mondo | stadia - Issue 08

STANFORD STADIUM

EMIRATES OLD TRAFFORD

JAMES BUDD

LIGHTING FOCUS

Meyer Sound provide a state-ofthe-art audio system at Stanford University’s athletics stadium.

Pioneer Group upgrade the visuals at Lancashire Cricket Club’s ground using Samsung and ChyronHego technology.

KSS’ Director discusses the company’s history, Wimbledon, Premier League training grounds and much more.

We take a closer look at innovative products and eye-catching projects from the world of sports lighting.

ISSUE 08 - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

ISSUE 08 - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019 WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

Bukit Jalil National Stadium – Kuala Lumpur, MY

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08 WELCOME

ur cover story in this issue is the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, for which Adlib completely transformed Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, integrating incredible audio, lighting and visual technology. The final result was spectacular, with the project setting up for an action-packed tournament.

Over in California, we’ve taken a closer look at the work Meyer Sound have done on Stanford University’s campus, with Stanford Stadium being just one of the venues given a new, state-of-the-art audio system.

At Emirates Old Trafford, the visual technology had undergone a huge upgrade - we’ve spoken to Pioneer Group, Samsung and ChyronHego to find out more about the impressive project.

We’ve also been over to Finland to check out Aura Audio’s project at Kivikylän Areena, with the ice hockey venue also given an audio revamp.

For our interview, we spoke to James Budd, Director at KSS, who discussed the work his company have been involved with in sporting venues including No. 1 Court at Wimbledon. Turn to page 27 to find out more.

We were fortunate enough to fly out to Madrid in September for the World Football Summit and Industry Awards - during which we presented the award for the Best Venue - so, be sure to check out our report on page 108.

Finally, for those with a subscription to MONDO | STADIA, you may have noticed our new packaging - it’s plasticiser-free, thermoplastic material derived from potato starch, meaning that it’s completely biodegradable.

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Sam Hughes Editor

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STANFORD STADIUM

EMIRATES OLD TRAFFORD

JAMES BUDD

LIGHTING FOCUS

Meyer Sound provide a state-ofthe-art audio system at Stanford University’s athletics stadium.

Pioneer Group upgrade the visuals at Lancashire Cricket Club’s ground using Samsung and ChyronHego technology.

KSS’ Director discusses the company’s history, Wimbledon, Premier League training grounds and much more.

We take a closer look at innovative products and eye-catching projects from the world of sports lighting.

ISSUE 08 - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019

08 INSIDE…

THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN SPORTING VENUES

ISSUE 08 - OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2019 WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

Cover image courtesy of Steve Sroka Editor Sam Hughes s.hughes@mondiale.co.uk

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

Editorial Assistant Emma Davidson e.davidson@mondiale.co.uk

Digital Editorial Assistant James Robertson j.robertson@mondiale.co.uk

Senior Account Manager Jamie Dixon j.dixon@mondiale.co.uk

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

Production Zoe Willcox

TEAM TALK

006 Andy Rice, Major Events International

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m.capper@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor Rachael Rogerson-Thorley r.rogerson-thorley@mondiale.co.uk

Finance Director Amanda Giles

ar@mondiale.co.uk

012 MRV Arena | Belo Horizonto, Brazil

England & Var, France

014 Nuovo Stadio Milano | Milan, Italy

SMART STADIUM 086 Generali Arena | Vienna, Austria ARCHITECTURE

KICK OFF

092 Lord’s Cricket Ground | London, England

016 Lighting

AUGMENTED REALITY 096 Signal Iduna Park | Dortmund, Germany SEATING

INTERVIEW

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100 Ferco Seating Systems | Safe Standing

028 James Budd, KSS

EXTRA TIME THE FULL PITCH 040 Stanford Stadium | California, USA 046 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup | Liverpool, England 054 Emirates Old Trafford | Manchester, England

Printed By Buxton Press

072 Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, USA

080 ADI Round-Up | Watford, Worcester, Birmingham,

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

VIDEO

076 Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, USA

a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Credit Control

062 Kivikylän Areena | Rauma, Finland

010 Estadio León | León, Mexico

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

AUDIO

070 Johan Cruijff ArenA | Amsterdam, Netherlands

z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk

Mel Capper

VENUE FOCUS

104 Meyer Sound 105 TSL 106 Marshall Electronics 108 World Football Summit & Industry Awards 112 Host City 2019 113 Event Diary 114 Full Time

ANDY RICE, MAJOR EVENTS INTERNATIONAL How do you recoup a £1billion investment?

Images: Major Events International & Populous n the surface, the investment

to feed the voracious financial appetites of

rights, sponsorship and additional match day

of £1billion on a new stadium

the world’s most gifted footballers - and their

revenue income combining to generate almost

could have been better timed.

ever-greedy agents.

£100m per year), but the bottom line will

Tottenham Hotspur’s main source

Jon Babbs is the Stadium Director at the

really be boosted with the opening of the new

of income is TV rights - a combined figure

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and, at the recent

hotel, plus the residential and commercial

of approximately £210m per year (assuming

Sports Ground Safety Association (SGSA)

developments that will become part of the

Champions League football) is undoubtedly on

conference, he gave an indication of where the

complex.

the decline. As traditional advertising revenues

rest of the money is coming from to improve

The new stadium has a capacity of 62,214 and

continue to shrink, Sky and the multiplicity of

the bottom line of Spurs Inc. Assuming the

is sold out every other week. The stadium

overseas channels that have cut deals with Mr.

squad is retained, as, obviously, the main

will undoubtedly also be buzzing on European

Scudamore (the timing of whose retirement

assets of the club are those running around

nights - when the 42,000 season ticket

now seems impeccable) and his band of rights

after the ball.

holders are expected to re-buy their seats.

agents in the past, cannot possibly continue

The state-of-the-art stadium is only the

Saracens are set to make Tottenham Hotspur

to justify the eye-watering billions that have

beautifully-crafted centrepiece of the overall

Stadium the base for their annual ‘Big Game’

been spent on TV rights.

development. On the footballing side, the

Gallagher Premiership Rugby showpiece and

And so, the paradigm shift begins.

site will soon also host a new performance

the impressive South Stand (the largest single

On the other hand, perhaps Mr. Levy has been

centre and a medical centre. These will help

terrace in Europe with a capacity of 17,500)

exceptionally smart, as traditional revenue

Mauricio Pochettino and his team continue

will be bouncing to the sounds of Rock and

streams shrink, new ones need to be created

to generate Champions League income (TV

Hip Hop from the summer of 2020. Along with

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TEAM TALK

007

TEAM TALK

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ticketing revenue, all is grist to the mill of

year deal with the NFL, which begins with

the markings of a 5G NFL grid. There can be

food and beverage and merchandise revenues.

a minimum of two NFL games per season

little doubt that the cost of this magnificent

Speaking of which, Spurs have been super-

and may develop over the decade to the re-

engineering would not have been on the basis

smart to team up with the Beavertown micro-

homing of a full franchise. Everything in the

of simply twenty games and the odd concert -

brewery, combining the economic benefits of

stadium is seemingly based on the NFL: the

we can look forward to much more Grid Iron

home-brew with the longest bar in Europe

dedicated changing rooms to house the army

in North London in the near future.

(65-metres), 15-second self-filling pints and

that makes up each team; the design of the

One of the more adventurous money-spinning

a cashless environment to ensure that at least

new hotel (which will have NFL-size corridors

additions soon to arrive at WHL is an O2-

50,000 pints of beer are consumed by the

and beds) and, of course, the ‘pitch below the

esque roof walk - going one step further

faithful at any home game. To credit Spurs,

pitch’- the innovative design, which allows

on the adrenaline rankings by finishing the

prices have not been inflated and the five

the soccer pitch to be divided into three for the

tour with an abseil down from the roof. For

pound ‘Burger and Pint’ deal has forced local

outside two edges to disappear under the East

Tottenham Hotspur, the sky really is the limit

pubs to reduce their pricing to compete.

and West stands, and for the middle section

for revenue generating opportunities.

Perhaps the most innovative partnership

to disappear under the North Stand, and the

secured by Levy and his board is the 10-

fan zone outside of the stadium - to reveal

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T24i | T12i United players for the games.

TWAUDiO.COM

the hornloaded price-performance point source solution >> cutting-edge high-SPL sound for modern arena entertainment and emergency evacuation

MADE IN GERMANY

ESTADIO LEÓN León, Mexico

Renderings: HKS Architects he new football stadium of León is to be built along the Boulevard Francisco Villa in the north-eastern part of the Mexican city. Six major bidders took part in the design competition, with teams representing the finest of Mexican, American and Spanish stadium designers. HKS Architects were selected as the winners, making it the biggest success for the company’s Mexican branch.

The designed stadium offers 35,000 seats altogether, however - in

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line with Mexican custom - it boasts no less than 300 private boxes, as well as major lounges and other corporate hospitality options. The auditorium has only one regular tier of seating encompassing the field, and above it, various facilities are planned, topped by ‘laola’ sections of regular seats on three sides.

In the north, a major pavilion is planned with hotel rooms overlooking the field. A spacious and partly translucent canopy hovers above three sides of the stadium, supported by four primary and 13 secondary

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pylons. It’s designed to collect rainwater for internal use, one of many sustainability features of the design.

In aesthetic terms the stadium is rather conventional, however, it offers acknowledgement to the city’s longstanding leather tanning industry.

Thin strips of brown-coloured metal that will adorn the stadium, will resemble pieces of drying leather.

In order to make the stadium a week-long destination rather than a weekend only, the stadium will not only be joined by a hotel, a major

shopping centre is also planned along its west side, along with Club León’s museum and hall of fame, football university and other leisure uses. This is all accompanied by 3,500 parking spaces in the east of the stadium. In total the complex is expected to cover over 124,000 sq metres.

The stadium is looking to face completion in 2023 and will be an extremely unique, multifunctional complex in the city of León, Guanajuato.

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MRV ARENA Belo Horizonto, Brazil

Renderings: Farkasvölgyi Arquitetura he brand new private stadium of Atlético Mineiro will be built in western Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The club acquired a lucrative plot of land from MRV Engenharia, lying beside a major avenue near the ring-road connection.

Inspired by the team colours, the new arena comes as the first stadium ever designed by Bernardo Farkasvölgyi, a local architect who privately is an ardent supporter of Galo. Before designing, he visited numerous stadiums in Brazil and Europe getting inspiration from some of the most impressive venues across the world.

The outer skin will be divided into two kinds of vertical segments that will vary in translucency, ensuring that regardless of the lighting and weather, there is always an impression of ‘alvinegro’ mix.

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With the building’s peak reaching 11 floors, inside, the capacity will reach 46,000 people. Due to differing height, fans will be entering from different levels. In the west, where a large public plaza is planned, access will be possible from field level. Meanwhile in the east fans will approach the stadium at the height of the middle tier.

The arena will also feature 3,304 parking spaces, 50 bars and 60 cabins.

There will also be a VIP space with a capacity of 2,782. The new field of the Rooster could be more modern with a retractable roof. The most sophisticated and efficient stadiums in the world have a retractable roof and if this were deployed at the MRV Arena, the Rooster would be more likely to try again for an unprecedented title such as its participation in the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup.

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NUOVO STADIO MILANO Milan, Italy

Renderings: Manica Architecture alled ‘The Rings of Milano’, this vision for a new stadium emphasises the unique bond between AC Milan and FC Internazionale. Each of the clubs is represented by one of two interlocking rings creating the outer wrap.

They’re interlocked, opposed to one-another on one hand, and bound together on the other.

The rings are to be illuminated in club colours of each team during derby night, while on other occasions they would both take on the colour of whichever club plays host. By day, up to 17,000 images of supporters could be etched into the facade.

Despite the capacity of 60,000, the auditorium would be divided into just two tiers, which in some way associates the stadium to San Siro, where the two lower levels hold similar numbers. Contrary to many new stadiums, there would be no hospitality areas behind goals, each ‘curva’ would be dedicated to fans of one of the two host teams.

One more recognition of the beloved San Siro would be placed outside, east of the new stadium. In the location of demolished San Siro, even if rebuilt atop commercial and leisure facilities, there would be an open playing field, created exactly where the current pitch is.

Both presented variants of the future stadium would see it built beside San Siro, which would then be demolished and replaced with mixed-

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use development. The stadium itself would be surrounded by a vast podium, elevated two-metres from ground space, releasing 127,000 sq metres of space on ground level for various uses. The field itself would be seven-metres below ground level so that the stadium doesn’t become too imposing in size.

While analysed between 55,000 and 65,000, the official listed capacity is 60,000 and should meet the demand of both FC Milan and FC Internazionale. Contrary to San Siro’s under 4,000 premium seats, a new stadium would provide up to 12,500 such seats, depending on demand, while also providing a bowl that would not emit much noise to neighbours, limited at 60dB.

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

KOBE MISAKI STADIUM SIGNIFY Signify has installed LED lighting in Kobe Misaki stadium, one of the stadiums used for the world’s biggest rugby tournament, which takes place from 20 September to 2 November in Japan. The Philips ArenaVision LEDs that have been installed are controlled by Signify’s Interact Sports connected lighting system, creating spectacular light shows and allowing for the programming of multiple light scenes to adjust lighting standards to the different sports that are played in the stadium. The new LED lighting system in the 30,132 capacity stadium was commissioned via an innovative method using robotic measurement and includes video aiming and laser scan.

The stadium is also the venue for the Premier Japanese Professional Football league. A total of 404 Philips ArenaVision LEDs were installed. The multiple light scenes in the Interact Sports system can be played back to meet different lighting standards that are required by rugby, as well as football associations.

It creates stand-out fan experiences that wow audiences before, during and after the match, making Kobe stadium a more attractive multipurpose venue to host other major events. The new energy-efficient LED lighting also uses less electricity compared to conventional lighting, saving 45% in electricity costs.

“We’re very proud to light up Kobe Misaki stadium for the world’s biggest rugby tournament held in Japan,” said Thierry Jean Baptiste Chapiteau, Global Sub Segment Manager Sports and Arenas at Signify.

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around the world, watching a match on TV, can see every detail in the highest definition. Fans in the stadium can enjoy light shows, adding to the incredible atmosphere.”

By introducing Signify’s robotic measurement method, laser scanning and a video aiming system, the installation time was drastically shortened, and accuracy and quality were improved. The whole process from dismantling the HID luminaires to the installation of the upgraded LED system was completed in only 65 days. In addition, higher protection of the grass pitch was guaranteed during installation due to the robotic measurement. “We were impressed with Signify’s commissioning and engineering methods, which were very new to us. The new technologies were very useful and necessary to complete our project smoothly. We’re very happy to work together on this project and would like to thank the project members within Signify,” said Mr. Nakamoto, from Kinden Corporation, one of the largest M&E Contractors in Japan who were appointed by Kobe City for this project.

Besides Kobe Misaki stadium, Signify is also responsible for the lighting of Aichi’s Toyota stadium where another four matches of the rugby tournament will be played.

Toyota stadium and Kobe stadium are the first two outdoor stadiums in Japan using robotics to install the connected lighting system, Interact Sports, in combination with high performance Philips ArenaVision LEDs. www.signify.com

KICK OFF

PROGRESSIVE FIELD AVOLITES Aspiring baseball players call the major leagues ‘the show’ but in recent years all sports have incorporated more entertainment elements as games, and even former backroom transactions like player drafts, have been transformed into full-fledged events. Major League Baseball’s 90th annual all-star game, recently held at Cleveland’s Progressive Field is a perfect example of this shift. Adding to the high-production ambience was Greensboro, North Carolina-based SE Systems, which provided lighting and audio services for the weekend’s worth of events around the game itself, and Avolites technology was on hand to make it a truly memorable show.

Working in concert with Select Artists Associates, the technical producer for the on-field musical entertainment during the 2019 All-Star Game, SE Systems deployed an Avolites Sapphire Touch lighting console to operate the park’s installed lighting systems. The desk was connected to the house fibre by a pair of Avolites Titan Network Switches through their optical ports, allowing the Sapphire Touch to seamlessly and faultlessly control the venue’s off-field scenic lighting elements, including a DJ spinning atop the park’s Sky Bridge.

Down on the field, an Avolites Quartz console was running the ground-based lighting and ‘flash and trash’ effects for all of the on-field entertainment, including a pitcher’s mound stage performance by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, as well as for introducing players as they entered the stadium for the Celebrity Softball Game and in between batters during the Home Run Derby.

“As sports events become more complex productions, we find that we have to rely more than ever on the Avolites equipment,” said SE Systems’ Lighting Designer, Nehemiah ‘Nemo’ Grubbs. “They needed a lot of eye candy and flash and trash to make the event really pop, and the Avolites systems let us do that.”

Nemo is referring to more than the consoles’ industry-leading features, such as the huge workspace area offered by the Sapphire Touch’s two wide-screen touch monitors and Saturn Ring, giving simultaneous X-Y-Z axis control, or the Quartz’s super-compact footprint, measuring only 42.5cm wide and making it unobtrusive yet incredibly powerful on the field.

He also cites the systems’ reliability and the capability of the Titan software to let lighting designers like himself, who ran the Sapphire Touch desk, and Ted Atwell on the Quartz console create the desired effects quickly and accurately despite virtually no rehearsal and under intense time constrictions.

“There was a lot going on and the field was constantly occupied, so we had to pre-programme for many different aspects of the production,” he explained. “The Titan software on the Sapphire Touch let me pre-set macros for a lot of effects in a very short amount of time, and know that when I reached for those effects, they’d come back perfectly every time. And the Titan Network Switches gave us the same kind of time advantage: just set the IP addresses on the network and then it’s just plug and play.”

As a result, he said, the lighting and effects looked great, both in the stadium and on television. “We’re under a lot of pressure, and the Avolites consoles help us with that by their ease of use. For instance, I can do things on the Sapphire Touch with a single button that on another console I’d need to go through three different menus to do. When you’ve only got 30 minutes to do a run-through before the cameras go on, reducing the number of keystrokes is a huge advantage. It’s why SE Systems has been an all-Avolites house for over 20 years now,” Nemo concluded. www.avolites.com

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LUMADAPT SYSTEM EPHESUS LIGHTING Ephesus lights leverage the most advanced solid-state lighting technology available to provide arenas with a lighting system that’s more than just a series of fixtures. The Lumadapt system gives the user greater visibility, control, and flexibility than has ever been possible in sports lighting.

The Lumadapt system applies today’s technologies and a digital approach for greater economy, efficiency, and future adaptability to accommodate clients changing needs. With the only multi-feature LED sports-lighting system that has remote upgrade capability, Lumadapt gives users more control over a venue than ever thought possible. A Lumadapt system will make a venue more effective, more flexible, and most importantly, better lit.

Engineered for the most efficient LED production and fit for HD through 8K broadcasting, minimising glare, while maximising output and placement.

Users can apply a digitally based systematic approach to lighting and save money. The intelligence hub enables the system’s adaptability, keeps lighting top-of-the-line, and provides instant access to new features and firmware for system upgrades as needed meaning that lighting stays current year-after-year and makes sense economically.

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game is being played, the perfect setting is always available - without having to install a second system.

Ephesus’s user interface provides real-time system monitoring of individual fixture health and status to give users proactive, predictive information before problems arise, for seamless control across all venues. The Lumadapt system will warn users before something goes wrong, avoiding downtime while saving time and money on repairs.

Ephesus lights are optimised for HD, 4K, and even 8K broadcasts to deliver super-slow-motion replays without flicker and reproduce colour more accurately, optical-beam tuning for precision light placement - fill the entire venue as fans arrive, then just light the game once the action starts.

A smart-cloud data approach provides connectivity to the entire system, and stores health and performance data to help venues run more efficiently year after year, while near-field communication (NFC) ensures that the system is programmed to shine light only where it’s supposed to - making installation as fast and precise as possible. www.ephesuslighting.com

AVIVA STADIUM MUSCO LIGHTING Athletes, spectators, and fans watching any of the broad array of international events staged at Aviva Stadium are in store for an even greater entertainment experience, thanks to a state-of-the-art LED lighting system installed at the venue.

Recognised globally for hosting everything from rugby, football, and American football, to world-class concerts and major international business conferences, Aviva has always prided itself on delivering the best possible stadium experience. As one of 12 venues for EURO 2020 next year, the stadium’s board determined that it needed an advanced new floodlighting system for the international tournament. The new lighting would also need to meet the distinctive lighting requirements for the various other events at the stadium, such as those set forth by UEFA, FIFA, and World Rugby.

“Aviva Stadium is a unique international venue with a rich history and longstanding commitment to providing exceptional experiences,” said Stadium Director, Martin Murphy. “As we continue to evolve the stadium and stay at the forefront of sports and entertainment, it was vital to install a lighting system with the most advanced technology, capable of providing the best possible experience for players and spectators, meet the enhanced light levels required for a variety of sanctioning bodies, and produce exciting new special effects scenes and light shows.”

Aviva Stadium operations and project managers conducted research into a range of potential options from a variety of manufacturers. They ultimately found the Total Light Control-TLC for LED system designed by Musco Sports Lighting to be the best stadium lighting solution on the market.

Musco installed the original lighting system at Aviva when it was built in 2010, which utilised a high intensity discharge (HID) light source. While that system was still performing well, the advanced technology of Musco’s system using the LED light source offers a number of key new benefits, including the ability to turn the stadium’s lighting on and off instantly, improving match 020

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continuity and efficiency.

The system also features patented fixture visoring that greatly improves light control and minimises the impact of glare, as well as innovative lighting controls by StadiumFX, providing an exciting range of cutting-edge special effects scenes and light shows with light-to-sound synchronisation.

Installation was handled by McSherry Electrical, which also installed the stadium’s original HID lighting, allowing for a unique depth of knowledge of Aviva’s structural environment as well as Musco’s technology and team.

“We’re very familiar with Musco and its exceptional reputation for designing stadium lighting systems,” Project Director, Michael Greene, said. “They bring proven expertise when it comes to LED technology, minimising glare, and managing the many different challenges of this project. In addition, the longterm warranty means we won’t have to concern ourselves with maintenance costs well into the future. Once again, they proved to be an ideal partner.”

The new lighting at Aviva is Musco’s same system-based LED technology that’s been installed at other iconic venues throughout Europe and around the world, including Tottenham Hotspur’s Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Manchester Arena, Twickenham Stadium, and Wimbledon’s Centre Court. It’s backed up by a long-term warranty that includes all parts and labour, which will eliminate maintenance costs for stadium ownership well into the future.

“Aviva Stadium hosts all kinds of different sports and entertainment events throughout the year, many of which are international in scale and draw a global audience,” said Jeff Rogers, President of Musco World. “We worked closely with their team and our partners at McSherry Electrical and StadiumFX to deliver a customised LED system that will meet the unique lighting needs for all of those events and provide an unforgettable entertainment experience for fans.” www.musco.com

KICK OFF

ONYX GRIVEN LIGHTING Featured in many important projects, ONYX has rapidly become an unmissable solution within GRIVEN’s lighting portfolio.

While the Ultra Spot and XQ versions with their long shot beam have been specifically developed for long-range visibility, recent project requirements have demanded a wider wall washing distribution effect, supported by the usual extraordinary performance in terms of lumen output of the ONYX series.

Responding to these increasing lighting design needs, a newly developed ONYX version with ultra-wide optics is now capable of delivering a 120° widespread distribution angle of uniform light with a bright, intensive light output even at a very close distance.

ONYX UW performance is maximised by roto-symmetrical batwing optics, which can provide the maximum light distribution for flat-field illumination, evenly enlightening walls, façades or large surfaces without a central hot-spot.

Designed to improve evenness of illumination, the used batwing optics, owing to their special configuration and square shape, pushing the emitted light to the borders, allow for high efficiency, uniform wide-angle light distribution on large surfaces.

Moreover, their special effect has been further preserved by a specifically developed crankcase with engraved square holes. www.griven.com

AEON SPORTS LUMINAIRE AEON LED LIGHTING Designed specifically for municipal, high school, collegiate and professional indoor arenas and outdoor stadiums, the AEON Sports Luminaire has an incredibly long life span of over 100,000 hours. Available in five different LED delivered lumen packages: 33,100 lumens, 44,100 lumens, 62,100 lumens, 73,500 lumens and 105,000 lumens. The AEON Luminaire has multi voltage options: 100-227VAC and 347-480VAC. The light is fully enclosed, protecting sensitive electronic components from any external elements, and is suitable for use in corrosive environments that can withstand extreme conditions. Using AEON’s propriety and patented thermal management system, AEON allows for continuous airflow, keeping critical electronic components cool. Revolutionary patented Aerodynamic Design allows maximum wind resistance, reducing vibration and subsequent flickering of light.

With CRI>85, the AEON Sports Luminaire has the highest CRI in its class with 140 lumens per watt delivered, permitting for precise optics for 4K/HD broadcasting and photography. The AEON Sports Luminaire maintains a UGR <19, similar to the nominal glare that you would receive through indoor lighting.

AEON is adaptable to various intelligent lighting controls, wired or wireless. Available in various NEMA Beam Spreads, the AEON Sports Luminaire also incorporates field changeable lenses and drivers, integrated on an easy-to-use Quick Connect / Disconnect System, making it optimal for different sports and class of play. www.aeonledlighting.com 021

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MANDEMAKERS STADIUM AAA-LUX The Mandemakers Stadion is a multi-use stadium in Waalwijk, Netherlands.

Home to RKC Waalwijk, a relatively young, professional club, the stadium has a capacity of 7,500 and was built in 1996.

Over the past 20 years very little maintenance has been carried out on the stadium, until a complete renovation in 2018.

General Director of RKC Waalwijk, Frank van Mosselveld, takes up the story: “RKC Waalwijk has converted its stadium to major Eredivisie league level, we wanted this to show in all facilities and therefore also in the stadium lighting.

With the old lighting we often experienced faults due to age, it was simply out of date and clumsy to operate.”

The club called on Netherlands based, stadium lighting specialist, AAA-LUX for a complete overhaul of the aging stadium’s lighting.

The existing masts in the stadium could be reused, providing the load would not increase. “LED luminaires are usually larger and heavier than conventional luminaires because a larger surface area is required for heat transfer,” Raymond Wiggers of AAA-LUX explained. “For many LED manufacturers this leads to more mass and makes the reuse of existing masts a difficult task.

AAA-LUX are the only manufacturer in the world that can reuse the existing masts with an all-in product in 90% of the cases, including power supply.”

AAA-LUX installed 80 WS-STAD Stadium LED luminaires. “These LED fixtures produce a high light output, allowing us to achieve good light values. In short, the required light level is achieved with fewer and lighter luminaires.

This works to the advantage of RKC Waalwijk, as it allowed the old stadium masts to be retained,” said Raymond. ‘This saved us from having to make extra investments in new or extra stadium masts,” added Frank.

“Thanks to the low weight of the WS-STAD stadium LED luminaires, it is even possible to install more luminaires later on, without exceeding the mast capacity,” continued Raymond.

With the renewed stadium lighting, RKC Waalwijk is ready to compete.

“The KNVB sets lighting requirements for professional soccer clubs. The 022

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requirement for the Keukenkampioen Divise is 800 lux horizontal. With the switch to LED stadium lighting, RKC meets this requirement,” Raymond said.

The KNVB has not set any strict requirements for the vertical light values.

“The stadium masts at RKC are perfect for vertical light, even if there are no concrete requirements. Now the stadium amply meets the vertical lighting requirements of UEFA Level D. In the Mandemakers Stadium, FOX Sports and photographers already obtain high quality images, the TV images speak for themselves.”

An upgrade to UEFA Level C is also within easy reach. As soon as clubs become more successful and operate at a European level, there are higher requirements on the vertical light values. More vertical light ensures better HDTV recording.

Mandemakers Stadium consciously uses the smart control system. The 80 LED luminaires are controlled wirelessly using pre-programmed dimming modes. “During a match, the lighting is 100% on. During training courses, we simply set a lower lighting setting,” explained Frank. As a result, RKC Waalwijk always illuminates its stadium at the right time, at the desired level.

This minimises energy consumption and light emissions to the immediate surroundings. “The quality of the lighting is excellent, and we can already see that we are using less energy. These are exactly the reasons we chose AAA-LUX,” said Frank. “The possibility to always select the desired light level of LED lighting also offers a nice contribution to reducing CO² emissions and thus improves our carbon footprint as a club.”

Since the installation was done at the beginning of season 2018-2019, things have gone well for RKC, as they managed to win the playoffs for promotion to the Dutch Major League Eredivisie season 2019-2020. “What a first season under the LED light it was,” said Raymond. “But of course it could also be a coincidence”. www.aaa-lux-lighting.com

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KICK OFF LIGHTING SYSTEM GOAL LIGHT TECHNOLOGY Goal Light Technology (GLT) is a simple, but ingenious lighting system that lets the spectators in the stadium - as well as those at home watching on television - know whether or not a penalty, conversion or drop goal attempt has been successful. The LED light on each upright crossbar turns green when a kick is successful or red if missed - giving the visual effect of the posts lighting up.

GLT have developed the technology with the purpose of increasing the sporting experience and fan engagement within the event. The intention is to aid and engage the fans with a quick, obvious indicator of the outcome of the kick attempt.

The system is operated by an encrypted signal switch that is activated manually when the linesmen or referee indicate a successful kick. This then gives the fans almost instantaneous feedback on the outcome. The technology is especially useful for those fans sitting at the opposite end of the stadium or those with an obstructed view.

The LED strips are completely programmable, so a variety of colours and light combinations can be used. The system is attached to the post by a lace system that will tie at the back of the post, allowing 95% of the post to be covered. The system is powered by rechargeable battery packs housed within the back of the post protectors, so there is no need for wires under the turf.

Looking forward to potential future implementations, there is the opportunity for the system to be used to further engage supporters – this could be through indicating tries, potential foul play or even on a simple brand identity level, opening up commercial opportunities for clubs and stadiums.

The technology was successfully trialled by World Rugby at the Hong Kong Sevens in April. It was also used at WRU’s Judgement Day event at Principality Stadium where Cardiff Blues took on Ospreys after Scarlets faced defeat by the Dragons in the Guinness Pro14 league. www.goallighttech.com

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The results of an official photometry test carried out in an recent project - a soccer and American Football pitch in Austria - show a ratio of uniformity of illuminance G1 (min/medium) of 0.85 and a ratio of uniformity of illuminance G2 (min/max) 0.75. No other stadium in Austria will outmatch the new lighting in this respect.

Due to the different requirements of projects any optic between 10° and 120° can be chosen. This means high flexibility for planners of sport and event facilities as nearly any lighting requirements can be met.

Smart Arena is completely flickerfree and meets all standards for modern TV-technique as HD, UHD/4k and super slow motion. Colour Rendering Index amounts to Ra 97 and Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLC) scores with 95.

There are two dimming solutions available: DMX/RDM - dimming smoothly and zero flicker - and switch dimming offering up to five dimming scenarios programmed individually due to customers’ needs where no extra cabling is necessary.

Smart Arena is elegant, compact in size and it’s smart - as controlled by microprocessors any requirement and standards needed by the customer will be implemented: active heat management, daylight control or integration into event lighting system. www.smart-arena.com

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08 INTERVIEW

“One of the main projects when the company was founded was Chelsea Football Club, but it was more that those who were part of the formation of KSS were very passionate about sports, participation and spectating - and it’s always a positive when your passion is your work. I think a lot of our success is down to that, as we love watching sport as much as designing the venues.”

James Budd Director KSS

JAMES BUDD Director, KSS

INTERVIEW

Firstly, tell us a little bit more about your background…

I’ve been with KSS since we started just over 28 years ago. Throughout these years we’ve been working on a wide range of different sporting venues in different countries with Chelsea Football Club being our very first client with the masterplan for the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge. Over the years, we’ve developed significant expertise, putting us at the very forefront of sporting architecture, as well as interiors and graphics. We consider the whole venue as a holistic design, from the business case and masterplan right through to the experience and the setting of the environments created - this can be right down to tablesettings and menus, for example.

The scope of support we provide really depends on the individual client, frequently this evolves and develops through the course of the project as together we both see, develop and optimise opportunities created during the design stages. It’s always about listening to exactly what

“The most important aspect is listening and not having any preconceptions about what the project may be. Every client has a different vision, business plan and idea of what the project will turn out to be.”

they’re looking for and then customising our service and the project to suit rather than a prescriptive exercise, however, drawing on the wealth of our knowledge and experience. In addition to architectural design, we also undertake significant specialist sports consultancy work – we’re brought in as experts in sports venue architecture to advise clients on opportunities and technical aspects of sporting venue design.

How does a sporting venue project begin for KSS?

Personally, my main interest is the excitement and collaborative aspects

There is no real standard start-up or way in which we initially

of the delivery of sporting venues as part of a wider client, consultant

get involved in projects – some are from design competitions,

and contractor team. This includes both the proactive management

from sports consultation work or tendering, however, particularly

and forward planning, but also the reactive process of dealing with

though recommendation from clients. The type of project also varies

important live qualitative, cost and programme decision making.

significantly from large-scale new-build stadiums, right through to smaller interventions in existing venues, this often leads to more work

Was sporting venue design the main focus for KSS from the beginning,

further down the line as we explore opportunities with our clients.

or was that something that just naturally happened over time?

That’s down to the strength of our relationship with our clients, the

Although when the company was founded, one of our key clients was

clubs and organisations that we’re working with. In that respect

Chelsea Football Club, it was the particular passion of the key founders

we are very much a company that focusses on relationships and the

of KSS in sport and particularly football, that developed our primary

collaborative project journey.

focus in sports architecture. Most of us are very passionate about sports - both participation and spectating – and it’s always a positive when

Each project is, of course, different, but are there certain things that

your passion is your work. I think a lot of our success is down to that,

you have to take into consideration each time when it comes to a

as we love watching sport as much as designing the venues, particularly

stadium or sporting venue project?

watching sport in venues we have designed!

The most important activity is listening, of not having any preconceptions about what the project may be but helping guide our

Image: Black Edge Productions

clients based on our experience and knowledge. Every client has a

then evolve our thoughts and ideas with them, testing options and

different vision, business plan, fan-base and expectation and idea

alternatives and overlaying key legislative and technical constraints.

of what the project will comprise. Every club and organisation has a

It’s frequently a long journey with a client, from the initiation of the

different position within the overall sports sector, whether national,

project through to the planning – particularly when it’s a more complex

international or within leagues or sporting divisions, so, I think what’s

site – through to when the doors of a new venue are finally opened. In

fundamental to us is to really work with them to understand that,

parallel, it’s a long voyage for us, too, often over a number of years and

allowing us to tailor and customise our services. I think that’s where we

sometimes with changing client personalities or representatives and

have been incredibly successful over the years.

sometimes associated sporting performance! We all have to understand that – it’s certainly going to be part of key project individuals’ lives for

What is the design process like when working with a client?

a number of years, so the quality of relationships is absolutely vital. This

Evolution of designs with clients is very much a collaborative process

time really opens up dialogue, allowing us to delve more deeply into

– firstly of understanding ambitions, constraints and vision and

nuances and subtleties that are specific to organisations – what is the

subsequently working closely with a customised iterative development

ethos, lineage, history and soul. It’s all hugely important to us and a

approach to the specific project design. Obviously, the first part is that

very enjoyable process responding to these factors.

initial briefing in which we also get to know our clients. Typically, we

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INTERVIEW

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

What stadiums or sporting venues have you been working on recently?

it comes to sporting venue projects?

For me, personally, I’ve just finished our work on the redevelopment

The perennial issue – which I’m sure is the same in every industry – is

of No. 1 Court at Wimbledon – a great client and great team; both

cost. Clients frequently have concepts of what the costs ‘should’ be and

consultant and contractor and there’s the Twickenham East Stand

clients talk to each other about what their own, or other venues cost.

extension, which was a very fast project that had to be completed by the

What often gets lost in translation, are the peripheral costs around or

Autumn 2018 Quilter International Rugby Series.

associated with the project. One of the key objectives for us is close working with cost managers and consultants, so between ourselves, we

How did the Wimbledon project begin?

can really help the client and educate them – giving them appropriate

We were brought in by The All England Lawn Tennis Club in January

and clear benchmarking of similar schemes to inform them on why

2015 for the delivery of No. 1 Court. Grimshaw developed the design

things cost what they do. Invariably we look at value engineering,

for planning as part of the masterplan – and we took over the detailed

different ways of construction, pre fabrication, spatial efficiency – all

design development and delivery stages. This meant keeping the venue

those sorts of things. But we still need to keep to the design criteria

operational throughout The Championships in 2017, 2018 and then 2019.

and the quality of the project we’re delivering firmly in mind which will

A very complex piece of construction, but we had a great contracting

remain long after our involvement.

team in Sir Robert McAlpine.

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WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM Image: KSS

Image: Bircan Tulga

Image: Gareth Gardner

INTERVIEW

Tell us a little bit more about the work on training centres. They’re obviously different to working on a stadium or sporting venue in a lot of ways…

I think the critical thing factor with training centres is that the players and staff spend more time there than they actually do at the stadium or event. It’s essentially the players’ office – where they go five days a week to train, to be motivated, to improve fitness, strength and stamina, to rehabilitate from injuries and also to study tactics, practice set pieces and undertake the best preparation for competition. Therefore, it’s an absolute fundamental part of the club’s activity. It might be the stadium or arena that is the key driver of revenue, but it’s the training ground that arguably is the engine that delivers the quality and the results – which, of course then cyclically, makes a significant contribution to revenue generation!

In the design process, we’ve got to assist in looking for those marginal improvements - focussing on every touchpoint within the environment

“It might be the stadium or arena that drives the revenue, but it’s the training ground that delivers the quality and the results - which, of course, is a huge part of the revenue generation.”

and, with the players and coaches in mind, forensically looking at how through the design of the internal and external environments and circulation, you can inspire. Balanced with this, designs need to fundamentally capture the soul, character and aspirations of the club or organisation to create a sense of place and belonging. arenas and also training centres.

Are there any other projects coming up in the near future for KSS? Yes… naturally, we can’t divulge too much information! However, it’s an

What has been your favourite stadium or sporting venue project so far?

exciting future with some great opportunities both in terms of stadiums,

That’s a very good question! It’s really difficult one. The Tottenham

033

Image: KSS

INTERVIEW

Hotspur training ground is one that comes to mind. We were working

You’ve got to create a great atmosphere for the players, but that comes

on a very complex and large greenbelt site in north London with few

from creating the perfect environment for the spectators. You need to

similar facilities to refer to and it’s now an exemplar training centre –

achieve that in the event time available or look at ways to extend the

arguably, it’s currently the best training centre in Europe. The project

experience timeframe.

took some time between inception and delivery with lots of planning,

I think it’s going to be a very interesting over the next 10 years or so

land ownership and site related hurdles to deal with. My involvement in

in terms of where the sports market goes and how to keep a place in

that experience, going back a number of years ago, was much wider, so

an ever expanding and competitive entertainment market. There is a

personally it remains very important to me.

great interest in specific players or sports personalities - for example, you now get a lot of people following and tracking the progress of star

What is the next big thing in stadium and sporting venue design?

players rather than following actual teams. It’ll also be interesting to see

Anything that architects have to be taking into consideration a lot

how the advances in technology and the requirement for immediacy, the

more?

interest in personalities and also importantly ‘first-person’ spectator

I think a key consideration now is that many people are cash rich and

involvement/integration evolves.

time poor, how you spend your time and having a valued experience is frequently more important than the final cost. How do you therefore make a sporting experience as good as it possibly can be, with changing in demands, technology and connectivity. Obviously, ensuring that there is a really good quality spectator experience is of vital importance - the atmosphere that the fans at the stadium or arena influences the professional athletes that they watch – it’s very much a circular concept.

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THURSDAY 13 TH FEBRUARY ISE, RAI AMSTERDAM

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DELEGATE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE WWW.MONDOSTADIA-AGORA.COM The first MONDO | STADIA presents AGORA was held at ISE in 2019, with the sporting venue conference focussing on technology, the latest developments in the industry and future projects.

Through panel discussions, case studies and expert keynote speakers, AGORA explores the benefits of the latest technology, trends and techniques - analysing the impact it has and will have at modern stadiums and sporting venues around the globe.

From enhancing the fan experience and modernising stadium infrastructure, through to the planning of ceremonies and events, AGORA provides valuable insight that will help to increase knowledge and performance for future stadium and sporting venue projects.

AGORA will return as a full-day conference at ISE 2020, offering sporting venue managers and event organisers the chance to network with technology innovators and industry experts.

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08 THE FULL PITCH

040 Stanford Stadium | California, USA 046 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup | Liverpool, England 054 Emirates Old Trafford | Manchester, England

THE FULL PITCH

STANFORD STADIUM California, USA

Images: Steve Jennings

L

ocated in California’s Bay Area, Stanford University (Stanford) is one of the world’s leading research universities. The legacy of its founders, Jane and Leland Stanford, and

its relationship to Silicon Valley make the educational institution well known for entrepreneurial character.

After being established in 1885, and opening in 1891, today, Stanford is home to seven different schools Business, Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law and Medicine - more than 16,000 students, 2,100 faculty and 1,800 postdoctoral scholars.

In addition to the leading scholar courses, Stanford is considered an athletics powerhouse, boasting 36 varsity sports, 32 club sports and state-of-the-art recreational facilities and fitness programmes. And it’s some of these sporting venues that have received an audio upgrade in recent months to ensure the school remains at the top of its game. With more than 20

THE FULL PITCH

042

different venues, it’ll come as no surprise that the upgrade

sports venue consulting firm, WJHW providing oversight

is taking place in stages. The first three in line for the

and guidance on the football stadium. The in-house tech

renovation treatment were Stanford Stadium, used for

team at Stanford also assisted with the installation to

football games, the Boyd and Jill Smith Family Stadium,

ensure a smooth project delivery.

which hosts softball and the Avery Aquatic Center.

Assistant Athletics Director of Technical Operations at

The original Stanford Stadium was built in 1921 with a

Stanford, Mackenzie Haynes said: “My knowledge of the

seating capacity of 85,000, but when the new dual-deck

venues and technical insight of professional audio gave me

stadium was built in 2005 - completed in 2006 - a decision

the experience to take on this project. While the Stanford

was made to decrease the capacity to 50,000 to create an

Stadium project was vast, my experience in the industry

intimate atmosphere during matches - a more up-close

was the crux between project management and technology

fan experience. Furthermore, as the sporting campus grew,

that was needed to execute this.”

extra space was needed to erect other buildings to cater for

The brief for the new PA was that it must be aesthetically

the expanding sports teams. The stadium has been host to

pleasing, as well as offer consistent and intelligible sound

a number of Olympic tournament games and World Cup

for each visitor at any sporting event. “We discussed

games in its time, as well as the Super Bowl back in 1985.

multiple design options with our consultant, WJHW. With

With the old PA having been in place since the new stadium

a limited budget, we needed to make sure we could get the

was completed, it was time to upgrade, the offerings from

best product for our stadium,” Mackenzie continued. “At

audio have significantly changed over the years, as well as

one point, we discussed a point source solution from one

the requirements of the PA. Most sporting venues are now

of our videoboards. But, after stepping back to focus on the

not only used for sporting events, but also music concerts,

end-user experience we talked through a design that was

so many such facilities look for a flexible and powerful

the best solution instead of focussing on cost. From that

audio system, nowadays.

point, we found that utilising the existing infrastructure

Stanford Stadium - home to Pac-12 Cardinal football - was

could give us enough locations to create a seamless

designed, engineered and installed by Diversified, a global

listening experience for each of our fans.”

technology solution provider. Meyer Sound Design Services

With a clear brief in mind, the design team decided to

collaborated during the design phase, with prominent

rethink what was possible using the newest digital beam-

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO STANFORD STADIUM: 10 x Meyer Sound CAL 96 column array loudspeaker | 16 x Meyer Sound CAL 64 column array loudspeaker | 54 x Meyer Sound CAL 32 column array loudspeaker | 84 x Meyer Sound UPJXP loudspeaker | 10 x Meyer Sound UP4XP loudspeaker | 6 x Meyer Sound Galileo Galaxy 816 processor | 8 x Meyer Sound MPS-488HP power supply | 1 x DiGiCo SD9 console | 1 x DiGiCo D2 audio distribution rack | 8 x BSS Soundweb London BLU 160 digital signal processor AVERY AQUATIC CENTER: 2 x Meyer Sound CAL 96 column array loudspeaker | 1 x Meyer Sound CAL 64 column array loudspeaker | 9 x Meyer Sound MM-4XP loudspeaker | 2 x Meyer Sound UPJ-1XP loudspeaker | 1 x Meyer Sound Galileo Galaxy 408 processor | 2 x Meyer Sound MPS-488HP power supply BOYD AND JILL SMITH FAMILY STADIUM: 2 x Meyer Sound CAL 64 column array loudspeaker | 4 x Meyer Sound UPJunior-XP loudspeaker | 1 x Meyer Sound Galaxy Galileo 408 Processor | 1 x Meyer Sound MPS-488HP power supply

shaping technology as incorporated in Meyer Sound’s self-

loudspeakers enables discreet coverage of problem

powered column array loudspeakers. A total of 80 column

areas of upper decks between lighting structures. “With

array loudspeakers were installed at the stadium, using all

conventional solutions cross-firing into those areas you can

three models in the series: the 10ft high CAL 96 - with 96

have horrible problems with time arrivals. But with these

individually processed and amplified loudspeakers - as well

column arrays, we simply add a small pole, which is fairly

as the smaller CAL 64 and CAL 32 models.

inexpensive and unobtrusive architecturally, and you can

“The beam steering technology lets you put a loudspeaker

steer sound right down into that area.”

in what otherwise wouldn’t be an optimal vertical

Although presenting a slender profile, the column array

location,” said Peter O’Neil, Director of Engineering at

loudspeakers have ample power to punch through crowd

Diversified. “Horizontally it needs to be set in the right

excitement, according to Meyer Sound Director of Business

place, but in the vertical dimension you can use the beam

Development, John Monitto. “Besides distributing the

steering to successfully cover the seating plane in a way

sound in an even, well-controlled manner, the CALs

often not otherwise possible.”

also give you very high peak output to deliver excellent

The extraordinary pattern control avoids problems

intelligibility over crowd noise, even at high points of the

often encountered in large stadium sound systems,

game.”

explained WJHW Associate Principal Mark Graham. “One

To cover seating areas where a column array solution was

problem with distributed systems when using long throw

not appropriate, Stanford Stadium system also incorporated

loudspeakers at shallow angles, is that if they don’t

84 UPJunior and 10 UP-4XP loudspeakers.

have the vertical control of the Meyer Sound column

Mackenzie is extremely pleased with the end result of the

arrays, you can have sound from one side of the stadium

Meyer Sound CAL system. He highlighted the ability to steer

reaching the opposite side. If it’s loud enough it will

each beam of sound, so that the audio can focus on the

degrade intelligibility of the spoken word. With the CALs

exact seating area in front of each loudspeaker, as one of

configurable vertical pattern we can pretty much dictate

the reasons for selecting the CALs for this project. The fact

exactly which seating areas each loudspeaker will cover and

that all Meyer Sound loudspeakers are active and powered

minimise that problem.”

was also a huge benefit because it reduced the previous rack

Mark also noted how the slender profile of the column

space footprint from 21 full sized racks to just six racks.

043

044

For processing a series of BSS Soundweb London BLU-

several years. It holds up to the elements, and it also holds

160 DSPs are used for minor processing and distribution

up to football games where you need the horsepower.”

throughout the stadium. After each BLU-160, the signal is

Next up for an audio renovation was the Avery Aquatic

distributed into a Meyer Galaxy 816 processor that is on

Center, here, two Meyer Sound CAL 96 loudspeakers and

the closed audio network and can be monitored during all

one CAL 64 loudspeaker centred above the scoreboard

games. For mixing requirement, an upgrade also took place,

provide an elegant point source solution for grandstand

with the stadium moving from an analogue to a digital

seating accommodating up to 2,480 spectators.

console - a DiGiCo SD9 with the D2 Rack was selected.

“This was an interesting challenge because it’s an open

Mackenzie continued: “The customisation of a digital

facility with other pools around it, with practices scheduled

console is something that was very much overdue for this

at the same time as events,” continued John. “They

venue. Additionally, the simplicity of use from the DiGiCo

don’t want to be disturbed by what’s happening in the

has been a great addition for our A1 on game days.”

competition arena. So here CAL was a great point source

Broadcasting from the stadium is also easy and

solution, targeting a majority of the audience with only a

straightforward with the truck dock being capable of

minimum number of outfill loudspeakers needed.”

handling two or three 53ft OB trucks with an uplink. The

The fill systems comprise nine Meyer Sound MM-4XP

stadium is fitted with triax, fibre, and audio connections in

and two UPJ-1XP loudspeakers. For events - such as

dozens of locations throughout the stadium, which all run

synchronised swimming - that require high fidelity, full-

back to the truck dock I/O.

bandwidth music, the system provides controlled deep bass

Despite the sophisticated digital technology, Diversified’s

through three 750-LFC low frequency control elements

Peter is fully confident in the new system’s long-term

deployed in a cardioid configuration.

reliability. “It’s a proven solution,” he noted. “With

For the softball Boyd and Jill Smith Family Stadium, which

a working base in other outdoor stadiums, including

features a scalable capacity from 1,500 up to 3,500, the new

Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, which has been in use for

Meyer Sound system includes two CAL 64 column array

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THE FULL PITCH

loudspeakers along with four UPJunior-XP loudspeakers.

Mackenzie furthered: “I worked directly with Meyer Sound and discussed the simplest and most efficient use of the seating areas. After visualising options using EASE modelling, we found the ideal locations for each loudspeaker. Once we had that, I worked with an electrical and installation group for cable pathway and specifications to ensure the system as a whole would function as needed.”

“Another great thing about a CAL solution is you have flexibility to deal with scalable seating scenarios,” added John. “If you need to redistribute the sound, you can simply program another preset to steer it into a tighter or broader coverage pattern to fit the new seating configuration.”

Another factor favouring a comprehensive Meyer Sound solution, John furthered, was proven product longevity.

“Several of the outdoor facilities here had installed MSL-3 systems more than 25 years ago and they are still working well. It shows what we put into weather protection research back then, and we continue to evolve that technology to further extend the life of products with exposure to the elements.”

Future phases of the facility upgrading programme are set to include new Meyer Sound systems for Laird Q. Cagan Stadium at Maloney Field that will be used for soccer and lacrosse, and Klein Field at Sunken Diamond for baseball.

CONSULTANT: WJHW | INSTALLERS: Diversified, Stanford University | BRANDS: Meyer Sound, DiGiCo, BSS | WEBSITES: www.wjhw.com, diversifiedus.com, gostanford.com, meyersound.com, digico.biz, bssaudio.com 045

THE FULL PITCH

2019 VITALITY NETBALL WORLD CUP Liverpool, England

Images: Steve Sroka

A

dlib was incredibly proud to supply full technical production to the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, staged at the 11,000 capacity M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Adlibâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rental departments implemented a fully integrated video, lighting and audio package linking in with broadcast elements for BBC and Sky. The spectacle took place over 10 glorious days of top sporting action, which delivered world class netball to an international TV audience and many thousands packing into the court-side seats which were sold out for the duration.

This quadrennial event featured two distinctive criteria. Firstly, a spectacular Opening Ceremony, which wowed the crowds and

THE FULL PITCH

048

Opening Ceremony, directed by the Culture Liverpool team,

content.

was a pacey collage of music, dance, aerialists, projections

Adlib’s video crew dealt with all the screen management

mapped on the arena floor, complete with a parade by the

and the playback materials being sent to the various sports

16 competing nation teams.

presentation screens within the arena.

Adlib worked with Illuminos who produced the large format

The complex setup enabled control of individual screens

projection content. They supplied the six Panasonic RZ21K

in the gondola and courtside LED elements. The system

laser projectors, which projected onto both courts plus a

allowed for multiple keyed overlays of timers, scores,

fibre data control system that hooked them into Iluminos’

graphics, information and systems all to be called up at a

media servers programmed with all the content.

moment’s notice from the data fed graphical replay system.

A main video element was the central flown video cube

Additionally, they managed the incoming broadcast feeds

in the middle of the arena, which displayed IMAG footage

from Televideo and all the playback content streams

from parts of the match relay and beamed information all

simultaneously via a RossVideo Carbonite 2ME switcher

around the arena. The flown position of the four screens

operated by Tom Wearing, working in conjunction with

started off in the middle of the two courts, which then

John Haggart, who was co-ordinating all the screen

became the overall centre of the arena when in one court

information.

mode.

Adlib also had two playback operators – Dan Brown and

The four sides each measured seven by four-metres and

James Williams - running QLab video and audio playback

were made up of Adlib’s 3.9mm pitch Unilumin product.

systems, plus one RF camera operator covering the crowd

They were flown in a diamond orientation - at 45º to centre

interaction and sports presentation sections. They took

- to provide the best arena-wide viewing angles. As with

inputs from these sources, plus a clean (broadcast) feed

lighting and audio, Adlib also supplied all the necessary

from the Televideo truck and also a dirty feed (what

screen rigging for this and collaborated closely with the

everyone was seeing onscreen in the arena) and distributed

house riggers.

these around the venue.

Around the sides of the courts at ground level five five-

Televideo also gave Adlib’s arena visual mix team a beauty

metre strips of 6mm LED were deployed down each side

camera shot for the wide angles to output to screen and

of the two courts, a layout that transformed to having the

bring a sense of scale, which could also be used as a safety

five-metre LED banners around three sides of the single

shot when required.

court. The positions were calculated carefully so the LED

In addition to the six strong video crew, Adlib installed a

was always in camera shot and, therefore, ideal for sponsor

full wired and wireless Riedel communications package that

logos, branding, messaging and for relaying entertainment

tied all technical departments in with the broadcast crews

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050

got everyone in the mood for the matches to follow.

courts and branding for which Adlib supplied courtside LED

Adlib’s technical team worked closely with curators of the

screens.

ceremony Culture Liverpool and Iluminos. Adlib provided

Working with Red Sky at Night Events, the on-site team

six Panasonic RZ21K 20,000 lumen laser projectors

implemented a complex video playback system, controlling

mounted vertically to project the visuals created by

a large ‘gondola’ style LED cube, plus a courtside LED

Iluminos onto the courts below. Lighting and video effects

branding system and many break-out areas around the

combined to produce the spectacle enjoyed by the live

arena.

audience and TV viewers alike.

Red Sky at Night events’ team designed a schedule that

On-court drama followed, produced by sport presentation

kept crowds in the arena constantly engaged, featuring

specialists Red Sky at Night Events Ltd, this saw 16 nations

MCs, live response games and interviews, alongside many

compete for the coveted Vitality Netball World Cup 2019

commercial, sponsorship and inspirational messages.

trophy.

When it came to lighting, the initial brief was to create

Adlib worked with both clients closely, providing one

a lighting design to cover the audience and produce the

point of contact so they could enjoy Adlib’s famous gold

required on-court Lux levels.

standard service in providing an efficient and imaginative

This became a balancing act of providing the correct levels

technical solution, that served both ceremonial and sport

of light for the players without any glare or lights in

presentation demands.

distracting places, while also delivering good levels for the

Adlib’s overall Project Manager was Dave Eldridge. He

broadcast team’s camera systems. In addition to that, the

worked with a highly talented and experienced crew

design highlighted important branding around the room

onsite, and closely with host broadcasters Televideo and

and could create dynamic effects for the sports presentation

several other contractors to ensure delivery of a world class

sequences.

sporting event to a hugely enthusiastic audience worldwide.

Adlib’s crew worked closely with the house riggers from UK

An additional logistical detail was that the sports

Rigging on this and all the other aspects of the event which

presentation started off as a two court set up, as the first

required flying, roof access and working at height.

round of matches took place, and teams were whittled

Around 200 Martin MAC Viper Wash DX and Viper Profile

down to the final eight, culminating in the exhilarating

intelligent moving lights were used to cover the Opening

Australia vs New Zealand final.

Ceremony and the dual court configuration, later morphing

Adlib’s technical design had this change of court layout

into the on court setup.

at its heart; greatly influencing the choice of intelligent

To assist with the of demands of the overall lighting, with

moving lights over standard generic fixtures. The change

a particular focus on the sporting action, Adlib worked

of layout happened overnight with a complete moving of

alongside Dominic Main to create a production lighting

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THE FULL PITCH

design.

As an expert in lighting sporting events like this, his knowledge and experience was invaluable, and gained over many years working on other major and high profile sporting events such as ATP Tennis. In addition to lighting the matches, he programmed numerous other lighting sequences used for entrances, exits, team presentations and other key moments related to the competitions.

Adlib supplied a full trussing and rigging package to help create all the lighting positions in exactly the right places.

All the data and power distribution was positioned in the arena roof and fed down from the gantries and catwalks onto the trusses. This kept the overall look of the event very clean, allowing full focus on the sports without technology ever distracting from the action.

Adlib supplied a pair of ChamSys MQ500 consoles for complete and redundant lighting show control.

A custom specified Luminex network backbone ensured all the lighting technology on show didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a beat. Adam Nicholls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lighting Designer for the Opening Ceremony â&#x20AC;&#x201C; programmed from the same console, really highlighting its ability to handle a wide range of show environments.

Adam had access to the entire house rig to light the Opening Ceremony and added a few well positioned specials - in the form of eight MAC Viper Performances in pairs on the deck in the four corners of the arena. Their shutting capabilities were used to pick out the artists and performers from these low corner positions, which looked dramatic and bold, working well with the overheads and the arena floor projections.

The eye-popping, high-energy choreographed 45-minute

051

THE FULL PITCH

on one master talkback loop.

journey from the lift into the appropriate roof areas is via

Adlib co-ordinated and designed the audio system for this

stairs, so every little helped.

event, which included multiple flown loudspeaker arrays,

As with lighting and video, the sound design was

together with a control package to cater for various audio

multifunctional and dynamic to deal with the demands of

sources during the event along with Opening and Closing

the sporting action and the OC.

Ceremonies.

FOH control was a DiGiCo SD11 located at the back of one

A CODA Audio system – ViRAY and AiRAY - was chosen to

of the long end seating areas, and the show was run from

fill the arena with crisp, clear high-clarity sound.

there. The backup audio console – for full redundancy -

The small physical size of these loudspeakers made it easy

was set up in video world backstage, along with the I/O

to keep sightlines clear to the central video screens, while

racks and RF distribution.

keeping the audio coverage consistent throughout the

Most of the audio feeds were taken directly from the

arena. The system was designed to cover all seating areas

video. This consisted of stings, music tracks, and recorded

around the arena bowl including a temporary stand at the

announcements. Added to that were Shure Axient handheld

standard stage end of the hall.

microphones to look after the live announcements between

There were seven main hangs. Two hangs of eight AiRAY

games.

were at the ‘D’ end of the arena along with one more six

For the Opening Ceremony, audio was generated from the

AiRAY hangs at the ‘stage’ end. Four further hangs of ViRAY

video content so it was synched up with the rest of the

covered the long sides of the arena, with two hangs of nine

choreographed visual elements. As part of this show there

loudspeakers each side.

was a solo singer and choir, which made use of additional

This system was then zoned so that audio could be played

Shure RF handheld microphones and Sennheiser IEM

in either half of the arena if needed (to coincide with

systems for their monitoring.

the two-court setup), and then both halves when the

Kenny Perrin and David Grimes looked after the audio for

configuration moved to one court.

the 11 day event run, joined by Fabrizio Colucci for the

Four CODA SCV-F subwoofers made up each of the two

Opening Ceremony, with Max Taylor assisting on the two

subwoofer hangs flown centrally in the arena.

day load-in and set up.

All the amplifier racks and distro were installed into the

Dave Eldridge commented: “It was great to be supplier to

arena roof, to allow maximum ground space for the sports

such a high-profile sports event locally, in home territory

action, so this was another plus for using CODA.

for us. It was really exciting to break new ground as a full

The smaller ViRAY loudspeaker for example is a passive box

tech service provider for World Cup level sporting events.

and only needs a single channel of amplification, reducing

It’s been a busy summer with festivals, tours and events

the number of amplifiers needing to be set up in the roof,

and this was a great, unique challenge, of which we were

saving on rig time. Especially useful as the final part of the

proud to be involved.”

CONTRACTORS / INSTALLERS: Adlib | BRANDS: Panasonic, Martin by HARMAN, Chamsys, Riedel, CODA Audio, DiGiCo, Shure, Sennheiser, Unilumin | WEBSITES: www.panasonic. com, www.martin.com, www.chamsyslighting.com, www.riedel.com, www.codaaudio.com, www.digico.biz, www.shure.co.uk, www.sennheiser.com, www.unilumin.com 052

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THE FULL PITCH

EMIRATES OLD TRAFFORD Manchester, England

Images: Pioneer Group & ChyronHego

L

ancashire Cricket, one of the leading 18 first-class counties within the domestic structure of England and Wales, was formed in 1864 and is based at the award-winning 23,500 capacity Emirates Old

Trafford, England’s second oldest Test venue.

The club has made significant investment to redevelop the stadium and become industry leaders, since losing Test status in 2009. Over the last decade, the club has undergone a £60m transformation, making it one of the most desirable international and domestic cricket, conference and events venues in the north west.

There’s little denying that cricket has been the sport of the summer this year. Despite a reputation of being slow pace and attracting a generally older audience, this ceases to be the case. Whilst the play of new, faster T20 and 100 ball games, have drawn in a younger crowd, the excitement of both the recent Cricket World Cup win and Ashes Test Match have had an undoubted influence on the sport’s renewed popularity.

056

As hosts of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Lancashire Cricket

the club’s own marketing strategies.

needed to maximise the viewing experience for fans,

The system needed to have total connectivity, so as to

and with information and stats vital to the game, their

develop fan engagement through web applications and

displays had to be second to none in time for the match.

mobile phones and as part of this, the club also invested in

The club’s existing screens and technology were out of

a £750,000 stadium wide Wi-Fi project.

date, so new LED infrastructure was the latest stage in the

The project needed to fit within budget and the screens

redevelopment.

installed ahead of the first ICC Cricket World Cup fixture,

As part of the redevelopment, Lancashire Cricket partnered

the biggest in global sport, India vs Pakistan, on 16 June.

with Samsung to provide the club with a new, integrated

This level of digitalisation was also new to the club, so they

video display system, which pioneered the digital

needed to understand how best to make it work for them

experience for fans and set the benchmark for other UK

have it easy and manageable to use.

cricket stadia.

As experts in stadium LED, Pioneer Group were chosen for

Justin Hopwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Lancashire

best understanding the needs of the project and, therefore,

Cricket said: “Over the past 10 years we’ve invested £60m

developing the most appropriate solution. Software was key

in re-developing the stadium. We already had some large

to the infrastructure of the mid-tier and two jumbo screens

screens in place, but they were old and technology wise out

- the system needed to be fully integrated and have the

of date.”

ability to support all assets.

Integration, information and revenue were key for the new

Justin explained the importance of effective digital signage

solution, as it needed be fully integrated with connectivity,

within a stadium environment: “The challenge with live

capability and scalability. Clear display of information

sport is to make sure that the experience is commensurate

related to the game was of integral importance, to enhance

with what people expect from being at home.”

match-day experience and engage fans around the ground.

Clear display of relevant information is therefore key. This

Justin continued: “When we looked at the longer term, we

is especially true for cricket, where facts and figures are

knew the giant screen and LED ribbon was going to benefit

integral to the understanding of the game. On the previous

to a match day experience. The challenge with live sport

display solution, Justin added: “We already had some large

is to make sure that the experience is matched with what

screens in place, but they were old, tired and out of date

people expect from watching it at home.”

technology-wise.”

In addition to enhanced experience, the club also wanted

After reviewing options, investment in new jumbo and

to look at ways technology could increase revenue and the

mid-tier LED was decided as the most effective solution

role it would play in sustaining the stadium’s long term

to enhance viewing experience for fans. Justin continued:

business plan, not only by attracting more visitors, but also

“When we looked at the longer term, we knew that the

through sponsorship, advertising and implementation of

giant screens and LED ribbon were going to bring value and

WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

THE FULL PITCH

benefit to match day experience.”

the screens can be flexible on what content is displayed

To increase fan engagement, Pioneer integrated the latest

whether it is the scoreboard, live TV or marketing / club

ultra-high bright LED technology from Samsung for high

messages, keeping spectators up to date both on and off

definition visibility, even in direct sunlight. The latest

pitch. Previously, the screens were only used to show the

ultra-high bright LED technology from Samsung was

scoreboard so already this is a great new advantage to the

used to build the screens. This included 16mm pixel pitch

club, providing fans with an informative and engaging

LED configured into 10x7 cabinet arrangements, to create

experience,” Damon added.

two 60 sq metre jumbo displays located in the vicinity

However, hardware was not the only instrumental factor

of the point and tram areas of the ground. Pioneer’s

contributing to the display, as Justin highlighted: “The

engineers utilised Samsung LED technology to design and

other thing that is equally important to the infrastructure

manufacture a bespoke interface frame for the cabinets,

of the screens and the ribbon is software.”

working within the stadium’s existing infrastructure. For

Paul Childerhouse, Managing Director at Pioneer Group,

the mid-tier, Pioneer designed and manufactured custom

explained further: “The message from Lancashire was that

brackets to interface each of the two Samsung Prysm View

they wanted a fully integrated system.”

16mm pitch LED screens to stands B and C. A universal rail

After taking inspiration from the US, ChyronHego’s Click

system was also built, so as to aid speed of install of both

Effects was specified for its ability to quickly and easily

56 x 0.956m screens to the existing stands.

display content.

“We installed our Outdoor LED XAF range for the two

Content is generated via a HX Server (Blaze), which runs

jumbo screens, offering the ultimate in high definition

the underlying graphics to both Jumbos and mid-tier, as

display even in direct sunlight - which for cricket is highly

well as controlling and creating show content. To safeguard

important. These products were chosen because they were

the system, and to avoid the risk of failure on match-

able to seamlessly fit with the existing infrastructure

day, Pioneer built an exact replica in mirror display for

as well as being a huge technology and specification

backup. An 8x8 Matrix Switcher is central to the system,

improvement from what Emirates Old Trafford had

transporting all the video images that are to be layered

previously,” explained Damon Crowhurst, Head of Display

and making them available to view/preview, which are

at Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd. “For the mid-tier LED,

all routed to outputs independently. Outputs 1, 2, 3 4

we installed our Prismview range, featuring 16mm pitch

and are responsible for delivering background graphics,

LED screens which is a completely bespoke model that is

score-boards and advertising to both Jumbos and Mid-

made to measure for the environment.”

Tier ribbons. Outputs 6 and 7 are interchangeable inputs

“The mid-tier screens have a great impact on improving

to the jumbos, allowing for the screens to switch to video

the overall fan experience as they have enabled the venue

via any IPTV STB box, digital signage platform, pc or even

to engage with the fans more through the big screens. Now

DVD. Output 8 is routed to the control room and can be

057

THE FULL PITCH

used as a confidence or preview monitor for any of the

definition display, even in direct sunlight. Cricket fans can

inputs available to the system. To combine the output from

now enjoy the game in the most informative and engaging

the Click Effects servers with the video content of choice,

way, as well as audiences from other events hosted by the

Analog way scalers prepare the graphics so they are joined.

stadium - such as music concerts - benefitting from a

Paul added: “At a press of a button, we can play a particular

better experience.

showreel, a particular competition, and it’s very fast and in

Justin concluded: “We’ve been extremely pleased with our

real-time.”

choice of software and hardware that we have put in place,

Olivier Cohen, Head of Commercial Strategy at ChryonHego,

and this will only benefit the club further over the next

explains why ClickEffects was the perfect choice for

few years, where we welcome back another exciting set of

Emirates Old Trafford: “The brief was to provide a more

international fixtures.”

immersive experience to the audience, while, at the

Emirates Old Trafford has been digitally transformed and

same time, providing a cost-effective solution that could

now boasts one of the most advanced LED infrastructures

be up and running within minutes - combined with

within a UK stadium, as well as being the first cricket

minimal operational experience, full redundancy and,

ground in the UK with a LED mid-tier. With Pioneer

thus, providing an incredibly intuitive solution incredibly

Engineers commencing work at the end of March, the

intuitive by any user.

whole project was delivered by the beginning of May in

“The nature of Click Effects Prime itself allows a huge

time for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

amount of flexibility and ease of use in terms of providing

“We’re delighted to partner with Lancashire Cricket to

real time 3D graphics or clips to any number of outputs, in

revolutionise the match day experience. The LED screens

any resolution to any canvas size, while being able to data

we have installed will create a more welcoming and

bind to the visual displays. It is extremely easy to create

engaging connected customer experience at this historic

moments of exclusivity in the arena through creating visual

venue and deliver eye-catching, large-scale viewing

events by the click of one button. In short, the investment

experiences for fans,” said Damon.

allows Emirates Old Trafford to scale up the fan experience

Paul is proud of all the contributing elements which made

within the stadium as and when adoption becomes a

the project a success: “If people were to ask me what’s

reality.”

really special about the project, it’s that we had Lancashire

“One of the most significant factors that came out of

Cricket on one side and Pioneer Group on the other and

the American model was that their investment in screen

we’ve all joined in our common goal to provide the latest

and ribbon infrastructure delivered not only a better fan

technology to a cricket ground. It’s resulted in the latest

experience with engaging graphics, but also supports the

LED technology from Samsung, the first mid-tier LED to

stats that are integral to understanding the sport,” Justin

be installed in a UK cricket ground, a control system from

explained. “Pioneer have continued to support us as we

America which has never been tried in the UK before and

start to learn how to best use the software.”

we’ve brought these three elements together to make it a

The Samsung LED is the perfect match to support the

massive success.”

vast potentiality for content, offering the ultimate in high

SYSTEM INTEGRATOR: Pioneer Group | BRANDS: Samsung, ChyronHego | WEBSITES: www.pioneergroup.co.uk, www.displaysolutions.samsung.com, www.chyronhego.com 058

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08 VENUE FOCUS

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062 Kivikylän Areena | Rauma, Finland 070 Johan Cruijff ArenA | Amsterdam, Netherlands

092 Lord’s Cricket Ground | London, England

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072 Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, USA 076 Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, USA 080 ADI Round-Up | Watford, Worcester, Birmingham, England & Var, France

096 Signal Iduna Park | Dortmund, Germany

SMART STADIUM

SEATING

086 Generali Arena | Vienna, Austria

100 Ferco Seating Systems | Safe Standing

AUDIO

KIVIKYLĂ&#x201E;N AREENA Rauma, Finland

Images: MONDO | STADIA

T

he quaint town of Rauma, Finland, pays homage to the traditional ways of Finnish culture. The old shacks of shops and houses are built up like the on-screen set

of a Wes Anderson film, with pastel pinks and yellows illuminating the narrow roads that wind around the unique settlement. Located in this eccentric village is the Kivikylän Areena, home to local ice-hockey champions, Lukko. The 5,400-capacity venue has recently been equipped with a brand-new sound system, installed by Finland-based loudspeaker

064

manufacturer, Aura Audio.

The design process, for the team at Aura Audio, proved

With ice hockey being Finland’s most popular sport, the

to be an extensive process of continuous visitation and

arena’s audio had to pack as much of a punch as the

implementation, as its mantra is that products can only

players at the heart of the fans roaring cheers. Aura Audio’s

be considered when they’re shown in action, in a practical

Managing Director, Mika Isotalo, explained how the project

environment. “It’s tough to sell loudspeakers through

ended up in his hands: “We first heard about the project

photographs – you can’t just look at them, it doesn’t

through our dealer, F-Pro, and we were really excited about

tell you anything,” explained Mika. “After the brief, we

it! This was the first sports arena we had been involved

used EASE simulation which allowed us to simulate the

with. The Kivikylän Areena has also been serviced by an

acoustical performance of the complete sound system

old customer of mine, so Aura Audio already helped design

to find the optimal setup in the arena, which needed to

some of the rental event systems in there, which meant I

be perfect when combined with multiple audience areas

was pretty familiar with the set-up.”

and curved, inclined seating. We provided the team with

Aura Audio was brought in to fulfil the clients dreams of

three different options, based mainly on the SPL that they

a venue that was equivalent to an American NHL stadium,

wanted. After the demonstrations, they chose the second

that could be comparable to some of the best in the world.

option, mainly down to the preferred SPL.”

With such a large and competitive brief, it was essential

Cost was a big thing for both the team at Aura Audio and

that Mika visited the arena and drew inspiration from his

those re-designing the stadium, as well as something

ice hockey hobbies outside of the audio industry. “Luckily,

that has been a driving force for Mika throughout the

I have been to see a couple of NHL games, so I knew what

journey with his company. “The loudspeakers that we

they wanted. The Aura Audio idea was that it needed to

manufacture take as little amplifier channels as possible,

be as loud as the loudest place in Finland!” he explained.

something completely different to the usual self-powered

“The guys at the Kivikylän Areena working on the brief

ideologies. This is mainly to make sure we can use our

were willing to spend a little bit more to get bigger bass

budget elsewhere. In places like the Kivikylän Areena, a

and muscle to revive the sound system that was already in

lot of cabling is needed, and that is expensive. We ran

place. They also had recently installed a brand-new LED

around 10km of cable around the arena and that in itself

screen in the centre of the rink, and they needed a good

took two weeks, so when you combine that with 100 plus

sound system to compliment that.”

loudspeakers, the challenge is avoiding any inconveniences

WWW.MONDOSTADIA.COM

AUDIO

065

AUDIO

TECHNICAL INFORMATION AUDIO: 2 x Aura Audio D80DSP amplifiers, 3 x Aura Audio D80 amplifiers, 1 x Aura Audio D120 amplifier, 24 x Aura Audio A2 line arrays, 20 x Aura Audio C12 coxial point source monitors, 32 x Aura Audio i3 fill loudspeakers, 2 x Aura Audio XQ48 subwoofers, 1 x Allen & Heath Qu-16 mixing console.

066

and cutting costs as best we can.”

bought in a brand-new Allen & Heath Qu-16 mixing desk

The main audience areas are equipped with Aura Audio’s

from Aura Audio’s distributor, “the reason behind the Allen

line arrays and 20 Aura Audio C12 12-inch coaxial point

& Heath mixing console was for the amount of control it

source monitors were supplied for the ice rink and lower

could give in a space this size,” furthered Mika.

ceiling side audience. In the balcony areas, Aura Audio

The audio configuration in the arena is centred around the

i3 fill loudspeakers create dynamic sound with limitless

middle where the subwoofers are placed, this placement

possibilities. “Aura Audio loudspeakers are highly efficient,

gave Aura Audio the ability to add delays to more remote

and we have that passive approach which makes our

locations with ease. Mika said: “We avoid shooting

loudspeakers a great match for these type of arenas. Our

anything to the ceiling or floor apart from the ice. It has

approach is to concentrate on areas where we can use less

one virtual source in the middle and, in this case, putting

quantities, therefore, saving on quality.” The arena is also

the loudspeakers in the centre would create too many

using Aura Audio’s D80 and D100 OEM amplifiers, some

reflections, so we decided to put them as close to the

using DSP and some without, that are supplied by UK based

audience as possible.

company mc2-audio alongside the internal XTA processing

“The loudspeakers that are the furthest away are roughly

at the venue. The subwoofers are the XQ48, giving the

20-metres and still, because of the acoustic character

biggest punch with the smallest footprint. The arena also

of these type of places, it creates a lot of indirect sound

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AUDIO

as well. The clarity is problematic too because of the

loudspeakers were our main challenges but as we had

reverberation. We overcame this with very careful aiming of

approached these issues in the design process, we were

the line arrays. Even the subwoofers are arrayed vertically.”

always thinking about how we could execute the project

The Kivikylän Areena is a place where skills are put to

in the best way possible, right from the beginning, so we

the test. Whether that be with the players involved with

quickly fixed any issues we faced,” concluded Mika.

the intense game, the competitive chants rallied back and

The installed Aura Audio system has proved to be a newly,

forth between competitors, or the sound system that is

electrifying element of the Kivikylän Areena. An iconic

as integral to the end result as the force and fitness of

venue in Finland’s fanatical sporting world, Kivikylän is

the team, everything needs to be agile and work the best

now ready to take on some of the cities bigger games with

it can. Even with a project like this, Aura Audio faced

the roaring sound to match.

some difficulties, however, it was nothing that could not be overcome, “the acoustics and the placement of the

INSTALLER: F-Pro | BRAND: Aura Audio, Allen & Heath | WEBSITES: www.auraaudio.fi, www.f-pro.fi, www.allen-heath.com 068

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AUDIO

JOHAN CRUIJFF ARENA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Images: Harmonic Design

P

reviously known as the Amsterdam ArenA, the

A Harmonic Design audio system was chosen for the skybox

Johan Cruijff ArenA - named after legendary

as it is able to deliver a high-quality sound that supports

Dutch footballer, Johan Cruijff, who died in

and enhances the matchday experience. The system

March 2016 - is the main stadium of the

comprises of the hd PL-Series, which is the perfect fit in

Amsterdam since opening in 1996 at a cost of â&#x201A;Ź140m.

terms of aesthetics, due to the elegant design of the column

The stadium is home to European football giants, AFC Ajax,

loudspeakers.

and has also been used as a venue during Euro 2000, as

With the one way design, comprising of three-inch full-

well as the 1998 Champions League and 2013 Europa League

range drivers, the system achieves an high-end sound, with

finals. It has been announced that the stadium will also be

a pure natural resolution above 20kHz. The hd PL-Series

used as a host venue for three group stage matches and one

range is specifically designed for the reproduction of speech

match in the round of 16 at Euro 2020.

and music, as well as for simple, fast installation. A perfect

Away from sport, Johan Cruijff ArenA has hosted both

integration into the existing room architecture or stage

Dutch and international acts, with the likes of David

design is achieved by the slim and inconspicuous design

Bowie, Coldplay, Take That, Celine Dion, Madonna, AC/DC,

of the column speaker and are therefore the first choice of

BeyoncĂŠ, Rihanna and The Rolling Stones, among others, all

system integrators in spaces such as the skybox.

playing concerts at the stadium.

For earth shaking subwoofer sounds and effects, a hd

The stadium, which has a fully retractable roof, has a

Sub12i is hidden under a side table within the skybox. Due

total capacity of 54,990 for football matches and 68,000

to its single roll rubber surround, the chassis is capable

for concerts, though, depending on the setup, this can be

of delivering extreme low frequencies down to 28Hz

reduced to 50,000 or 35,000.

depending on the preset. The hd Sub12 subwoofer is a very

When it comes to a VIP experience for an Ajax match

compact and powerful subwoofer in bass reflex tuning.

or concert, a skybox is one of the most spectacular and

The specially-designed 12-inch long excursion chassis

luxurious options at Johan Cruijff ArenA, allowing business

with three-inch voice coil and single surround allows a

and pleasure to naturally flow into one another. Much

large linear excursion. Excellent dynamics and dry bass

like the sky rooms and sky lounges, a skybox is a hugely

reproduction at incredible pressure is the result.

effective marketing tool - and one that is very popular with

Overall, the result is a high-end, sought-after VIP area that

businesses and corporate clients.

offers comfort and an incredible seat for football matches

The atmosphere is, of course, somewhat different to the

and concerts, as well as an impressive space for business

usual matchday experience, with the time before and

meetings. With the Harmonic Design system in place, the

after the game or concert also needing to be taken into

experience in the skybox is improved even further.

consideration. With this in mind, the audio system within the skybox was of vital importance, as it contributes to the overall atmosphere - whether it be an event or corporate meeting.

BRAND: Harmonic Design | WEBSITE: www.harmonic-design.com 071

VIDEO

LEVI’S STADIUM Santa Clara, USA

Images: Levi’s Stadium

T

he San Francisco 49ers and Foxconn industrial internet (Fii) have announced a major, multi-year partnership that immediately rebrands several prominent locations within Levi’s Stadium and sets forth a multi-year

plan to integrate ground-breaking technologies that will keep the venue at the forefront of fan-centric innovation. While the 49ers and Fii are working to become the first partnership in the NFL to utilise 8K video production in the near future, the Fii brand will be omnipresent for fans at Levi’s Stadium beginning with Sunday’s home opener.

“The 49ers and Levi’s Stadium continue to strive to be one of the most innovative teams and venues in the world and courtesy of our partnership with Fii we will have the ability to be the first stadium to roll out 8K to our fans in a prominent fashion,” said Brent Schoeb, 49ers Chief Revenue Officer. “Their suite of brands

VIDEO

and industry leading products will enable us to build on our innovative vision.”

Following updates completed during the offseason, the Fii name will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 49ers Museum presented by Fii, the 49ers Press Room presented

by Fii, and the Fii Club which was previously known as the East Field Club. The Fii brand will also be integrated into signage located on the main Levi’s Stadium videoboards located on the north and south ends of the stadium, the

“The 49ers and Levi’s Stadium continue to strive to be one of the most innovative teams and venues in the world.”

microphone flags in the 49ers Press Room presented by Fii, and wayfinding signage throughout the venue.

“The Fii team is passionate about the technologies we

their dedicated fans through high-performance computing.

develop and the product we create that make everyone’s life

The 49ers will begin leveraging Fii 8K technology this

more enjoyable,” said Fii Wisconsin President Foo-Ming

weekend when they record the team’s post-game press

Fu.

conferences using the most-advanced Fii 8K camera

“By adding our 8K and High Performance Computing

available.

expertise to the partnership, we now have the opportunity

Both organisations have prioritised collaboration on the

bring this experience directly to the 49ers fans.”

development of 8K video technology to provide 49ers

As a sponsor, Fii joins the 49ers as two organisations

fans with the highest quality video content possible. The

with winning brand histories looking to merge football

award-winning 49ers Studios team will play a lead role

knowledge with advanced technology expertise to enhance

in that effort by testing Fii 8K technology throughout

the fan experience. Fii has a rich history in the development

the development phase and share its expertise and best

and application of 8K imagery, high-performance

practices for capturing 49ers team content in 8K.

computing and 5G connectivity in diverse markets.

The partnership with the 49ers organisation creates an opportunity for Fii to enhance the game day experience for

BRAND: Fii | WEBSITE: www.fii-foxconn.com 074

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ARROWHEAD STADIUM Kansas City, USA Images: Daktronics & Keywest Technology

H

ome to the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Arrowhead Stadium is located in Kansas City, Missouri. Part of the Truman Sports complex, with neighbouring Kauffman Stadium (home of Major League Baseball team, Kansas

City Royals). Arrowhead Stadium has a seating capacity of 76,416, making it the 27th largest stadium in the United States and the sixth largest NFL stadium in the world.

Built in 1968, the two-stadium concept was the first of its kind.

Initially designed by Denver architect, Charles Deaton and Kansas City Chiefs’ General Manager, Jack Steadman. Charles’ design was implemented by the Kansas City architectural firm, Kivett & Myers. Construction was completed in time for the 1972 season and, the following year, the stadium was the first in the NFL to include arrows on the yard markers to indicate the nearer goal line.

This practice would eventually spread to the other NFL stadiums throughout the 1970s, becoming mandatory league-wide in 1978.

In 2009, Arrowhead Stadium completed the installation of a multi-million dollar integrated system from Daktronics. Two high definition video displays were retrofitted into the existing footballshaped displays in both end zones. Approximately 1,625ft of digital ribbon board was also installed. A decade later The Kansas City Chiefs have returned to Daktronics for an upgrade to the west end zone video display. The installation brings the first High Dynamic Range (HDR) video display to professional football, replacing the 16HD technology with 10mm Surface-Mount Device (SMD) technology that increases the resolution by more than 2.5 times for the 2019 season.

“We continuously look at ways that we can improve the fan experience at Arrowhead Stadium, and adopting new technology is one of the avenues we can use to accomplish that,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Daktronics has been an important long-term partner for us at Arrowhead Stadium for game days and nonfootball events. The updates their team has made to our video board and control room mean that our new scoreboard will provide our fans and guests with the best display quality for live video replays and other content while maintaining the iconic size and shape of our original video board.”

The new display fits into the same footprint as the previous display in the west end zone and measures 37ft high by 150ft wide. It features more than five million LEDs and is HDR capable to increase the contrast for better overall image quality shown to Chiefs fans inside the stadium.

“There are few displays in the league with 10mm technology, putting the Kansas City Chiefs at the forefront of this new wave of upgrades. They will also have full HDR capability with the

VIDEO

with exceptional products, services and support. Their fans

Keywest provided a total of 42 displays and 14 players for

will certainly see the difference in this new display and the

eight stands. “The displays are all multi-head displays,”

experience at Arrowhead Stadium will be better than ever.”

Koytt O. Nichols, President of Keywest Technology said.

Much like the previous display, this new installation is

“We provided a turn-key installation and low power cabling

capable of variable content zoning to provide live video,

runs. We also provide the content creation and editing

instant replays, statistics, graphics, sponsor messages and

software as well as support staff during events.”

any combination thereof during Chiefs games and special

The project took less than two weeks to complete, from

events.

demolition, fabrication, cable runs, display installation,

It wasn’t just the scoreboard that was due an overhaul, the

testing and deployment.

voters of Kansas City granted the city around US$250m to

“Each quick service is different in layout and quantity of

bring the ageing sports complex into the 21st Century. A

displays – so we had to take each one into consideration.

significant amount of the improvements went to enclosing

Additionally, location of equipment and environment were

the entire centre at club level. This meant that the premium

factors – heat and air quality needed to be considered.”

seat holders could enjoy the game, whatever the weather.

The project has had a positive impact on fan experience at

Along with the carpeting and the air conditioning, came

the stadium, guests can now see the menus from the back

better food options and more control over the menu items

of the line and make a quick decision, helping to keep lines

themselves.

moving at a faster pace, which means happier customers

Before the digital menus were installed, the club was open

with reduced wait times and higher volume for the quick

air, except for the private suites that ring the venue. All the

service restaurants.

menus at the 16 food locations were push letter style signs,

The menus are updated in real-time when items are out

which were difficult to change, down to the old-school

of stock so that people aren’t ordering something that is

boards that were prone to misspellings and letters. Yearly

unavailable. This further increases order efficiency, and

maintenance and update costs for the static boards were

in turn, volume. The imagery and motion on the screens

expensive and provided little flexibility for other events that

help customers notice new items they were previously

might require extensive menu changes.

unfamiliar with, inventory preferred items and specials.

Keywest Technology engineered and proposed a system

Koytt concluded: “The two main things we pay attention

using its Breeze digital signage system, which allows for

to in this sort of installation are perceived wait times, and

secure access from anywhere. Given the Chiefs premium

actual wait times. In this case, both metrics are currently

brand, the new stadium refurbishment and premium ticket

down and the stadium is very pleased with the efficiency

pricing, they wanted this level to have a more upscale

gains.”

aesthetic to complement its new look.

BRANDS: Daktronics, Keywest Technology | WEBSITES: www.daktronics.com, www.keywesttechnology.com 078

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VIDEO

ADI ROUND-UP Watford | Worcester | Birmingham, England Var, France

Images: ADI

H

aving designed, developed, manufactured and installed display technology in stadiums and venues for over 20 years, ADI have a reputation for visually enhancing sporting events - and 2019 has been no different. The leading British stadium technology specialists have helped clubs, venues, leagues and federations

create exceptional experiences for fans that also deliver on a commercial level.

Against a backdrop of bustling stadiums, packed out grandstands, and crowded courses, ADI has been front and centre for many of sport’s standout moments. MONDO | STADIA has taken a closer look at the whole host of projects completed by ADI recently.

Vicarage Road With the installation of two new giant, super-wide LED screens, Watford Football Club transformed their Vicarage Road in readiness for the 2019/20 Premier League season.

The 80 sq metre screens, positioned at either end of the stadium, tower above the pitch to provide fans with a crystal clear view of the action. As well as helping fans to get a better perspective of the match, the 10mm high resolution displays, will screen replays, match stats, pre-match build up and, crucially for the 2019/20 season, VAR decisions.

Its super-wide format means the screens can simultaneously deliver live video, score information, sponsor branding and match stats, creating a multifunctional display that enhances the match experience for fans and creates a powerful platform for brands.

Watford Football Club partnered with ADI to install the new displays. In addition to manufacturing the high-resolution LED screens, ADI undertook the entire project delivery, which involved lifting the screens over the stadium roof and into location using specialist equipment.

Commenting on the new installation, Watford Football Club’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Scott Duxbury, said: “ADI’s new giant screens are a great way to help kick off our new Premier League season. We continue to make a number of improvements to the stadium infrastructure here at Vicarage Road, and this innovative solution - given our ambitious stadium development plans - meant that we can continue to deliver a great visual experience to our supporters.

“Having worked with ADI for a number of years, we were confident in their ability to deliver the right solution and we’re delighted with the result.”

ADI’s CEO, Geraint Williams, added: “This has been a major construction and engineering project involving road closures and consideration for local residents. Lifting a 10 tonne screen, the length of two double decker buses, over houses and the stadium roof is not without its challenges. However, in overcoming those challenges, and achieving what most would consider to be impossible, this has been one of the most rewarding projects we’ve delivered in recent years.”

“Credit must be given to the club for trusting in our vision for the project, and we’re looking forward to seeing the screens in action for years to come.”

Sixways Stadium Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium will undergo a digital transformation ahead of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership Season.

Warriors have partnered with ADI to install two new giant LED screens and digital ribbon, taking over the South Stand to transform the matchday experience for fans.

The displays bring the latest high-resolution LED technology to Sixways, creating a highimpact, creative platform through which the club can interact with fans.

As well as installing the new display technology, ADI will connect the stadium to its remote production facility in Preston where a team of producers, editors and graphics operators will

VIDEO

create and manage the live matchday content delivered into

French Formula One Grand Prix

the stadium.

ADI was also the LED screen supplier to the French Formula

“We can’t wait to welcome fans back to their new-

One Grand Prix, as part of a multi-year agreement with

look home at the start of the season. The new display

Circuit Paul Ricard.

infrastructure won’t just transform the appearance of

Following a 10-year absence from the Formula One

the stadium, though - it will revolutionise the way fans

calendar, the French Grand Prix made a come-back in

experience the game,” said Worcester Warriors Operations

2018 and celebrated its 60th edition in 2019, with 18 of

Director, Peter Kelly.

ADI’s LED screens amplifying the circuit experience for

“We’re working closely with ADI to deliver a fan-first

motorsport fans during the four-day event.

content strategy that will enhance the matchday experience

ADI’s iCONIC mobile and modular LED screens were

whilst also creating a valuable platform for our partners.

delivered as part of a venue-wide solution for Circuit Paul

“We want to create one of the best experiences in live sport

Ricard, including the giant super-wide iCONIC 120SW,

- not just in rugby. So, it’s important to us that the new

unique multi-level iCONIC H and multiple high resolution

displays are used to create a highly interactive experience

4mm modular displays. An ADI team of 20 operational and

for fans. That means bringing together the best of social

technical staff will also manage the fibre connectivity to

media, match stats, and creative video content to create a

every LED screen at the circuit.

meaningful experience that feels new and exciting every

A member of the Circuit Paul Ricard team commented:

week.

“After an extensive process of due diligence we selected

“The team at ADI have helped us at every stage of the

ADI because of their outstanding range of screens and

process - they’ve provided the answers to every technical,

experience in high-profile motorsport and European

commercial and content question we’ve had to define

Formula One. ADI have the knowledge and products to

a really strong solution. The end result won’t just look

help us integrate the best LED technologies into Circuit

incredible but, thanks to ADI’s guidance, we’re confident it

Paul Ricard for the Grand Prix, allowing us to deliver

will deliver on key fan engagement and commercial goals.”

greater coverage to spectators on larger, higher resolution

The digital infrastructure will also bring new opportunities

screens.”

for Warriors’ commercial partners, who will be able to

Nick Robinson, Director of Screen Rental at ADI, added:

interact with fans in a far more creative and dynamic way.

“The agreement marks another major contract win for ADI

Warriors will launch a range of new commercial

in France and we’re thrilled to secure supplier status for

opportunities to help regional and national partners

one of the biggest events in European motorsport. We’ve

utilise the new digital infrastructure, and have worked

used the expertise we’ve gained at venues like Silverstone

with ADI to develop a new Business Club scheme which

and Spa Francorchamps to devise a solution that will

offers opportunities for businesses large and small. “We

enhance the live experience at Circuit Paul Ricard.”

absolutely love projects like this, as they draw on the best

ADI also supply a number of other European Formula One

of our talents. Working in collaboration with Worcester

races, in addition to the electric racing series the ABB FIA

Warriors we were able to help the club not only choose

Formula E Championship.

the best technology to meet their needs, but also to create

082

engaging content, whilst offering insight into the best way

DW Stadium

in which the club can provide value for brand partners,”

ADI installed a new 60 sq metre, high-resolution LED

said ADI CEO, Geraint Williams.

screen for Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors at the DW

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Retractable roof over No.1 Court at Wimbledon (c)AELTC/Bob Martin

A winning double at Wimbledon Retractable pitch at Tottenham Hotspur (c)THFC

We are proud to have worked alongside the All England Lawn Tennis Club to engineer and install our second retractable roof at Wimbledon, this time over the iconic No.1 Court.

May play continue, whatever the weather.

We also created and installed the world-first dividing retractable pitch – and grow lights – at Tottenham Hotspur’s stunning new stadium, the pivoting seats at Wembley, the removable crossing at Ascot, and much more besides…

Pivoting seats at Wembley

Find out more at scxspecialprojects.co.uk Removable course crossing at Ascot

VIDEO

Stadium ahead of the new season. The new display is a

supporters engage with live sport. So this is great news on

significant upgrade to the matchday experience, creating

the whole.

a platform through which the clubs can connect with their

“We have a very passionate and knowledgeable fan-base

fans and partners.

here at the Warriors, a fan-base we are always looking

EFL football team, Wigan Athletic, and Super League side,

to grow. By having the screen, we are hoping that we can

Wigan Warriors, which share the DW Stadium, will both

continue to entertain our existing fans and hopefully draw

benefit from the new display. Fans of football and rugby

more people to our sport to make a day out at the DW

will be able to experience fan-rousing content, live match

Stadium a more immersive and entertaining experience.”

feed and replays of key action on the big screen.

ADI’s Client Engagement Manager, Claire Fitzgerald-Firth,

Offering further flexibility for how the two clubs can use

added: “The clubs came to us with a clear brief - to deliver

the screen to engage and inform fans, ADI provides a

a quality stadium display that will help transform the

pitchside camera infrastructure that can be relayed to the

matchday experience. Thanks to our new high resolution

big screen. It means fans can get a different perspective on

LED technology, combined with our understanding of how

the match and see interviews from players, managers and

to use content to engage fans, we really feel we’ve achieved

pundits live in the stadium.

that.”

The screen itself uses ADI’s new 10mm pixel stadium LED

“Because the DW Stadium is a multi-sport venue, we’ve

technology, which offers better viewing angles and richer

designed a solution that provides a flexible platform to

contrast compared to more traditional forms of stadium

engage fans of both football and rugby league and we’re

LED. It is one of the highest resolution displays in any UK

looking forward to working with the clubs to help them

stadium, giving fans a superior viewing experience.

deliver an exciting matchday experience.”

Wigan Athletic’s, Jonty Castle, Head of Business Development and Customer Experience, commented:

Edgbaston Cricket Ground

“We’re committed to delivering the best possible experience

With 2019 having been a massive year for cricket in the

for our fans, which is why we appointed ADI to provide the

UK, Edgbaston, as one of England’s tier-one venues, asked

solution for our new stadium LED screen. They not only

ADI to upgrade its display technology to ensure fans in the

offer industry leading display technology, but they really

stadium wouldn’t miss a second of the action.

understand how to engage fans through content.”

The ADI team installed a new 10mm 34 sq metre scoreboard

“We’re excited for the start of next season. We’ve got some

and LED screen ahead of the Cricket World Cup, The Ashes,

big ideas for how we can use the screen to bring the club,

T20 Finals and a series of international Test Matches.

our fans and our commercial partners all closer together on

Also, as part of the Cricket World Cup, ADI were heavily

a matchday”.

involved in the fan zone areas, having delivered on similar

Warriors Community and Marketing Director, Martin

projects during the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Mcloughlin said: “We’re delighted to announce this news

ADI provided screens at various ICC World Cup grounds to

in conjunction with Wigan Athletic, in what we believe is

welcome fans as they arrived to soak up the atmosphere for

another example of the town’s teams working together to

cricket’s pinnacle event.

great effect. Both organisations are laying the foundations at the DW Stadium to evolve the way in which our

BRAND: ADI | WEBSITE: www.adi.tv 084

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SMART STADIUM

GENERALI ARENA Vienna, Austria

Images: ABB & FK Austria Wien

T

he Generali Arena is located in the south of Vienna, Austria, with the football stadium having been FK Austria Wienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home since 1973.

Built in 1925 for Sloven Wien, a football team,

which consisted of players from Viennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Czech immigrant community, the stadium was largely destroyed during the Second World War, and each of the four stands has been reconstructed several times since. In 1973, the stadium was renamed Franz-Horr Stadium in honour of Franz Horr, the president of the Vienna Football Association, who had extensively lobbied for a new stadium before his death. Plans were made for redevelopment, however, they were consistently delayed - and it took until 1982 for the first new stand to get built.

The newly-built North Stand complemented an extensively renovated South Stand and four years later, in 1986, a new covered terrace was opened on the western end of the stadium.

The stadium remained unchanged for the next decade, until a new Main Stand replaced the renovated South Stand. In 2008, the East Stand was built.

In 2011, the stadium was renamed Generali Arena, as part of a sponsorship deal between FK Austria Wien and the insurance group Generali. Since UEFA does not recognise sponsored stadium names, the venue is referred to as Viola Park in European competitions.

In the summer of 2016, a complete renovation of the arena began, the stadium closed for two years while two new connecting stands were built, forming a whole with the twotiered East Stand. The main stand remained standing, resulting

SMART STADIUM

in a capacity of 17,500.

an intelligent, welcoming space, that is easy and efficient to

The stadium appointed ABB to transform the Generali

control but also lessens its impact on the environment.”

Arena into an intelligent, future proofed venue during this

The stadium’s entire electrification value chain - from

closure.

medium voltage distribution to each individual socket - has

The plan was to incorporates the latest in smart building

088

been raised to an advanced level.

technology and energy efficient power distribution, so that

ABB’s SafePlus (10Kv) compact switchgear provides safe

the arena is more intuitive to control and better suited to

power distribution in the arena, the medium voltage

the needs of the visitors.

system is completely gas insulated and encloses all live

These IoT solutions were part of a unified, cross-industry

parts with a steel capsule, optimising both reliability and

digital offering, ABB Ability, which extends from device

personal safety. For more power in the electrical system,

to edge to cloud and combines deep domain expertise

ABB provided two 1,000k VA dry transformers, which

with proficiency in web-enabled connectivity to optimise

comply with the latest energy efficiency standards of the

operational performance and efficiency.

European Union. Instead of oil, the transformers use a

Generali Arena is now the first sustainable football venue

vacuum casting resin technology developed by ABB for

in Austria, retrofitted in cooperation with the Austrian

enhanced cooling. This minimises the risk of fire and is

Sustainable Building Council, who helped with planning the

ideal for the likes of stadiums, offshore drilling rigs or

design and implementation. This included a photovoltaic

other confined spaces. Extra safety and energy savings have

system the roof of the north stand.

also been achieved with the inclusion of ABB components

Oliver Iltisberger, Managing Director of ABB’s Smart

such as the Emax two circuit breakers and InLine II fuse

Building Business Line said: “Our mission is to write

switch disconnectors. To ensure reliable low-voltage mains

the future of safe, smart and sustainable electrification

distribution, 21 ABB TriLine E series switch cabinets were

and the transformation of Generali Arena is a fantastic

installed. The modularly expandable system ensures low

representation of that vision brought to life. We were

operating costs with high reliability and long maintenance

delighted to work with FK Austria and the Austrian

intervals.

Sustainable Building Council to deliver a stadium which

The ABB i-bus KNX system used for the control of the

embraces the latest in smart building technology to create

intelligent stadium, allows all components of lighting,

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Real-time networks for video, audio & communication

INFRASTRUCTURE

MEDIORNET

COMMUNICATION

BOLERO

FOR ANY

Radio & intercom

NETWORKS

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See us at IBC booth 10.A31

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CCTV

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SMART STADIUM

shading, heating, air conditioning and ventilation in the

Alexander Munda from the stadium said: “We wanted to

stadium to be networked and work together bidirectionally.

set a new benchmark for stadium modernity and comfort

Combined with integrated load management, this means

with our new Generali Arena. In order to achieve this

maximum energy savings.

ambitious goal, we needed to work with the best companies

ABB 2gang DALI (digital addressable lighting interface)

in all areas. In ABB we found an ideal partner in terms

gateways are also used for lighting control so that the

of building technology and infrastructure. The feedback

complete floodlight system is now integrated into the KNX

from our fans, VIP guests and employees who come into

system and can be controlled from an easy to use app.

contact with ABB’s solutions is extremely positive. ABB has

For an enhanced visitor experience, ABB installed a

installed its new and innovative technologies throughout

comprehensive range of intelligent and energy saving

the stadium, making the Generali Arena what it is today -

building control solutions. Including Busch-Presence

the most modern and beautiful stadium in Austria.

Detectors for light and climate control, which have a broad

ABB’s connected safety and energy efficiency initiatives,

and sensitive detection range, allowing the much-improved

coupled with expanded seating capacity to 17,500 and

VIP areas to be controlled via integrated Busch-SmartTouch

plans to re-design the training ground and build a new

panels.

regional youth centre, means it now meets the standard of

For an extra personal touch, light switches in the VIP area

a UEFA four-star arena, which even permits the staging of

and other strategic points around the stadium have been

Champions League semi-finals.

designed in the club’s famous violet colours and fans can

Costing around €42m to re-build, the north stand holds

even purchase them in the club shop to install at home.

4,100 spectators and includes 28 VIP boxes, two sky boxes

After two years of construction, the 24 time national

and two boxes for dignitaries, plus an underground car park

champions have now delivered a new intelligent and

370 VIPs. The east stand holds 5,050 spectators and houses

sustainable football stadium, which has boosted the club’s

the fan shop, museum and a restaurant, while the west

profile and made competing with local rivals Rapid Vienna

stand seats 5,600 spectators.

much easier.

BRAND: ABB | WEBSITE: new.abb.com 090

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Simplify your signage • Switching and distribution over the network • Use existing infrastructure when upgrading • PoE for centrally managed endpoint powering • Add Atlona’s VelocityTM networkbased control for advanced video wall management

See our Lucas Oil Stadium Case Study to learn more atlona.com/lucas

TOP 10!

Stadium's Jewel

Protouch specializes in Turn-Key projects, formation of the concept, developing multimedia products and designing customized integration systems, innovative AV systems, installation and management. https://www.protouch.tech Mobile: +972-54-8351566 marketing@protouch.co.il

Kinetic Sculpture

Waking the walls of Jerusalem

LORD’S CRICKET GROUND London, England

Images: WilkinsonEyre

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wner of Lord’s Cricket Ground, Marylebone

second phase includes a two-year redevelopment of the

Cricket Club (the MCC) was founded in 1787,

Compton and Edrich stands, increasing the capacity of the

and has been based at the world-renowned

ground by 2,600.

ground since the early 19th century. With more

The two new three-tiered stands will be positioned either

than 100 years of history under its belt and numerous

side of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre. In addition to the

upgrades and renovations having taken place over time,

new stands that will increase the capacity of the ground to

the most recent such announcement was made by the

31,000 and will include 400 Debenture seats, there will be

MCC back in 2013. The plan set out is to improve facilities

associated dining facilities, 12 food and beverage outlets

through phases, while allowing the ground to continue to

and two hospitality restaurants.

be operational.

“MCC is committed to ensuring Lord’s remains the best

‘The Masterplan’ as the redevelopment is known as, will

place in the world at which to watch and play cricket,

preserve the character of the ground, through an evolving

said MCC Chief Executive & Secretary, Guy Lavender. “It’s

scheme, which will reflect the club’s priorities and needs,

very exciting to see this project underway following an

financial circumstances and the changing landscape of the

incredible summer of cricket at Lord’s. The redevelopment

game. The first phase - the construction of the new Warner

of the Compton and Edrich stands are integral in MCC’s

Stand - was completed in 2017, and the major work for the

plans to continually develop, innovate and future-proof the

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ARCHITECTURE

club, the ground and the game.

“The distinctive design, which is heavily focussed on the spectator experience, will preserve the charm and special character of the ground, while ensuring that Lord’s remains the best place to the world to watch cricket.”

After receiving permission from Westminster City Council earlier this year, the design and construction can commence. Design for the new stands has been carried out by double Stirling Prize winners WilkinsonEyre - an architect firm with a portfolio of award-winning projects built up since its inception in 1983. The stands will be built

by ISG. The global construction services company was responsible for building the London Velodrome ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, and the new grandstand at Ascot Racecourse.

Steven McGee, Managing Director for ISG’s Construction South Division, commented: “MCC is responding to rising demand for seats at one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world. This redevelopment will enable an additional 2,600 spectators to experience the thrilling atmosphere and spectacle of world-class sporting endeavours at the home of cricket.

“We’ll be using our experience of delivering iconic sporting venues across the UK and applying this directly to a complex scheme that will have an enduring legacy for cricket fans for many generations to come.”

The ground and visitors alike will benefit from a number of advantages with this second phase. The project will vastly

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improve the sightlines and drastically reduce the amount of restricted view seats; will provide wheelchair positions and amenity seats at all levels of the stands, as well as toilets and changing facilities for spectators with accessibility needs; and will improve the crowd circulation at the back of the stands.

The three-tier stands will accommodate around 11,500 members of the public with a connecting walkway between the two stands overlooking the Nursery Ground - this will enable spectators to move between the stands aiding circulation.

The project is supported by principal partners, J.P. Morgan. Vis Raghavan, CEO - Europe, Middle East & Africa commented: “Every great institution evolves and it is hugely exciting, as a long-term partner, to see Lord’s undertake the next step in its history with yet more stateof-the-art facilities surrounding the J.P. Morgan Media Centre. Such an iconic ground, producing the kinds of exciting sporting moments we saw this summer, deserves stands like these that will inspire future generations of cricketers.”

Construction of the second phase is due to be complete in time for the 2021 season and following that the next stage will commence. ‘The Masterplan’ has another four phases to run, taking the full completion date to 2032.

GROUND OWNER: MCC | ARCITECT: WilkinsonEyre | CONSTRUCTION: ISG | PRINCIPAL PARTNER: J.P. Morgan | WEBSITES: www.lords.org, www.wilkinsoneyre.com, www.isgplc.com, www.jpmorgan.com 094

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SIGNAL IDUNA PARK Dortmund, Germany

Images: Supponor

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irtual advertising technology has gathered

developments in virtual advertising technology for many

increased momentum and technological

years. One early influence was LaLiga in Spain, that has

sophistication over the past decade. Forward-

been monetising its global audience since 2013, using

thinking federations, clubs and marketing

Supponor’s Digital Board Replacement (DBR) virtual

agencies collaborate to replace physical content on in-

advertising technology.

stadium LED perimeter boards with targeted messages for

As virtual advertising exists only on TV, it must be

international broadcast TV signals. One such pioneer is

integrated into extremely valuable live broadcast content.

Bundesliga Giants, Borussia Dortmund (BVB). Through a

Therefore, before virtual ads can be sold, the priority has

long-standing partnership with Lagardère Sports, BVB’s

to be the proven quality of the virtual technology. The DFL

international advertising inventory has grown significantly,

worked closely with its production team at Sportcast, who

along with increased local market relevance, and broadened

manage the broadcast signals for every Bundesliga rights

fan engagement within Signal Iduna Park.

holder. Together, they assess any potential technology for

As the premier competition in the German football league

approved use within the league.

DFL, the Bundesliga has a keen international fan base.

The DFL and Sportcast, with the expert guidance of BVB’s

Increased international broadcaster interest has translated

commercial partner, Lagardère Sports, initiated tests

into 70% of its target audience now lying outside of

on both static and animated LED boards in 2016, with

Germany.

Supponor taken forward to use its award-winning DBR

With innovation at its core, the DFL has monitored

solution at live Bundesliga events later that year.

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AUGMENTED REALITY

These ‘virtual showcase’ events, organised by Lagardère

Head of International & New Business, Borussia Dortmund.

Sports and attended by DFL officials and Bundesliga clubs’

“We could see that Supponor’s virtual advertising

personnel including Hamburg and Frankfurt, demonstrated

technology would provide us with an opportunity to target

reliable and authentic virtual ads on LED boards supplied by

our communication towards certain markets for our clients

ADI, one of Supponor’s solution partners.

and partners, without disturbing the stadium atmosphere

“It was at one of these showcase events that BVB saw the

and experience.”

potential of using this new technology at Signal Iduna

Supponor’s industry leading virtual advertising solutions

Park- and was keen to learn more. Together with Lagardère

use advanced technologies to accurately replace physical

Sports, they modelled how the DBR solution could benefit

advertising - and place virtual objects in open spaces to

BVB and Supponor was introduced to deploying at the

maximise advertising opportunities in live sports. This is

ground in early 2018,” said Ross Hair, Managing Director at

achieved using an ensemble of technologies, including near

Supponor.

infrared (IR) light, chroma/luma-keying and powerful GPU

“Borussia Dortmund was founded in 1909 and since then

backed algorithms that perform highly accurate masking

has been deeply rooted in the arena. When we began looking

and tracking in real-time.

at new ways to grow, it was crucial to retain and strengthen

“DBRLive is our light based system which uses infrared

the stadium experience and atmosphere. For example, Signal

emissions embedded into the physical surfaces to be

Iduna Park is known all over the world for its ‘yellow wall’

virtually replaced (e.g LED boards). Although invisible to

and we never want to touch this,” said Benedikt Scholz,

fans and TV viewers, these infrared emissions are captured

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098

by our optical equipment and fed into our video processing

grounds.

platform to generate ‘masked’ areas of the TV picture, that

Lagardère’s focus on finding and building relevant brand

can then be replaced with alternative advertising graphics.

partnerships for BVB quickly enjoyed a significant boost.

This approach allows us to replace the physical advertising

“Brand and marketing communication will become

regardless of its colour, motion or the objects that appear in

increasingly personalised as the costs for advanced

front of it,” explained Ross.

technology drop,” suggested Lasse Wolter, Senior Director,

“NSA is our state-of-the-art chrominance/luminance based

Marketing Development, Lagardère Sports. “Virtual

system which allows us to place virtual objects (such as

advertising allows brands to display products and services

2D or 3D carpets or logos) onto surfaces of semi-uniform

in highly localised and targeted ways, again leading to more

colour such as grass, clay or indoor flooring, while still

consumer relevance. Consumer relevance should always

allowing for players and other objects to appear on top of

be at the core of a state-of-the-art brand and marketing

and in front of them. In areas without such obstructions,

communication. Virtual Advertising allows brands to

we can place virtual objects directly on top of most physical

achieve this.”

areas of a TV signal.”

An example of successful targeting is Evonik Industries, a

The extensive test phase provided the confidence in the

global chemicals company. A long-time main sponsor of

technology that the DFL, Sportscast and Bundesliga clubs

BVB, the company knew the club had a significant following

were looking for. In March 2018, Supponor became the

in Asia. When Evonik needed to attract new scientific talent

first technology company to pass the DFL’s rigorous

in the region, it used BVB digital advertising to target a

quality check, allowing its DBR solution to be used for live

recruitment message to the Chinese audience.

international broadcasts of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2

BVB were also able to reach brand new partners who

matches.

might not have previously seen the marketing benefits of

With this permission, BVB was the very first club in the

working with the club. “The communication package we

Bundesliga to adopt the solution. From August 2018, it has

can now offer has opened up new opportunities for us,”

been used for all BVB home matches as well as selected

said Benedikt. “There are some German brands in China,

away matches, thanks to the 240-metres of mobile LED

for example, that wanted to strengthen their position

boards that can be transported and installed at other club

within that market. They came on board because of the

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AUGMENTED REALITY

virtual advertising opportunity to be seen on TV, inside the

explanation in certain markets, we have received very

stadium, and close to the game itself.”

positive feedback and it has achieved specific outcomes.”

BVB is also mindful of its fans overseas and uses the

BVB is just beginning to exploit the potential of the

Supponor technology to communicate in a targeted way

system and has plans to do more. “In the future, we can

to fan clubs around the world, with specific messages in

individualise and target more and more - right now we’re

different languages.

at four international feeds, and this is something we would

While all this is happening for the global TV audience, those

like to expand,” Benedikt said.

local fans who have actually spent the time and effort to

By embracing this new DFL-approved technology, BVB is

attend a match can be rewarded with more dynamic and

able to communicate effectively with its fan base around

varied content on the displays in the stadium, such as live

the world, retain the unique atmosphere of its stadium, and

social media feeds, statistics from the game or the league,

increase revenue streams at the same time.

or specific local information.

“What’s clear is that Supponor technology and its crew

As an early adopter of this new technology in the

are extremely well regarded and respected by all involved

Bundesliga, BVB has already seen how Supponor’s

in the delivery of virtual advertising. The technology is

technology is enabling the club to provide better services

clearly delivering in terms of performance expectations

to its partners and clients, and better communication to its

and the teams involved in deployment and operations

global and local fans.

have proven themselves as a trusted partner of the live

“Previously, we were unable to provide our regional

production teams. As well as delivering reliable and high

partners with promotion and communication within the

quality virtual advertising technology, the Supponor crew

stadium right to the pitch. We can now commercialise our

are always engaging, flexible and highly skilled in working

offering in a far more relevant and targeted way, and build

collaboratively alongside the Sportcast, Lagardère and

long lasting partnerships in key international markets,”

BVB teams. These services continue to generate new and

added Benedikt. “While it’s a product that needs some

valuable returns for the club,” concluded Ross.

SYSTEM INTEGRATOR: Sportcast | BRANDS: Supponor, ADI | WEBSITES: www.sportcast.com, www.supponor.com, www.adi.tv, www.lagardere-se.com 099

FERCO SEATING SYSTEMS | SAFE STANDING Glasgow, Scotland | Shrewsbury, England

Images: Ferco Seating Systems

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100

or the first time ever, football clubs with all-

It is designed with a modern aesthetic and conforms to

seater stadia have received correspondence

Green Guide specifications for seats incorporating barriers.

from the SGSA to suggest they consider

It features a self-tipping, moulding seat with a unique

installing rail seats in their grounds.

100mm closed depth, making it the slimmest seat on the

Persistent standing in all-seater stadia is an issue familiar

market.

to all safety officers and operations directors. Now, the

It leaves clearway space of at least 0.21 sq metres, the

SGSA has advised them in a note accompanying their new

Green Guide requirement for standing spectators, even

stadium licence that in such areas they ought to consider

on row depths of no more than 60mm. The seat has the

using rail seats to enhance spectator safety.

strongest seat-base of any on the market and the highest

With the requirements of Premier League and EFL clubs

level of protection against vandalism.

specifically in mind, UK-based seating specialists, Ferco

The robust and durable construction from quality materials

has further developed its range of products to include the

means low levels of maintenance and replacement and

RailSeat 100.

reduced whole life costs to the club. The high strength

The RailSeat 100 enables stadium operators to address the

continuous metal rail acts as a protective barrier, which

existing issue of persistent standing, while simultaneously

makes surging or crushing physically impossible.

preparing for formally permitted standing in the future.

The RailSeat 100 has a number of added safety features

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SEATING

built into its design, including the absence of leg or finger

completed by Ferco in time for the 2018 season.

traps through having a fully enclosed hinge at the very back

Now, the 2019/2020 season is the start of a new era in the

of the seat.

Premiere League. It’s the first season to kick off with areas

Strength is key in areas occupied by boisterous fans. Seats

of rail seating in place in the top flight.

made of single sheets of flimsy plastic easily break, and are

When Tottenham Hotspur and, more recently,

especially susceptible to damage on areas where fans stand.

Wolverhampton Wanderers installed seats incorporating

The RailSeat 100, with its metal back and double-skinned,

barriers in their stadia they were following guidance

blow moulded seat base is much more robust and resistant

contained in the new Green Guide published last November

to rough treatment.

and now repeated in the SGSA’s note to all clubs with all

Space is a key requirement, as standing fans need more

seater stadia. In essence the Guide states that if clubs have

of it. If seats incorporating barriers eat too much into the

areas in their ground where fans habitually stand, they

space along the row, there is a risk of fans spilling out into

must either make those fans sit down or look at installing

the aisles and the imposition of a capacity reduction. Where

rail seats in order to ‘mitigate the risks arising from

legislation permits, the 100mm closed depth facilitates an

persistent standing’.

increase in standing capacity on any row 800mm deep or

Ferco continues to work with clubs at all levels, to create

more, as already provided for by the Green Guide.

areas of seats incorporating barriers and to design seating

Ferco worked with Scottish football club, Celtic, in 2016

solutions, which enhance safety and maximise return of

to successfully introduce an almost 3,000-capacity safe

investment.

standing section and, a year later, Shrewsbury Town

The company is also responsible for providing seats for

Football Club and their Supporters Parliament crowdfunded

projects as diverse as the London 2012 Aquatic Centre, all

the first rail seat installation in England - a combination

seating at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and VIP seats at

of the all-metal RailSeat and the RailSeat ARC, which was

Headingley Cricket Ground.

BRAND: Ferco | WEBSITE: www.fercoseating.com 101

WE THINK YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THE PERFECT MATCH UK SPORTS & VENUES SUMMIT will take place at the London Stadium on the 21st November 2019 & weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love you to join us!

With an exciting line-up of events and competitions coming to the UK in the forthcoming years, this Summit takes an in-depth look at the challenges and complexities of running stadia and venues.

An excellent opportunity to get off the bench and get involved with key stakeholders and suppliers, share ideas and best practice, and understand upcoming procurement opportunities.

Find out more about the programme & speakers now! +44(0)20 77092350 summit@majoreventsint.com

08 EXTRA TIME

PRODUCT FOCUS

EVENT DIARY

104 Meyer Sound

113 Conferences & Exhibitions

105 TSL

106 Marshall Electronics

EXPO

FINAL WHISTLE

108 World Football Summit & Industry Awards

114 Bas Schatner, Freelance Marketing Intelligence Consultant & Digital Analyst, TMG

112 Host City 2019

Meyer Sound | ULTRA-X40 eyer Sound has recently began shipping the most innovative redesign of its point source loudspeakers since the introduction of selfpowered systems more than two decades ago. Designated ULTRA-X40, the new loudspeaker series features a concentric driver configuration, new amplifier and processor technologies drawn from the LEO Family of line array loudspeakers, a rotatable horn, an extraordinary power-to-size/ weight ratio, and a wide selection of versatile rigging options.

These features contribute to making the ULTRA-X40 ideal for distributed sports applications. The need for distributed sound systems in stadiums continues to be the best solution for syncing sound and video as advertisements and talking heads are shown on the ever-growing video displays being installed into large-scale sporting venues. This was something that was taken into consideration from the outset of the design process of ULTRA-X40.

The mechanical design, breadth of accessories and the ability to field-rotate the horn allow for the product to be installed vertically or horizontally into a distributed system, providing high intelligibly for spoken word and commentary, while also packing the power necessary for music. Full weather protection and custom colour finishes make ULTRA-X40 a fit for stadiums as well.

Drawing from the proven design approach of the LEO Family loudspeakers, the ULTRA-X40 employs a concentric driver configuration with dual eight-inch neodymium magnet cone drivers coupled to a low-mid waveguide surrounding the single three-inch diaphragm high frequency compression driver. The 110° x 50° Constant-Q high frequency horn is easily field rotatable and working in concert with the concentric design it ensures that the full bandwidth coverage pattern will be uniform with either horizontal or vertical orientation.

The ULTRA-X40 also incorporates a newly designed and

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highly efficient three-channel class D amplifier that produces a total peak output power of 1950W with very low power consumption thanks to its highly efficient design. The new amplifier design also contributes to a total system weight of 55 pounds (25 kg), a reduction of more than 20 pounds relative to the UPA-1P. Preliminary performance specifications include an operating frequency range of 60Hz to 18kHz, with linear peak SPL of 130.5dB measured with M-Noise, free-field at four-metres and referred to one-metre. Highly refined signal processing with advanced phase alignment methods results in phase response of ± 45° from 100Hz to 16kHz. Another variant in the ULTRA-X40 family, the ULTRA-X42, offers the same performance but with the coverage pattern defined by a narrower 60° x 50° Constant-Q high frequency horn.

The rear-panel features a female XLR three-pin input connector with a male loop output. The optional RMS remote system monitoring module provides comprehensive monitoring of loudspeaker parameters from a host computer running Compass software. In addition, the optional XLR five-pin connectors version of the input board accommodates both balanced audio and RMS signals. AC line power is furnished via loop-through powerCON 20 connectors.

Housed in a premium multi-ply birch enclosure with textured finish, ULTRA-X40 loudspeakers measure 12.51-inches (318mm) wide, 22.31-inches (567mm) high and 14-inches (356mm) deep. An integral handle for portable applications is standard, but it may be quickly removed for permanent installation.

Flexible mounting and rigging is facilitated by 11 integral M8 points as well as an integral 35mm pole mount receptacle with an M20 threaded insert socket for added stability.

www.meyersound.com

EXTRA TIME

TSL | SAM-Q-SDI he SAM-Q-SDI is the first audio monitor to realise the benefits of TSLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new SAM-Q audio platform, designed to provide a new approach to audio monitoring. SAM-Q users, regardless of their audio knowledge, can finally choose how they wish to control and visualise their audio content based on application, environment or personal preference. Key features that differentiate the SAM-Q platform from traditional audio monitoring solutions on the market include, customisable system behaviour and expandable capabilities with optional software licenses.

The SAM-Q-SDI demonstrates exactly how customers can maximise operational efficiency and reduce operational error by simply choosing their preferred method of interaction. SAM-QSDI customers can add MADI functionality at any time, enabling SDI, AES, analogue and MADI sources to be monitored and mixed simultaneously.

SAM-Qâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agile approach to audio monitoring, has been designed to address customers changing technical requirements, and help future-proof their investment.

Also new to the SAM-Q line is the addition of new modes of operation that go beyond those operator-focused modes with which the platform initially launched. The SAM-Q is the first

T

audio monitoring platform of its kind with the ability to expand its functionality based on the requirements and preferences of the user. Especially beneficial for sound engineers who need to accurately measure and guarantee audio delivery. These new modes will include audio phase measurement, audio peak value and peak latch monitoring, as well as the ability to perform loudness measurement on multiple program sources.

Audio phase and peak value modes will be available as free of charge software upgrades, with customers able to purchase the loudness probe modes as a license option.

The SAM-Q platform is the only audio monitor that can be configured specifically to address the needs of different applications, skillsets and workflows. Using a PIN code, engineers and supervisors can restrict specific audio sources, operational modes and front panel control functions to help speed up operation, reduce user error, and to meet the personal preference of operational staff. The SAM-Q, provides customers with both a flexible and powerful audio monitoring platform whose feature set can grow and adapt over time.

www.tslproducts.com 105

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Marshall Electronics | CV506 he Marshall CV506 full-HD miniature camera offers performance and flexibility, with simultaneous 3GSDI and HDMI options, and value in a tiny form factor. It is designed to capture detailed shots, while maintaining an ultra-discreet miniature point-ofview perspective. The CV506 offers a powerful professional video solution for users working across multiple broadcast applications. As a frontrunner of Marshall’s new line of point-ofview cameras and an upgrade to the popular Marshall CV505, the CV506 incorporates new technology including a sensor that is 30% larger for better picture, colour depth and low light performance, along with an improved housing design. Users will notice a true step-up in colour and clarity, as well as improved signal strength and ultra-low noise output.

The CV506 delivers ultra-crisp, clear progressive HD video up to 1920 x 1080p at 60/59/50 fps and interlaced 1920 x 1080i at 60/59.94/50 fps. With interchangeable lenses and remote adjustability for matching with other cameras, the CV506 can capture detailed shots, while maintaining an ultra-discreet point-of-view perspective without sacrificing versatility or convenience.

The CV506 offers all frame rates in one model. In addition, newly added stereo audio inputs and 23.98 fps for TV and cinema production is now standard on all models. The design of the CV506 demonstrates Marshall’s commitment to providing high-quality solutions for users calling for discreet yet powerful image capture capabilities. Measuring in at just a few inches, the CV506 allows for camera placements that many traditional broadcast cameras simply cannot offer. It features a new body

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style with locking I/O connections, and the addition of white clip and pedestal control, with remote image adjustment capability.

It is also field-upgradeable, as new firmware is released, for added value.

Performance-wise, the CV506 continues Marshall’s trend of providing impressive image quality. Featuring a next generation 2.5 megapixel sensor, the CV506 delivers ultra-crisp, clear progressive full-HD video. The CV506’s threaded M12 lens mount offers a wide range of prime and varifocal lens options, allowing users a versatile set of shot angles. The CV506 also comes with an impressive array of picture adjustment settings including white balance, gain control, white clip, exposure, gamma and more, all of which can be adjusted through an OSD menu joystick. Sporting full-sized BNC and HDMI outputs and a locking I/O power connection, its Hirose breakout cable triples as a power, control and stereo audio input port. The camera’s rear panel offers easy and reliable connections, while maintaining a concise housing unit.

The CV506 features industry-leading low power consumption and ultra-low light technology to offer the lowest noise ratio on the market today, allowing users to capture sharp, vivid colour images in all sorts of light conditions. It also offers focal length and field-of-view flexibility with interchangeable lenses, remote control over RS485, and the convenience of full-size 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI outputs to maintain broadcast-level standards for point-of-view camera applications.

www.marshall-usa.com

Europe’s Leading Premium Seat Conference & Exhibition:

ALSD INTERNATIONAL October 28-29, 2019 Croke Park Stadium • Dublin, Ireland

ALSD INTERNATIONAL - Europe’s one and only event dedicated to the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector - is coming to Croke Park Stadium, Europe’s third largest stadium, in Dublin, Ireland, this October 28-29.

This industry-leading event will see experts from across Europe and North America sharing insights on how to increase revenues through new builds, renovations and service expansions, as well as via the latest F&B and technology offerings.

Benefit from two-days of unrivalled networking, knowledge-sharing and business opportunities for just €800 / £700 / $900.

Contact Katie McIntyre at: katie@alsd.com to discuss delegation rates, plus exhibitor, speaker and sponsor opportunities.

Michele Kajiwara SVP, Premium Sales and Service STAPLES Center/ AEG

Steve Sayer Vice President & General Manager The O2 London/AEG Europe

Nathan Kosky Vice President, UK AEG Global Partnerships

Jonas Dijan Venue Manager Stade de France

Marie Smyth, Suite & Hospitality Manager Croke Park

Ros Robinson Head of Club Wembley Development The FA

Presented by:

I N T E R N AT I O N A L Leading the Premium Seat Industry Since 1990

For more information and to register, go to ALSDInternational.com

Brian Mahony Head of Commercial & Marketing Connacht Rugby

Andy Price Head of Commercial - Arenas NEC Group

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WORLD FOOTBALL SUMMIT & INDUSTRY AWARDS T

he fourth edition of World Football Summit (WFS) once again turned Madrid, Spain into the capital city of the football industry and confirmed WFS as an international reference for the global football

business.

Held from the 24th to 25th September 2019, the event brought together over 150 speakers and 2,000 attendees from more than 100 different countries, making it the biggest to date.

More than 200 journalists from all over the world covered over 45 panels, key notes and conferences, as well as five specialist workshops.

The industry’s hottest topics, such as the plans to transform European competitions, the new media and broadcasting

landscape created by the emerging new technologies, the challenge of digital transformation and internationalisation, the growth of football in North America, the blooming of the women’s game and the latest strategies to increase fan engagement through digital tools we’re all discussed by some of the industry’s leading decision makers.

Teatro Goya’s Main Stage was packed to hear from leaders such as Peter Moore, CEO of Liverpool; Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético de Madrid; Ronaldo Nazario, President of Real Valladolid; Javier Tebas, President of LaLiga and Charlie Marshall, Managing Director for ECA, some of the staring names in the lineup.

Many other panels sparked interest among the attendees 109

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resulting in very interesting debates over the two days. Both speakers and attendees agreed that the game and the industry are experiencing a crucial moment in time for the industry - one that is both very challenging in many aspects, but, at the same time, full of opportunities that can positively change the game and surrounding industry.

As well as the WFS Summit, the third WFS Industry Awards were held on the first evening. The Industry Awards rewarded the work done by professionals in the football industry who, beyond the 90 minutes of the game, have contributed significantly to make the sport a real economic engine. The event is to recognise the achievements of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading venues, managers, agencies, sponsors, press, associations and NGOs. Overall, there were an incredible 100 candidacies from 35 different countries.

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As part of the Industry Awards, MONDO | STADIA was delighted to present the Best Venue Award to the impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium. MONDO | STADIA was part of the judging panel, too tasked with the tough decision based on strong candidacies from Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stadium and the National Soccer Hall of Fame, as well as the eventual winning venue.

From the awards through to the conferences, WFS 2019 was a huge success, offering a platform for the industry to meet, discuss and learn. And there will be more opportunities, too, with the first WFS Africa to be held in Durban from 11th to the 12th February 2020 and the second edition of WFS Asia in Kuala Lumpur from 1st to the 2nd July 2020.

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HOST CITY 2019 L

eading venue operators, regulators and experts share some thoughts ahead of their participation in Host City 2019, under the conference theme: Innovate; Reformulate; Co-Create.

John Langford, COO, AEG Europe “I’m delighted to be joining the Host City conference in Glasgow this year. This is a great opportunity to share my thoughts on the industry and meet fellow representatives of sports, business and cultural events from across the globe. I look forward to discussing the challenges of hosting major event at our venues as well as discovering new opportunities and learning from industry leaders.

“There are a number of important considerations venue planners should bear in mind to maximise commercial opportunities around entertainment facilities.

“Firstly: know your market. Understanding consumer needs allows venues to match their capabilities with the expectations of customers. Providing a product and service that customers want is the foundation upon which volume and margins can be maximised.

“Secondly: flexibility. Entertainment venues cater for multiple different audiences. Every night, our arenas see a different crowd from the night before. Facilities need to be able to flex from champagne at Andrea Bocelli to burgers and beer at ZZ Top - and everything else you can imagine in between.

“Thirdly: adaptability. Customer expectations change over time, particularly as new generations spend more in the entertainment sector. Flexibility in spaces, premium experiences, food and beverage options, access and add-ons all mean that venues need to adapt quickly to market changes.”

David Tunnicliffe, Commercial Director, GL events UK “Host City will bring together excellent people for open, frank discussions that will allow us to share experience and best practice. The event combines a formal daytime structure with a more relaxed evening format, meaning there will be plenty of opportunity to network with new and existing contacts.

“Are venue owners fully informed of the opportunities available to them in terms of temporary infrastructure? Yes and no this really depends on the venue, as well as the culture and approach of its team. General awareness can be an issue; while some venues can be so focussed on their permanent USPs, or under so much pressure to deliver prices-per-head, that they

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overlook the many exciting creative possibilities presented to them by temporary infrastructure.

“Other venues - Hampton Court Palace is an excellent example, frequently innovate; enhancing and adapting their offering with temporary infrastructure and overlay.

“At GL events we’re no stranger to all kinds of requests and the possibilities for venues are endless. We’ve created entire temporary venues to support refurbishment works, as well as creating everything from additional kitchens to ballrooms, reception spaces and exhibitions on behalf of all kinds of venue.

Temporary swimming pools, ice-rinks, cinemas… working with venues is a great opportunity for event infrastructure suppliers to showcase their creativity.”

Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate, Sports Ground Safety Authority “A pressing concern for organisers is what we call ‘Zone Ex’ the area outside the stadium that spectators must pass through when arriving or leaving an event. Stadium and event operators can no longer think about the stadium in isolation. When considering safety, the sum of all parts is critical to creating as safe an environment as possible for everyone at the ground.

“We’re looking forward to attending Host City 2019 to discuss this and other safety issues with colleagues from across Europe.”

Cyril De Greve Managing Director, European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA) “We’re expecting more and more from stadium management today. Besides a range of new threats (terror, drones, cyberattacks), it is not only delivering a safe and secure event; people are looking for unforgettable experiences. Training staff to deliver these experiences is definitely a challenge, as well as the demand for a more multifunctional use of the venues.

“Our aim at Host City 2019 is to share knowledge, expertise and exchange best practice with all delegates linked to the stadium industry.”

Host City 2019 takes place in Glasgow on 26-27 November, organised with support from EventScotland. For more information visit www.hostcity.com

EVENT DIARY 2019/20

ALSD International 28th - 29th October, Dublin, Ireland www.alsdinternational.com

ESSMA Summit 21st - 22nd January, Budapest, Hungary www.essmasummit.eu

The Stadium Business Summit 21st - 22nd April, Manchester, England www.stadiumbusinesssummit.com

Coliseum Summit MENA 30th - 31st October, Abu Dhabi, UAE www.coliseum-online.com

WFS Africa 11th - 12th February, Durban, South Africa africa.worldfootballsummit.com

Coliseum APAC May 2020, Beijing, China www.coliseum-online.com

FSB 5th - 8th November, Cologne, Germany www.fsb-cologne.com

Integrated Systems Europe 11th - 14th February, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.iseurope.org

Football Innovation Forum 29th May, Istanbul, Turkey fif.worldfootballsummit.com

UK Sports & Venues Summit 21st November, London, England www.majoreventsinternational.com

MONDO | STADIA presents AGORA 13th February, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.mondostadia-agora.com

International Sports Convention 17th - 18th June, London, England www.internationalsportsconvention.com

The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit 25th - 27th November, London, England www.stadiumdesignsummit.com

Coliseum Summit Europe 25th - 26th March, London, England www.coliseum-online.com

WFS Asia 1st - 2nd July, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia asia.worldfootballsummit.com

FutureSPORT 26th November, London, England www.svgeurope.org Host City 26th - 27th November, Glasgow, Scotland www.hostcity.com

Prolight+Sound 31st March - 3rd April, Frankfurt, Germany www.pls.messefrankfurt.com NAB Show 18th - 22nd April, Las Vegas, USA www.nabshow.com

08 FULL TIME

Who? Bas Schnater.

Job title?

Freelance Marketing Intelligence Consultant & Digital Analyst, TMG. Favourite stadium or sporting venue?

Johan Cruijff ArenA. Why? I like the innovative mindset the arena has and its drive for sustainability. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been one of the first stadiums in The Netherlands to adopt Wi-Fi, light shows and hologram imagery. The stadium actively seeks collaboration with companies and services in the surrounding area.

Life motto?

Shoot for the stars and land on the moon.

F1_stadia_ad_Aug2018.pdf

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