Live Nation, Oak View Group & GL events Developing New São Paulo Arena
São Paulo Mayor, Ricardo Nunes, has announced that the city will be welcoming a new 20,000 capacity arena, developed through the partnership of Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company; Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries; and GL events, a world-class provider of integrated solutions and services for events, who was awarded a 30-year lease by the City of São Paulo for the Anhembi campus (4 million square feet). The state-of-the-art ARENA SÃO PAULO will host live events including concerts, sports games, family entertainment, and more, and will be located within São Paulo’s premier entertainment destination, the ANHEMBI DISTRICT, which is already well-known for hosting the Carnival parade, among other events.
As part of the development agreement, Anhembi will emerge as São Paulo’s newest district, revitalising the fabric of the surrounding community. The ARENA SÃO PAULO announcement marks the beginning of the re-development of the whole ANHEMBI DISTRICT, which will include a large program of real estate investments. Anhembi will be transformed into a global benchmark for events, featuring the indoor arena, a cultural boulevard, an exhibition center, and São Paulo’s first next-generation international convention center. The agreement marks the most significant step towards the modernization of the complex in its 50-year history. As a result of the redevelopment, the complex will generate cash flows of approximately 5 billion of Brazilian Reais of economic benefit for the city and local businesses and become one of the main engines to increase the São Paulo economy.
At the same time, this development creates a historic opportunity for São Paulo, the fourth largest city in the world and the wealthiest economy in Latin America, to continue maximising its prominence as one of the world’s top destinations for concerts, sports, e-sports, family events, exhibitions, and conventions.
"Today is a historic day for our city because we are starting the implementation of the Arena São Paulo, a project leaded by the three best companies in the world in their industry. We are going to build the best arena in Latin America. It will be a major achievement for the city of São Paulo and for the world,” said Ricardo Nunes.
In addition to developing the venue, Live Nation and Oak View Group will be the operators of the facility and will oversee event bookings. Live Nation is focused on featuring both international and domestic artists at the city’s future premier large entertainment venue, ARENA SÃO PAULO. Live Nation has an important presence in Brazil hosting major festivals such as Lollapalooza and Rock in Rio, while also promoting local and international tours.
“As the leader in live, we’re excited to be expanding our footprint in Latin America by creating a world-class arena in São Paulo. This new venue will add to our portfolio of 200+ venues worldwide and we are proud to contribute to the growth of São Paulo as a live music hub and international touring destination,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment.
The Arena is designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler, is expected to break ground in 2022 and open in 2024. Using international benchmarks from arenas developed by Oak View Group in Seattle, New York, California, and Manchester, UK, SÃO PAULO ARENA will contain innovative features including environmental sustainability programs, VIP seating, hospitality lounges, diverse food & beverage offerings, and premium acoustic technology.
Tim Leiweke, CEO of OVG, commented: “We’re honoured to include São Paulo in our global portfolio of entertainment destinations and look forward to working with GL events and Live Nation Entertainment to transform ANHEMBI DISTRICT into the largest entertainment destination in Latin America.”
“GL events is a leading global player and Brazil’s largest operator in the events sector. We are excited to partner with OVG and Live Nation Entertainment, two global entertainment leaders to invest in ARENA SÃO PAULO. Entertainment is a major component of ANHEMBI DISTRICT. We look forward to capturing synergies between ARENA SÃO PAULO and our network of venues, including Rio de Janeiro’s Jeunesse Arena,” said Olivier Ginon, Founder and Chairman of GL events.
Team Talk: Jon Darch, Ferco Seating
With safe standing trials going ahead in the UK, Jon Darch of Ferco Seating discusses the impact for stadium operators and architects moving forward.
Read more below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst20_digitallr/6
Eddie Thomas: Pro Media Audio Video EU
Eddie Thomas, Managing Director at Pro Media Audio Video EU (PMAV-EU), spoke to MONDO | STADIA to discuss his extensive career, which has seen him work on a whole host of stadium and sporting venues, as well as his most recent venture - the exciting launch of PMAV-EU.
Read the full interview below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst20_digitallr/20
HPP Architects-Designed Europa-Park Stadium Completed
The Europa-Park Stadium, designed by HPP Architects for its client Stadion Freiburg Objektträger GmbH & Co. (SFG), was created as the home venue of SC Freiburg. Work on the site, with an area of approx. 44,300 m², has been in full swing since 2018 – now the completed stadium has been filled with life for the first time. The venue was officially opened on 7 October 2021 with an opening ceremony followed by a friendly game against FC St. Pauli. On 16 October, the atmosphere in the stadium will reach fever pitch for the first time in a Bundesliga game against RB Leipzig.
"The new SC stadium is a wonderful fit for Freiburg and it suits the club perfectly. It is not only functional, but also convincing in terms of urban design and architecture. The stadium sits naturally between ‘Wolfsbuck’, the airfield and the university where it is easily recognizable. It will be another centre of identification for the SC fans, and also for all citizens of Freiburg", summarises Freiburg's mayor responsible for the building authority, Prof. Dr. Martin Haag. SC Freiburg took the decision to create a new stadium some years ago in order to remain competitive over the long term and further establish itself in the Bundesliga. In a consultation process in 2017 the general contractor Köster GmbH and HPP Architekten GmbH won the commission for realisation and planning of the new stadium.
The coherent and timeless elegance of the finished construction ensures that it blends seamlessly into the gentle topography of the Wolfswinkel in the west of Freiburg. Due to its proximity to the airport and the associated height limitation, the stadium is designed with flat orthogonal roof geometry, whilst external diagonal tension rods lend an unmistakable character. In response to the basic octagonal shape of the stadium’s interior, the main access points are situated at the corners, creating a dynamic effect and sense of identity. The architecture focuses on the essentials: clear structure, functionality and cost-effectiveness, but also above all on sensory experience with an abundance of openness and transparency. The Freiburg stadium unites a wide range of sports and non-sports event areas under one roof. The business, conference and event areas are designed in such a way that they can be operated independently during and outside the football matches. Sustainability was also given due consideration in the retrofitting of the whole roof with 15,000 m² photovoltaic panels. “The slightly raised aspect on an elevation suggests the motif of a place of pilgrimage – the stadium becomes an eye-catcher and attraction," explained HPP Senior Partner, Antonino Vultaggio.
Apart from using a clear architectural language, a shared experience for the fans was focused right from the start. A viewing gap between the upper and lower tiers makes it possible for fans to experience the interior of the stadium as soon as they enter. Through this permanent reference to the playing field, the surrounding promenade becomes a place for the public to linger and engage with one another - before, after and during the game. The promenade offers everyone - whether walking or sitting in a wheelchair - an equal stadium experience. Also the grandstands are arranged in such a way that the spectators can enjoy a perfect view of the pitch from any direction and immerse themselves in the roiling atmosphere. In the south, the promenade principle gives way to the fan wall: “Here, a continuous tier from the base all the way up to the roof provides space for up to 8.700 standing spectators to celebrate and perform their tifos," said Antonino.
ESL Expands Gaming Studio Infrastructure with Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design have announced that esports specialist, ESL, has enhanced its production, tournament and studio complex, relying on multiple ATEM Constellation switchers and Universal Videohub for content production.
Located in Katowice, Poland, the world class facility incorporates four new control rooms and three multipurpose halls, including ESL’s existing arena space, with video equipment delivered by WAMM Video Solutions. Head of engineering, Krzysztof Pawlus, explains that flexibility was the key element when designing the production workflow and control infrastructure.
“We produce a huge variety of live events, including ESL branded formats and white label content for other tournaments or events. With that in mind, the entire workflow is reconfigurable to meet those needs and demands,” he explained. “The entire facility is fiber connected. Each interconnected control room has a 288x288 router with 24 fiber in and out, as well as a bank of SDI cards for converting PC desktop signals to SDI. Essentially, we can distribute any incoming source to anywhere in the facility, depending on the production’s requirements.”
Featuring greenscreen virtual production capabilities, the halls are equipped to host a wide range of events, including space able to accommodate up to 64 PUBG mobile players. As with many other live event producers, ESL has had to adapt to incorporating multiple remote sources.
“Recently most of the talent has been remote, and we also have to ensure the production teams continue to stay safe. We’ve also made sure the studio infrastructure can bring in external sources alongside signals from the studio floor, without any latency issues,” Krzysztof explained. “It’s imperative that our streams are accurate and put our audience at the heart of the action.”
Content is vision mixed on a variety of ATEM switchers installed throughout the complex. The largest control room has been furnished with an ATEM Constellation 8K switcher, which has been deployed across several high profile events, including the Gamers without Borders charity tournament, where dual language programs were delivered simultaneously. All productions are delivered in 1080p 59.94 and streamed to Twitch and YouTube or via live video cloud to other platforms, as clients require.
The new studio facilities will allow ESL to expand its range of events, and enable the team to innovate further in its content production.
SIDEKICK Officially Patented In Europe
SIDEKICK USA, manufacturer of the revolutionary turf installation machine, announced today that its award-winning* apparatus is officially patented in Europe. The Sidekick installer – the only one of its kind – will now be fully protected throughout Europe in addition to numerous other patents around the world.
“This patent is a massive step forward for Sidekick,” said Paul Carlson, Founder and CEO of SIDEKICK USA LLC. “By protecting our invention, we have ensured that we truly are a one-of-kind product that European stadia and contractors will look to for fast and seamless turf installation – with a playing surface that is not only safer than alternatives but immediately ready for play as well.”
Through its patented design, the Sidekick is optimised to gently push turf together during the installation process. Without the proper tool both natural and hybrid turf installations are extremely challenging. This is due to cuts of turf being approximately six centimeteres thick, over one meter wide, and can weigh up to 97 kilograms per square meter. The Sidekick is an advancement from the crude methods – such as pulling the sod by hand with rakes – used by installation crews, often resulting in exposed seams or tears, which can pose serious injury risks to athletes.
The Sidekick mechanises and streamlines the installation process, speeding it up considerably. This also frees up turf management teams to focus on other important areas of the install. Prior to the Sidekick, a full field replacement could take upwards of three full days of backbreaking labor. Now, the entire process typically takes only one day with the Sidekick, and with far less physical effort. After completion, the field can be ready to use the same day. This also allows for more activities on the field - including sporting events and concerts - to take place.
Sidekick is the official equipment and partner of Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, as well as distribution partners with John Deere, STEC Equipment, and HG Turf Group. It is also responsible for aiding turf installations at over 17 stadiums in the National Football League, such as Allegiant Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Levi’s Stadium - including Super Bowl 50. Additionally, Sidekick has been utilised for both natural and hybrid turf installations around the world including Austrialia, New Zealand, Israel, and Japan – most recently at Yokohama International Stadium and the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. It has also been used in a number of stadiums in Qatar leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Pixotope Utilised for Shanghai Media Group Technical Center's EURO 2020 Coverage
Shanghai Media Group Technical Center (SMT) enhanced the viewing experience of millions of soccer fans across China during its live broadcast of EURO 2020, generating 11 CG recreations of iconic European landmarks. Transporting viewers to the heart of the action across key European cities was made possible with the power of Pixotope and UE4. The software was also used to create engaging, on-screen augmented reality graphics during presenter segments.
The landmarks themselves were all initially designed in the Unreal Engine before being imported into Pixotope to be finalised and then broadcast live across China. To provide an all-encompassing overview of the European Championship, SMT created one scaled-down map of Europe, highlighting key landmarks that included London’s Tower Bridge, Rome’s Colosseum, Munich’s Frauenkirche, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, uniting the content with engaging viewing.
European soccer has become a huge spectacle for fans across Asia, with millions passionately supporting their chosen team across multiple championships, including the Premier League. Utilizing Pixotope’s next-level real-time graphics, SMT brought viewers closer to the action than ever before thanks to exciting visual additions to broadcasted content.
Engaging on-screen entertainment
In addition to the CG landmarks, the Shanghai Media Group Technical Center also created expansive, on-screen AR graphics that filled the presenter’s studio space. These graphics integrated the landmarks relevant by location, beaming them into the match being broadcasted and played in the background, with a mixture of grass and other textures covering the studio floor to simulate standing on the pitch.
With viewership in its millions, Pixotope’s AR technology also extended advertising opportunities, enabling sponsors to create visual offerings of products that presenters interacted with during the broadcast. For example, a digital recreation of a Volvo XC60 SUV – generated using Pixotope – was animated to rise out of the floor and be displayed on a 360-degree turntable during various segments of the coverage.
Lihua Gu. Director of SMT Mix Reality Studio said: “This was our first experience utilising all aspects of Pixotope for broadcasting delivery. Pixotope is very convenient, the producers don’t need to master too many additional skills and can instead focus on the creative, with the software accurately producing the effect that the designer wants. Any issues we encountered during production were solved by Pixotope’s engineers, with some even traveling to our location to ensure everything worked correctly and offer that next level of personalised service”.
Marcus B. Brodersen, CEO at Pixotope said: “Real-time augmented reality provides exciting opportunities to broadcasters covering live sports to engage with viewers in unique and creative ways. SMT’s production of EURO 2020 has shown that Pixotope and the Unreal Engine can be used to help bridge international viewership during global sporting events by capturing the unique aesthetic qualities of different locations and cultures. As the demand for European soccer continues to rise in Asia, these sorts of broadcast applications will become increasingly important to viewers wanting real and immersive experiences in multiple locations.”
Electro-Voice Launches MTS Series Loudspeaker Systems for Stadiums
Electro-Voice is expanding its portfolio of sound solutions for stadiums and sports venues with the global introduction of the MTS series of full-range, high-output, long-throw, point-source loudspeaker systems. Each MTS model is equipped with four 15" woofers and dual coaxial mid/high frequency compression drivers. The system is capable of generating more than 151 dB peak SPL with exact directivity for very-long-throw applications.
MTS represents a truly holistic approach to loudspeaker design. Loudspeaker geometry, complementary amplifier matching, and digital processing are computer-optimised to ensure precisely distributed SPL that remains balanced and controlled throughout the entire coverage area – even at full output. Four slot-loaded, high efficiency low-frequency drivers are symmetrically coupled to the same full-range waveguide as the compression drivers to create a true point-source with substantial bass response, eliminating the need for additional subwoofers in many applications.
The MTS series includes sixteen unique models. These are based on two standard three-way configurations (MTS-4153) with 60° x 40° or 40° x 30° coverage, and two cardioid configurations (MTS-6154) that provide the same coverage patterns with enhanced low-frequency directional control. The 60° x 40° models can deliver extremely high SPLs: 151 dB peak (music) and 154 dB peak (speech) down to 55 Hz at -10 dB; the 40 x 30 models are capable of 152 dB peak (music) and 155 dB peak (speech) down to 50 Hz at -10 dB. Each version is available with black or white finish, and each is available in a partially weatherized (PW) version for sheltered use or in a fully weatherised (FW) version for full exposure to the elements. All MTS loudspeakers have an IP55 rating, indicating that they are highly impervious to dust and water ingress.
The MTS series leverages EV’s engineering resources as part of the Bosch Group. The loudspeakers were designed using exclusive High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters, running proprietary modelling software designed by EV engineers. The engineering team iterated hundreds of FEA simulations to achieve ideal system performance. This work led to new EV technologies, including the dual lossless Hydra waveform converter that that drives a large constant directivity waveguide with a coherent arc source, ensuring pattern control to below 350 Hz.
The launch of MTS brings an evolution of EV’s pioneering manifold loudspeaker technology and MH horn technology to advanced levels of audio performance. Manifold technology describes a method for acoustically combining the output of multiple transducers. EV pioneered this approach decades ago for high-frequency compression drivers and has refined the technology for both the coaxial compression drivers and the low-frequency drivers in these speakers.
MTS is engineered for use with amplification and processing from Dynacord as part of a SONICUE-driven hardware/software ecosystem, for cost-effective and energy-efficient system design with unique performance optimisation and system protection features. Proprietary speaker settings and limiter functions ensure exceptional performance with long-term reliability at extremely high output levels. A complete package of design files is provided for advanced acoustical and mechanical system simulation in venues. Electro-Voice PREVIEW Loudspeaker Software is the fastest and most accurate way to create acoustic designs with MTS, including those that augment the full-range MTS models with the recommended X12i-128 dual-18” subwoofer.
While line array solutions have become more common in stadium installations over the past few years, they are not always the ideal solution. For example, broadband vertical control and high output can only be achieved with a greater overall array height. These longer arrays require correspondingly more amplifier channels and can interfere with sightlines. MTS reliably provides precise coverage control in both the horizontal and the vertical aspects, without sacrificing sound quality or SPL. Typically, an MTS installation will involve fewer cable runs, lower installed weight, less complex rigging, and fewer amplifier channels for equivalent performance. This positions MTS as a go-to solution, providing the highest possible value to the customer.
With every detail geared towards addressing the most demanding requirements of consultants, integrators and installers specialising in large performance venues – ranging from school football fields and regional arenas to the largest international stadiums – MTS brings to bear its stunning acoustic performance with superior control, coverage and clarity, setting the next standard in stadium sound.
Maidenhead United Drives Development of New Smart Stadium
Maidenhead United has formed a new partnership with IoT and smart city operator Connexin to digitally enhance the football club through innovative technologies to build its new smart stadium.
The collaboration sees Connexin act as Maidenhead United’s technology consultant, providing the club with both immediate and long-term digital solutions to elevate its offering. Connexin will play a key role in the development of the club’s new stadium, helping to create a digitally advanced arena for the team, fans and the wider community.
Furqan Alamgir, CEO of Connexin, said: “Maidenhead United is a progressive organisation that is constantly looking to innovate and harness new technologies, which is why we are so excited to be partnering with the club as it goes on its digital journey.
“Through providing our expertise and understanding of smart technologies, we hope to help Maidenhead United become a leading digital football club and create a new stadium that benefits everyone, from the team to businesses and the people of Maidenhead.”
The stadium, which will be built near Braywick Leisure Centre, will include conference spaces for businesses, a work and wellbeing centre, and provide cutting edge facilities for local sports and athletics clubs to meet and train. The partnership will also bring added benefits to Maidenhead United fans, including increased seating capacity and parking that is currently unavailable at York Road.
Jon Adams, CEO of Maidenhead United, said: “We are delighted to work with such a forward-thinking, creative, adaptive business on our exciting future to embrace technology. As a football club, it is vital to provide our supporters, partners and community with state-of-the-art facilities that enable growth of engagement and opportunity.”
Digital capabilities that will feature at the new ground include smart metering, improved digital ticketing systems, improved CCTV operations and fibre connectivity, creating a sustainable and advanced stadium harnessing the latest technologies. Connexin is also currently streamlining Maidenhead United’s online services, bringing its multiple websites under one platform.
College of the Holy Cross Arenas to be Provided with New Daktronics Displays
Continuing a partnership with College of the Holy Cross, Daktronics (NASDAQ-DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota, is providing new LED video displays inside the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex on campus in Worcester, Massachusetts. A total of nine new LED displays will be installed this fall for Crusaders fans to enjoy.
“Creating a dynamic in-game atmosphere for our student-athletes and fans is a huge priority for us,” said College of the Holy Cross Director of Athletics Marcus Blossom. “This new technology, which is part of several enhancements to the game-day experience, will also provide support for new and improved campus programming and other event opportunities within the Luth Athletic Complex. I am excited to see our entire community experience these additions as they return to campus to support our student-athletes in person.”
Hart Center Arena
For basketball and other event held at Hart Center Arena, three end wall LED video displays, four LED ribbon displays, four court-side LED scorers tables and four fixed-digit scoreboards.
At the East end of the arena, a main video display will measure approximately 8 feet high by 38 feet wide. At the West end, two video displays will each measure 8 feet high by 15 feet wide. Along the seating fascia, four ribbon displays will each measure 2.5 feet high by 16.5 feet long. All of these displays will feature 5.9-millimeter pixel spacings to bring crisp, clear imagery to fans in every seat.
On the court level, a four-panel LED scorer’s tables will be delivered. Each will measure approximately 2 feet high by 9 feet wide and featuring 6-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver supplemental content and information in conjunction with the main displays.
Hart Center Rink
To support hockey games and other event, Hart Center Rink will receive two end wall video displays and two fixed-digit scoreboards. The video displays will measure approximately 10 feet high by 18 feet wide and will feature 5.9-millimeter pixel spacing. One will be installed on the North end and one will be installed on the South end to provide a complete viewing experience to everyone in the rink.
“Following the successful installation of the video display system at Fitton Field on campus of The College of the Holy Cross, Daktronics is proud to provide full colour display systems for the Hart Center Arena and Hart Center Rink at the Luth Athletic Complex,” said Peter Dunkle, Daktronics sales representative. “The fan experience at these venues will be amplified with new displays on both ends of the gymnasium floor and both ends of the ice rink. An integrated central control system will allow the Holy Cross presentation team seamless content presentations in both facilities concurrently. We are thankful to work with the great team at Holy Cross as they continue to provide their students, faculty and alumni with a great event atmosphere for years to come.”
The end wall video displays being installed are capable of variable content zoning allowing each to show one large image to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.
The fixed-digit scoreboards provide consistent game information for basketball and hockey, including score, time remaining, period or quarter, and other critical statistics that help fans follow the game.
The Crusaders will also receive a content package to accompany the installation. This content will be created and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services.