate these complex early stages effectively. This is where independent, specialist client advisors, like Arena Events+Venues, become invaluable.
Our role is to:
- Support strategic definition and robust brief development.
- Conduct thorough feasibility studies and option appraisals.
- Guide early risk management (strategic, financial, technical).
- Assist with budget and programme guidance.
- Help demystify the process and prepare clients for the journey ahead.
This independent advice, solely focused on the client’s best interest, empowers them to become the “good client” that Professor Stein referred to, ensuring their vision is clearly translated into actionable project requirements.
Collaboration is Key - Building Bridges from Day One
Successful projects are built on a foundation of trust and teamwork, not silos
and fragmentation. Early-stage advisory also plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between the client, consultants, and the future design team. By establishing clear communication protocols, ensuring client needs are accurately conveyed, and facilitating a shared understanding of goals, we help build a cohesive team approach from the outset.
The Payoff: Investing Upfront for Long-Term Value
Investing time and resources diligently in RIBA Stages 0 & 1, supported by expert advisory, isn’t an expense – it’s a critical investment. The benefits are tangible:
- Enhanced Value & ROI: Maximizing long-term value and avoiding wasted resources.
- Smoother Project Delivery: Creating a stable platform for design and procurement.
- Increased Stakeholder Satisfaction: Leading to happier clients, users, and project teams.
Conclusion
For Clients developing event and venue projects: Embrace your crucial role. Invest in the early stages. Seek expert, independent advisory to navigate the complexities and set your project up for success. For Consultant Colleagues & Design Architects: Champion the importance of thorough early diligence. Welcome an informed client and a robust brief – they are your greatest assets for creating impactful and successful projects.
At Arena Events+Venues, we believe success starts long before groundbreaking. It begins with an informed client and a collaborative team, laying the groundwork for lasting success from Day One.
GREENER GOALS: WHY THE FUTURE OF STADIUM LED MUST BE SUSTAINABLE
Ryan Austin-Smith, LED Studio | Xavier Carreras, Navori Labs
Stadiums are evolving — not just in size or spectacle, but in how they respond to environmental and operational pressure. From rising energy costs to tightening sustainability targets, modern venues are being asked to deliver more immersive experiences with fewer resources. For stadium operators, that means every watt — and every workflow — counts.
Building Greener Displays from the Core Out
At LED Studio, sustainability is engineered into the heart of every display. It’s not a buzzword — it’s a benchmark.
“Our clients want solutions that perform under pressure but consume less power, require less maintenance, and stand the test of time,” says Ryan Austin-Smith, Regional Growth Director at LED Studio. “They don’t just want screens. They want infrastructure that supports their long-term strategy — commercially and environmentally.”
With technologies like ECLIPSE™, LED Studio’s energy management system, screens can be powered down to zero energy draw when not in use, instantly reducing consumption during downtime without compromising performance or lifespan. It’s a simple shift, but one that makes a measurable difference when scaled across a venue.
And it doesn’t stop at power. LED Studio’s lightweight cabinets lower the steelwork and structural demands typically associated with large-scale displays — which means fewer materials, simpler installations, and smaller transportation footprints. Quick-swap modules and front/rear access design extend the product lifecycle and reduce the need for full replacements, helping venues cut waste and avoid costly disruptions.
“Longevity is a key part of sustainability,” says Austin-Smith. “The longer a product lasts, the lower its total impact. That’s where design really matters.”
Driving Energy Savings Through Intelligent Playback
Content and screen usage are just as important to manage as the hardware itself. That’s where Navori Labs adds value: helping stadiums reduce energy consumption not through pixels, but through precision.
“With so many screens across different zones and use cases, digital signage can quietly become one of the biggest invisible energy drains,” says Xavier Carreras, Europe BDM at Navori Labs. “We help venues use them more intentionally.”
At the centre of this approach is Navori Software, a content management platform built to operate large-scale networks more efficiently. Instead of running content loops 24/7, venues can schedule playback to align with real-world activity — from visitor flow and match timing to occupancy levels. Idle playback is eliminated, conserving energy without compromising the fan experience.
Operators can set blackout periods, automate screen behavior around events, and
push synchronized content only when it delivers value.
What makes Navori stand out is how it balances efficiency with high visual performance. The platform delivers frame-accurate, high-resolution playback across even the most complex stadium setups. It also uses edge rendering to ease server load and remote tools to reduce on-site support. All of this helps lower the operational footprint at every level.
Less Waste. More Wow.
LED Studio and Navori Labs together offer an end-to-end, energy-conscious approach to stadium technology that ensures every pixel and packet delivers maximum value with minimal impact.
In a world where LED and digital signage play a growing role in stadium storytelling, the ability to do it smarter, greener, and more cost-effectively is fast becoming a competitive edge.
Because the future of stadiums isn’t just brighter. It’s cleaner, lighter, and more intelligent by design.
SMART ACCREDITATION: THE SILENT FORCE BEHIND SEAMLESS EVENTS
George Vaughan, The Digital Line
The best systems are seamless and invisible. Like stagehands in a theatre or the gears inside a luxury timepiece, their brilliance lies in their invisibility. They don’t demand attention - they demonstrate their worth by working flawlessly in the background. You don’t notice them because you’re not supposed to. Instead, you notice the things they enable. In the hospitality sector, from stadiums hosting major sports and music events to conference centres, success hinges on what most of us never see. While the players, artists, guests or speakers may steal the limelight, there are applications in place allowing that to happen and ensuring everything flows precisely: modern accreditation technology.
At its best, accreditation goes beyond managing access. It enhances security, reduces friction, personalizes experiences and transforms chaos into coordination. Advanced accreditation systems are the unsung heroes of world-class events, empowering organizers to deliver smooth, safe and smart experiences from entry to egress.
What Accreditation Systems Do and Why They Matter
At its core, accreditation is about ensuring the right people are in the right place, at the right time - always with the right credentials. For decades, this was a manual, paper-based process. Today, cloud-based platforms are delivering secure, dynamic and flexible solutions that scale from boutique gatherings to mega-events.
Modern accreditation systems cover a wide range of functions:
• Identity verification and credential management
• Role-based access control for zones, facilities, and services
• Real-time approval workflows
• Integration with ticketing, security, catering, and logistics systems
• Biometric check-in and mobile wallet support
These features not only improve the attendee experience but also protect brand reputation, reduce operational risk and deliver measurable efficiency.
The Evolution: From Credentials to Experiences
Accreditation has evolved from a security necessity to a key enabler of personalized, premium experiences. Mobile passes trigger VIP greetings, shift-based credentials align with workforce scheduling and biometric scans allow hands-free entry. These features are not just conveniences - they’re differentiators.
Because no two events are alike, modular platforms now allow organizers to tailor features, integrating catering permissions, internet access credentials, shift rosters and even auction access for charity events or high-end hospitality.
MTMS – A Quiet Giant in Global Accreditation
One of the most advanced solutions in this space is MTMS (Modular Ticketing & Management System), a cloud-based accreditation platform developed in Austria and used by over 1,000 customers globally.
MTMS is designed to be almost invisible, unlike flashy apps or visible wearables. When it works well, which it consistently does, you barely notice it. Behind the scenes, it’s orchestrating the flow of thousands of individuals, credentials, and permissions with military precision.
MTMS has been deployed at some of the world’s most iconic events to impressive effect, including:
Ascot Racecourse – Managing Tradition with Technology
Major venues like Ascot Racecourse have modernised their access workflows to handle a range of stakeholders - permanent staff, contractors, media, VIPs - using different credentials from RFID badges to NFC wallet passes. Integrated systems ensure real-time access permissions, ID verification and seamless coordination across departments.
Ryder Cup – Scaling Accreditation for Global Sport
At international events like the Ryder Cup, accreditation systems manage tens of thousands of participants across multiple days and venues. Features like UHFencoded passes, photo verification and two-stage approval flows keep security tight and operations smooth, without creating bottlenecks.
World Economic Forum – Accreditation Meets Health Tech
For events like the World Economic Forum, accreditation goes beyond access
control. During the pandemic, systems integrated with real-time health data, managing permissions based on Covid-19 test results and vaccination status, while maintaining GDPR compliance.
MTMS stands out due to its modular design, allowing organizers to ‘plug and play’ different features from ticketing and catering permissions to shift planning, guest management, and internet access credentials. Whether it’s a one-day VIP gala or a month-long international sports tournament, MTMS adapts without compromise.
Juventus (Allianz Stadium) – The Old Lady’s Leading Light
At Juventus Allianz Stadium, MTMS is used to manage accreditation and access control for a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, contractors, media, VIP guests and vehicle traffic. Through its modular platform, MTMS enables role-based access, real-time approval workflows and digital credentials such as RFID badges and NFC mobile passes. Journalists and broadcasters use a self-service portal for credentialing, while VIP guests receive customised invitations and seamless entry experiences.
Scaling Seamlessly: From One Venue to a Global Circuit
The true hallmark of a successful accreditation system is scalability. Any system needs to work just as well for a 200-person executive retreat as it does for a 60,000-capacity stadium.
That’s where cloud-native platforms like MTMS shine. Designed to scale horizontally,
they can accommodate fluctuating participant volumes, integrate with third-party APIs and roll out updates in real time. They also offer multi-lingual support, custom branding and data privacy features, which are all essential for events spanning multiple jurisdictions or client groups.
In Formula E, for example, accreditation needs to cover not just security but also logistics, catering, laboratory testing as well as international travel workflows. Solutions like MTMS deliver all of this via a single system, reducing complexity while increasing speed.
The Core Benefits of Accreditation Technology
1. Speed & Simplicity:
Self-registration, mobile check-in, and automated approvals ensure that all stakeholders - from staff to guests – navigate entry points and turnstiles faster and with less confusion.
2. Security & Control:
Dynamic access permissions, biometric checks and real-time credential validation help prevent fraud, reduce overcrowding and keep people safe.
3. Customisation & Modularity:
Flexible tools enable organizers to build workflows that reflect their unique needs, from volunteer coordination to international travel compliance.
4. Scalability & Resilience:
Whether it’s a local festival or a global championship, cloud-native systems adapt
quickly to change, handling new health regulations, last-minute venue shifts and sponsor requests on the fly.
The Future of Accreditation: Invisible, Integrated, Intelligent
And looking ahead, accreditation is only becoming smarter with a whole host of emerging features forming part of future solutions, including:
• Facial recognition for touchless entry
• Live dashboards for crowd management and threat detection
• Integration with CRM and cashless payment platforms
• Data analytics for post-event optimisation
As systems like this develop and evolve to meet the security demands of a changing environment, accreditation will become more integrated into other platforms, ensuring that they’ll eventually be a key, strategic layer of every event experience.
Designing for the Hybrid World
More regularly now events are not only in-person but also often hybrid, with digital attendance, virtual press conferences and remote staff coordination, accreditation systems now need to authenticate both physical and digital identities.
Leading platforms are rising to the challenge by integrating with:
• CRM systems for personalised guest experiences
• Cashless payment systems for concessions and hospitality
• Live analytics tools for crowd management and operational insight
They also support mobile-first design, enabling attendees to self-register, receive passes in their digital wallets and check in
using smartphones or wearables, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and printed materials.
Choosing the Right Accreditation Partner
Whether you’re organising a local festival, a corporate summit, or a global championship, choosing the right accreditation solution is vital. Consider:
• Modularity: Can it adapt to your event’s specific needs?
• Speed: How quickly can credentials be issued, approved, or revoked?
• Support: Does the provider offer on-site support and system training?
• Security: Is data encrypted and compliant with relevant regulations?
• Interoperability: Will it integrate smoothly with your other tools?
Behind every seamless moment at a top-tier event is a meticulously engineered access system, operating quietly but critically.
Accreditation ensures that those who should be in the spotlight, are. As events become more complex, accreditation is not just a function but a foundation. Systems like MTMS set a compelling benchmark, proving that when accreditation is done right, it fades into the background, leaving a seamless, secure and unforgettable experience.
EVOLVING THE LIVE EXPERIENCE IN EUROPEAN SPORT
Sean Miller, Orion Creative Services
cross Europe, the journey to the stadium still stands as a symbol of community, tribal loyalty, and generational tradition. From the best boozers in Manchester to the buzzing PMU’s of Marseille, the pre-match routine is steeped in ritual. Fans gather, drink, debate, and rush to the gates moments before kickoff. By contrast, in North America, stadiums are not just venues, they are destinations. Experiences begin hours before a game and linger long after it ends. The goal is not only to host a match but to create an immersive entertainment event. The North American experience is not accidental, it’s intentional, engineered, and is rooted in a totally different approach to fan engagement.
AEuropean clubs are beginning to take note. In the age of the attention economy, where competition for eyeballs and time is more fierce than ever, attracting fans to come earlier, stay later, and spend more is a commercial imperative. However, this evolution is not just about technology. It’s about mindset, education, and ultimately, storytelling.
A Tale of Two Cultures
In North America, the live sports experience is built around the fan in the seat. It is about motion, music, message, and making sure ever moment matters. The in-bowl experience is a show. It’s dynamic, data-driven, and designed to inform, entertain, and inspire commercial action. Whether that’s buying a jersey, visiting a sponsor activation, or simply posting a moment on social media, the game is just one act in a larger performance.
Europe, on the other hand, has preserved a purist’s approach. The fan experience is emotional, tribal, and steeped in heritage, but that’s not necessarily designed. Many clubs rely on broadcaster-led production, which means that the in-stadium experience is often an afterthought, an environment constructed for viewers at home, not the fans in the stands.
The Roots of Production: Where Passion Begins
The biggest contrast between how North America and Europe cultivate their production, is in talent. In the North America, show production starts young. At high school, students are already scripting, designing, and directing live game-day experiences. They are the AV producers of tomorrow, learning not just technical skills, but the art of curating “moments” for the people in the arena. By the time these students graduate to the professional world, they understand not just how to use the technology, but why. They’ve grown up producing content for fans, not for cameras.
In Europe, the path to access is different. The majority of technical talent in stadiums comes from broadcast production. These are skilled professionals, but their orientation is geared toward capturing the game for television. As a result, even when efforts are made to enhance the in-bowl experience, the product often feels like a televised show being played inside a stadium, rather than an experience
crafted for those physically present. Fundamentally the philosophical difference. The fan-first vs. broadcast-first model, goes a long way in explaining why North American venues feel more engaging and energetic.
Inspiration and Cautionary Tales
At the cutting edge, the very best venues like the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles are redefining what’s possible. Designed as a multidimensional guest experience, it boasts interactive seats, community spaces, and world-first double-sided LED halo board that wraps fans in content nearly an acre wide. The entire structure is built with the fan’s journey in mind.
Europe is responding, albeit cautiously. Real Madrid’s newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu now features the continent’s first full LED halo display, a major leap in infrastructure. And yet, despite the visual upgrade, the fan experience remains distinctly European: passionate, intense, but lacking in the broader entertainment
ecosystem fans in North America would expect. Perhaps the most telling case is Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Europe’s first billion-pound football venue. It plays host to both Premier League matches and NFL games. Structurally and technologically, the setup is identical for both events… It’s literally the same stadium. However, the difference in showmanship is stark. NFL games deliver a high-octane, fully choreographed event. Premier League games, by contrast, still feel linear. Same building, different soul.
The Two Great Opportunities
The tectonic plates of progress are moving in Europe, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are the new stadium standards for the continent, and change breeds opportunity.
The first opportunity lies in co-ordinating technology. From LED boards to mobile apps, fan ID systems to stadium sound design, and real-time data feeds. European clubs can leverage infrastructure to create meaningful, memorable moments. But this takes investment, not just in hardware, but in human imagination. For instance, fan zones have seen huge investment, but they still feel disconnected from the game.
The second opportunity is personnel. Clubs need roles like a Head of Live
Experience, or a Live Event Leader. People whose only focus is to think like storytellers, not technicians. Clubs must carefully curate the journey from street to seat and back again. They must craft shows with fans, for fans. This vision then needs translating into technical execution… but the script and the fan must come first.
The Challenges Ahead
Of course, change won’t come easily. Hardcore fans, ultras in particular, will resist. To them, the pre-match pub is sacred, the chants are gospel, and the matchday routine is not to be tampered with. Commercialisation, if done poorly, genuinely feels like a cynical betrayal, focused on exploiting loyalty.
The key is to evolve without erasing. Unfortunately, most activations from the US won’t translate. Kiss-cam on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke may struggle for engagement! Sponsoring every moment will feel soulless, but emotional storytelling that respects context, and fan-first content will enhance, not dilute, the live experience.
Our mission is not to Americanise, but to modernise. Europe can take the best of the North American model and adapt it with cultural sensitivity.
In the end, European clubs are not competing with each other, they’re competing with everything else. Streaming platforms, digital distractions, alternate broadcast events and ultimately more choice for fans. The stadium must become a magnet again, not just for the die-hard regulars, but for the curious. For families. For future fans. Stadiums need to position themselves as something that has to be experienced live. They should be positioned as a rite of passage that everyone has to experience at least once in their life. If Europe can blend tradition with technology, storytelling with infrastructure, and hire passionate professionals who think beyond the lens of a broadcast camera, it will not lose its identity. It will evolve it.
Sport is so much more than just the game being played, it’s a show. And the people in the seats deserve to be part of it, fully, vividly, and authentically immersed in the moment.
A New Tradition
The UK sports presentation space is stuck in a rut. Too many venues don’t know what their fan experience is meant to be, relying on generic solutions from vendors who don’t deliver live events.
Orion is here to change that.
With over 20 years’ experience at world-class stadiums and global events, Orion delivers consultancy and design that doesn’t pull punches.
We’re not here to sell boxes or buzzwords.
We’re here to deliver real impact: engaged fans, and sponsors who see genuine ROI.
Our approach is simple: align technology, content, and operations with your commercial goals, and surpass audience expectations.
and raising standards. Your fans deserve more than recycled graphics, they deserve an experience that matches the passion on the pitch.
If you want to deliver world-class sport, your venue needs world-class presentation. Stop settling for “good enough” and start delivering an experience worthy of your badge.
Partner with Orion. It’s time for a new standard in UK sports presentation. Let’s build it together.
OFFICIAL LARGE DISPLAY PARTNER OF THE TENNESSEE TITANS
RING OF FIRE RING OF FIRE
IN TOWN
A total of 37 LED displays create 23,000+ square meters of digital space throughout the stadium - more than 75% the square footage of the Grand Ole Opry.
THERE’S A NEW + square meters
It would take 683 acoustic guitars end-to-end to wrap around the full Ring of Fire
ROLLED OUT AND STOOD ON END, THE RING WOULD BE 693 METERS HIGH, MORE THAN 3.5 TIMES THE HEIGHT OF THE TALLEST BUILDING IN NASHVILLE.
(333 Commerce at 188 meters tall)
The Ring of Fire is the first of its kind ever made in professional football totaling
8,992
The East End Zone display will be 1.6 times larger than the previous end zone display.
2,769 It would take 60-INCH TVS
ROLLED OUT, IT WOULD BE MORE THAN 6 AMERICAN FOOTBALL FIELDS LONG
