DHA Sports Club Revamps its Stadium Audio System
KYAF Corporation recently outfitted DHA Sports Club with a new complete HARMAN Professional Solutions sound system to provide an immersive audio experience on the field and in the stands.
Located in the heart of Karachi, DHA Sports Club is a state-of-the-art sports facility managed by renowned Pakistani cricket legend Moin Khan. As part of the facility’s mission to provide a place for young Pakistani athletes to develop their talents in a supportive environment, DHA Sports Club hired KYAF Corporation to upgrade their sound system with modern audio solutions. After careful consideration, KYAF Corporation and DHA Sports Club selected a complete HARMAN sound reinforcement system comprised of JBL Professional
speakers, Crown amplifiers and AKG microphones.
“DHA Sports Club asked us to provide a high-quality audio system that would complement their beautiful sports facility and provide great coverage,” said Ahmed Bawaney, KYAF Corporation. “After we demonstrated the quality and performance of the HARMAN audio system, they gave us the green light to install all HARMAN Professional gear. We faced a few challenges during the installation—namely, the left side of the stadium is blocked by an apartment building, posing a potential for harmful reflections. In addition, the unusual
architecture of the stadium posed challenges in the rigging of the speakers. The flexibility and clarity of the JBL speakers helped us overcome these challenges to provide perfectly clear sound throughout the stadium.“
To ensure premium audio quality and coverage throughout the facility’s stadium, KYAF installed eight JBL AWC82 all-weather compact speakers. In addition to being highly weather-resistant for use during all seasons, DHA Sports Club’s new AWC82 speakers provide extraordinary clarity for announcements and extended frequency response for powerful music playback. KYAF also included four JBL EON 615 portable PA speakers
as on-field fills to ensure announcements and music can be heard by players on the field.
KYAF used Crown XLi 2,500 amplifiers to provide rugged and reliable power to the JBL speaker system. In order to ensure maximum intelligibility and vocal sound quality for announcements, the KYAF team completed DHA Sports Club’s sound system with AKG WMS470 wireless handheld microphones and CGN521 STS tabletop microphones.
“Our HARMAN Professional audio system is the first of its kind in Pakistan—other stadiums are still using antiquated horn-type speakers for announcements only,” said spokesperson of DHA Sports Club. “We wanted to set a new standard for sound quality in sports stadiums, and the KYAF team helped us achieve that goal with a state-of-the-art system. The new HARMAN system gives our athletes and spectators a more immersive audio experience than they’re accustomed to.”
“It’s a privilege to be associated with an innovative sports and entertainment venue like DHA Sports Club,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We thank KYAF Corporation for providing excellent customer service, and for delivering a cutting-edge solution that adds energy to the field and delivers a larger-than-life experience for their fans.”
Renewed Vision Software Impresses Fans at University of Kentucky
A new dynamic, dual-LED display solution powered by Renewed Vision software is now driving all scores, player statistics, live video, and instant replays for women’s sports at Memorial Coliseum, home of the Kentucky Wildcats NCAA women’s basketball team. Formetco Sports, the systems integration division of LED display maker Formetco, Inc, managed the custom design and integration of the end-to-end systems inside the gymnasium on the campus of University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Formetco Sports installed Renewed Vision’s ProPresenter Scoreboard and PVP3 multi-screen media server software to drive game-day displays on two new Formetco displays: A 60 x 30-ft Formetco LED video scoreboard, and a 3.5 x 100-ft ribbon board. The integrated Renewed Vision workflow interoperates with existing control hardware and software, including Stat Crew, a scoring and statistics application from CBS. The Renewed Vision workflow also utilises NDI IP video networking to deliver multiple video and data signals from a single network interface, and eliminate multiple SDI components and cabling from the infrastructure.
“As replacements to older scoreboards and monitors that had reached end of life, our major, turnkey scoreboard upgrade dramatically enhances the fan experience for those attending these University of Kentucky women’s games,” said Todd Heller, Formetco’s Vice President of Digital Products. “What’s remarkable is how seamlessly and cost-effectively the Renewed Vision product suite works within the university’s existing video infrastructure to drive content to our displays.”
The main LED video scoreboard—a massive video wall filling one side of the gym—primarily receives live video feeds and instant replays from a production switcher and instant replay systems in the existing control room. PVP3 arranges each display into zones earmarked for certain content, such as advertising, game stats, and crowd prompts like “Great Play,” “Match Point,” or “Ace.” With strict rules prohibiting the display of moving video during game play, the PVP3 user interface adds value by allowing operators to switch from moving to still imagery with a single click.
The ribbon board, which runs 100 feet along a wall opposed of the main LED video scoreboard, primarily displays statistics and scores for women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics.
Montana State University Improves Visual Experience with Daktronics
When Montana State University Bobcat fans returned to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman, Montana, they were greeted by a new LED video board configuration designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. The installation took place this fall to bring new visual elements to Bobcats basketball games and other events.
“We are committed to delivering a first-class experience for all fans that enter our facilities,” said Leon Costello, Montana State University’s director of athletics. “Our partnership with Daktronics has greatly enhanced the game-day atmosphere and in-venue experience by providing high-definition video and digital elements on our new centerhung LED displays.”
The two sideline-facing video boards each measure approximately 9.5 feet high by 23 wide and the end-facing video boards measure 9.5 feet high by 11.5 feet wide. All four displays feature six-millimetre line spacing to provide crisp, clear imagery with wide angle visibility to appeal to every seat in the arena.
“This installation brings a great new view to every event held at inside Brick Breeden Fieldhouse,” said Brady Jacobsen, Daktronics regional manager. “It allows for greater detail and many ways to brand the university’s events. We’re proud to partner with them on this project and look forward to these displays having a positive impact for years to come.”
The displays can each show one large image. Each can also be divided into multiple zones to share any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.
Shot clocks, game clocks, locker room clocks and backboard light strips were also included in the installations to prepare the venue for basketball games and other events.
Pearce Hire Becomes Contractor for Major UK Arena
East of England Arena Events Centre (EEAEC) has recently confirmed a strengthened collaboration with Pearce Hire for their busy arena and events centre.
The EEAEC is one of the UK’s top event venues, hosting well over 300 events, conferences and meetings a year. This multi-purpose events complex serves the East of England and boasts over 9,000 square metres of indoor space and over 250 acres of outside space. With significant and ongoing investment in the venue and its infrastructure, the venue has appointed Pearce Hire as a preferred contractor working throughout the complex.
This is a new step for Pearce Hire – who have never had the status of ‘preferred contractor’ at a major exhibition and event venue before, but they are relishing the opportunity.
“With our HQ based in Peterborough we are ideally placed geographically to offer an outstanding level of service and support to the venue, to the organisers putting on events at the venue, and to the exhibitors at all the major trade and consumer exhibitions which take place here throughout the year,” observed Shaun Pearce, Managing Director, Pearce Hire.
“Having provided services for many years to the EEAEC, we are familiar with the venue, and understand the requirements of many of their regular event organisers coming through the doors year on year. We are delighted to have now stepped onto a more significant footing and to be linked more closely with the venue. This means there is an excellent opportunity to expand our service offer and to enhance our pre-existing commitments to supply even more exceptional production services to new and existing customers. It is going to be an exciting and busy year.”
Jason Lunn, Venue Director for EEAEC expanded. “Pearce Hire and EEAEC share the same goal to provide the best services possible to our customers. We consider Pearce Hire’s overall production services to be a faultless and wide-ranging offer. We note with pride that the touring productions which come into our venue always rate them very highly.”
Pearce Hire will work alongside other preferred contractors at EEAEC, including Hawk Audio Visual with whom they already have a close and collaborative working relationship. This new appointment will serve to strengthen their existing relationship which will benefit the venue and the event organisers who put on events at the EEAEC.
Pearce Hire have confirmed they are looking to increase their project management team with a Project Manager with a specific remit to serve the EEAEC contract. Shaun explained that “it makes sense to have a dedicated project manager focussed on the EEAEC relationship. Being an official contractor for the venue brings our services to the fore. It means we are well placed to offer the best resources and services to the exhibitions, events, conferences, awards dinners and outdoor events which take place at the EEAEC. We are looking forward to working alongside the event management team at EEAEC to provide even better services in the future.”
Jason concluded that “with Pearce Hire’s long standing knowledge of the venue, the venue systems and what is achievable at the venue they are well placed to guide our customers. We trust them implicitly – and that is important in this industry.”
Audiotek Delivers Primetime Sound with JBL Professional
ATK Audiotek has selected JBL Professional’s VTX A12 and A8 line array speakers to deliver premium live sound reinforcement for upcoming primetime events, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Grammy Music Awards Ceremony and the Screen Actors Guild Award Show.
ATK Audiotek specialises in providing audio systems for live television shows and major events like The Voice, Jimmy Kimmy Live!, the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and more. They also have a thriving integration business, and install audio systems for some of the world’s leading tech and retail companies. In order to raise the bar from previous successful Super Bowl and Grammy Awards shows, ATK plans to deliver premium audio quality at these upcoming major events with industry-leading JBL VTX Series A12 and A8 line array speakers.
“The VTX A12 is the best speaker JBL has ever made, and it plays a significant role in our current inventory,” said Michael MacDonald, President, ATK Audiotek. “Two of the most important aspects of a speaker’s performance are coverage and a flat response. The A12 is consistently excellent in both of these areas. We’ve added 192 A12 speakers to our inventory since the 2018 Grammy Awards, and they’ve been warmly welcomed by our engineers and technical staff.”
ATK is currently installing and fine-tuning every aspect of the sound systems to be used at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Super Bowl, one of the most ubiquitous entertainment events in the world. The VTX A12’s ease of deployment plays a huge role in enabling the ATK team to quickly deploy the speakers on and off the field for the highly anticipated Halftime Show featuring Maroon 5, Big Boi and Travis Scott.
“The Super Bowl is an interesting production—everything people hear from the time they enter the venue is under our control, including the Halftime Show,” said MacDonald. “We have A12s loaded on carts to roll out on the field for the Halftime Show, and NFL groundskeepers are very happy that the carts won’t damage the field’s playing condition thanks to the speaker’s lightweight and compact design. Also, we don’t want to block fans’ field of vision. We achieve less obtrusive sight lines with the A12s so that the speaker stacks don’t interfere with views from the lower bowl seats.”
In addition to the Super Bowl Halftime Show, ATK Audiotek will also rely exclusively on VTX A12 speakers to provide premium full-range sound reinforcement for the Grammy Awards on February 10 at the Staples Center.
“When we’re doing a show like the Grammys in an arena, we need a very powerful and precise sledgehammer to do the job,” said MacDonald. “We need a lot of volume to compete with room noise, and we have a huge audience we need to cover. The A12 is excellent in that regard for its predictable pattern control, which helps us provide excellent coverage without feedback.”
ATK recently supplied a VTX A8-based sound reinforcement system for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which took place on January 29 at the intimate Shrine Auditorium. The A8’s ultra-compact design and exceptionally flat response helped the ATK team deliver superior clarity and coverage, providing maximum gain-before- feedback in the acoustically-challenging ballroom.
“A show like the Screen Actors Guild Awards requires a lot of finesse, because it’s in a smaller room and the PA is much closer to the audience,” said MacDonald. “The VTX A8 speakers are both high-powered and compact, with significantly more balanced output and better pattern control than other speakers we’ve used in the past. Another benefit of using the A8s is we save the show producers a bunch of valuable theater space by using less subwoofers.”
HARMAN for Hertfordshire School's Sports and Performing Arts Venue
After a series of investments to secure its future as one of Hertfordshire’s leading independent schools, Kingshott School in Hitchin approached Prime Audio Visual and Lighting Solutions to provide a comprehensive, yet flexible solution for their newly constructed sports hall facility. This can also be converted into a 450-seat performance venue with full live sound, stage lighting, projection and back of house theatrical show relay systems.
Drawing from their wealth of experience in designing bespoke systems for theatre and live performance venues across multiple sectors, the team at Prime AVLS were able to incorporate a number of key features which allowed for easy switching between day to day use of the system for assemblies or sports lessons and full scale sound and lighting for school productions, music concerts and presentation evenings which require a greater degree of control. For their audio requirements they turned exclusively to the HARMAN brand portfolio, distributed in the UK and Ireland by Sound Technology Ltd.
While the need for the roof structure to accommodate a complex network of sports nets and tracks provided challenges with regard to the lighting—two truss positions were agreed with consultants Ball Hall and main contractor Evers Construction—the audio system posed no such difficulties, and now offers the school tremendous versatility.
Constructed around a fixed format BSS Soundweb BLU-100 backbone, it allows a near infinite number of presets and parameters to be pre-programmed and then recalled by the school staff using the dedicated Contrio control panels located around the building. Prime AVLS have used Soundweb London devices on projects for many years and it consistently proves to be a flexible and reliable solution. In addition, Soundweb has also been utilised to allow AV control and routing with the 18K laser projector.
Another challenge for the team was achieving consistent audio coverage across the 25-metre wide span of bleacher seating without resorting to having a large number of point source boxes on each truss. Due to their wide dispersion and selectable vertical coverage, three pairs of JBL CBT 70J-1s were specified, one pair on each lighting truss and one pair installed on the front wall for use during assemblies. Their controllable directivity minimises the amount of sound being fired at the hard surfaces in the hall. In addition a pair of JBL PRX 18” subwoofers were incorporated to allow reproduction of the lower sub-bass frequencies, which can be rolled out and plugged in as required.
At the design stage of the project the school indicated that having a dedicated control room that could also be used to carry out tuition and training would be essential in allowing students to participate. As such, a large room on the first floor has been created to allow optimal visibility of the stage as well as housing all system equipment and control surfaces.
For front of house and monitor mixing a Soundcraft SI Impact console was specified because its relative ease of use and intuitive controls make it ideal for students to learn on. Audio signals can be patched from/to multiple custom facility panels located around the venue and in backstage areas using a dedicated patching system.
The lighting specification saw similar attention to detail and the final aspect of the project involved installing a number of backstage relay systems allowing effective communication between stage crew and actors, which would otherwise be difficult in a building of this size. A venue-wide show relay and paging system was installed with speakers across eight zones, and dedicated paging mic positions built into the custom facility panels. In addition, a separate sound intercom system was provided for use by stage crew, and a full HD camera system was installed which can be relayed to monitors backstage over the CAT6 infrastructure.
In conclusion, staff from the school have commented how pleased they are with the finished solution, along with the professionalism of the team at Prime AVLS, with each aspect of the project exceeding their expectations.
All aspects of the system have been thought through in great detail, allowing for all possible performance scenarios. The equipment provided allows for exceptional results whilst also taking into consideration the sports requirements of the building, therefore fulfilling the brief of being a truly multi-purpose venue.
Chicago Wolves Go Rogue with Performance Lighting Chicago and CHAUVET
An air of excitement permeates the 17,000-capacity Allstate Arena every night when the Chicago Wolves take to the ice. Not only are fans pumped up to see their talented young American Hockey League team defend its divisional title, they’re also energised by a new twist that the Wolves have added to their pregame player introductions in their 25th anniversary season.
Providing a jolt of energy for fans and players alike before the puck drops is a dynamic, fast-moving lighting and pyro show that features CHAUVET Professional Rogue fixtures, supplied by Performance Lighting Chicago.
“My friend Mark Grega, owner of Strictly FX, called me to discuss adding a lighting effect to the pregame show that would energise the arena,” said Performance Lighting’s President, Russell Armentrout, who designed the lighting display. “After a few discussions with Mark, it was clear we needed an extremely bright compact light to achieve the desired look. Tragically, Mark passed away suddenly in early January, and this wound up being the last project we worked on together. He was a great friend, and his insightfulness was something that everyone who worked with him treasured. I will miss him greatly.”
With the intense (134,000 lux at 15 meters) output from its 231W Osram Sirius lamp, along with its compact size, the Rogue R2X Beam offered the combination that Russell wanted. “We knew what this fixture could do, not only in terms of its output, but also in terms of its performance features,” he said. “Plus, it was compact enough to make sense in this project.”
Performance Lighting Chicago installed 26 of the Rogue R2X Beams at the Allstate Arena, 13 on each side of the hockey rink’s long boards. From this position, the fixtures have to fill the entire rink with light during pregame ceremonies and special presentations, as well as after every Chicago Wolves goal is scored.
“The Rogues have to throw light 85 feet, and they fill the rink beautifully,” said Russell. “The team rented the Rogues for the entire season, and they’re thrilled with the performance of the fixtures.”
This enthusiasm stems not just from the output and throw distance of Rogue R2X Beam units, but also from the myriad looks the Wolves are able to create with the fixture. “This is about more than just lighting players on the ice,” said Russell. “The Rogues have to light a variety of activities. Also, the Wolves have a lot of fans who come again and again to their games. The team places a priority on varying looks to keep the fans excited.
“From a performance standpoint, the Rogues have several features that make it easy to get creative,” continued Russell. “For example, I really like the overlapping prisms and all the beam variations they give us, as well as all the different gobos we can create. The large crisp gobos show up for fans regardless of where they’re sitting. Plus, the Rogues can be focused down to one degree, which makes them great for aerial effects in the arena.”
Looking at the enthusiastic reception the new lighting has received from the team and its fans, Russell is reminded about how quickly this project had to come together. He recalls that he had only 72 hours “from the time the client pulled the trigger” until the lighting had to be up and running. Credit, he says, must go to his team: Installation Crew Chief Autumn Venezia; Installation Tech Sal Novello; Programmer Matt Graf; Operator Tyler Armentrout; and Operator Joe Kelzer. “Also a big shout-out to the local 2 IATSE house crew -- some of the best guys in the business!!” he added.
“Everyone involved in this project moved fast,” he said. Just like the players skating for the Chicago Wolves, and the team’s new moving light system.
Nico Riot Goes Nitro Crazy with GLP
The world-renowned Nitro Circus features Travis Pastrana and his friends travelling around the world riding dirt bikes, base jumping and performing stunts - and this has led the event onto several TV series, a 3D feature film and major arena tours.
GLP’s automated heads have featured on this production since the days when veteran Australian LD Francesco Calvi was specifying their fixtures. Current LD Nico Riot is another strong advocate of GLP. Incredibly he joined the tour in September 2018, at the same time as Matt Doherty - whom he served with on the Marilyn Manson tour - was about to join Nitro Circus for the US run. And the fact that the 40-strong troupe was seeking a new LD at the same time sounded the cue for Nico’s arrival.
The LD admits to having had no idea of what to expect. “Previous designs were working well, truss wise, so I kept the same rig plot and added the fixtures I needed,” he said. “After looking to create a new design, I realised that this was the only thing that would work for the show because of the constraints … and the fact that you have to work around tracks, cameras angles and video screens.”
His main challenge was that he needed to light the show for different perspectives simultaneously - the audience’s, the athletes’ and the cameras. “360 vision for everyone,” as he put it. “I try to avoid casting any shadows on the tracks for the athletes, and the same for the cameras. Plus the audience needs to see everything without being blinded.” And with massive ramps, trying to light everything from bottom to top and each side was a near impossibility.
Even by deploying 40 movers and 20 strobes pointing at the tracks, there was insufficient lighting for the cameras. Thus when production freed up extra budget for additional fixtures, specifically for the Facebook broadcast event, he immediately turned to GLP’s JDC1, knowing how effectively they would read to camera for the transmission.
“They played a massive role,” he admitted. “I knew that I would have the punch I needed to wash out a full arena, so on the European run I put 22 JDC's on the rig.” This included adding five JDC1s on each side, where the athletes are airborne, to give the cameras an extra boost. “My goal was to be brighter than the arenas’ working light. Basically the athletes needed to feel like its daylight in the arena when they’re doing tricks.”
He ran the JDC1’s in Mode3 (single pixel), explaining, “I didn't need pixel effects on that show. I was using the wash part to clean my looks on the tracks during the talking sections of the show and the strobe part with the duration at full for the stunts sections.”
For the earlier design, when budget permitted, he had deployed full X4 Bar 20 floor FX, set between the tracks and kickers, with Neg Earth taking care of the European lighting supply and Delicate Productions the vendors in the States.
In summary Nico Riot has certainly no regrets about swapping out all the previous strobes in the rig for the JDC1’s. “It allowed me to retain the strobing effects plus it gave me the brightness I needed for cameras purposes,” he stated. “And the wash was also a big plus, as it gave me three fixtures in one. Production was really happy with the result.”
Planning Permission Granted for the Redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands at Lord’s
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been granted full planning permission by Westminster City Council to construct two new three-tier stands to replace the existing Compton and Edrich Stands. The redevelopment of the stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground forms the second phase of the ground’s updated Masterplan.
The designs by double Stirling Prize winners WilkinsonEyre, who are responsible for the current refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed Battersea Power Station, will remain consistent with the overall architectural identity of Lord’s and the ‘village cricket green’ ethos, whilst working to improve the overall harmony of the north-east end of the ground. The plans include much needed upgraded amenities. There are currently no facilities within the existing stands, with poor sightlines in the lower tiers. The new designs include integrated catering and WC facilities, and vastly improved sightlines for the seats in the lower levels which will substantially improve the spectator experience. The seating capacity of the new stands will be increased by around 2,500, accommodating 11,500 spectators overall, which will enable MCC to better satisfy the demand for tickets from the general public, and there will also be wheelchair-accessible spaces as well as lift access at all levels.
Construction is due to commence after the completion of this summer’s major matches on 24th August 2019. The rapid-build design sequence has been developed to minimise interruption to match fixtures, with the new stands’ seats due to be ready for use during the 2020 season. Fully fitted-out facilities are scheduled to be completed for the summer of 2021. The stands are anticipated to cost in the region of £50m.
MCC Members will be asked to approve the plans at the Club’s AGM in May 2019. MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender said: “MCC is delighted to receive planning permission for the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands. We are excited to be commencing another transformational development at Lord’s, and by raising the capacity to 31,000 we will be able to welcome more spectators to enjoy matches at the largest cricket ground in the country, here at the Home of Cricket. The redevelopment will be an outstanding addition delivering world-class facilities, ensuring that Lord’s remains the finest ground in the world to watch, and play cricket.”
Daktronics Provides Kent State University with Upgraded LED Video Boards
Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with Kent State University to provide new centre-hung LED video boards and a ribbon board to the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio. The installation was completed this fall to bring an improved experience to Golden Flashes fans this season.
“Enhancing our fan experience is a top priority and our new video board provides live action, replays and promotional elements that we haven’t had before,” said Joel Nielsen, Director of Athletics for Kent State University. “The video board and new audio system has taken our atmosphere to a whole new level and our fans have provided great feedback. We have enjoyed a great home court advantage over the years in the M.A.C. Center and this will only add to that tradition. I’d like to thank President Warren for her support, turning this goal into a reality.”
The centre-hung features four LED video boards. Two sideline-facing screens each measure 10.5 ft high by 19 ft wide while the end-facing screens measure 9.5 ft high by 16.5 ft wide. All four screens feature 6mm line spacing to provide crisp, clear imagery with wide angle visibility to appeal to every seat in the arena.
Along the seating fascia, a new ribbon board was installed. It measures 2.5 ft high by 70.5 ft long and features 10mm line spacing. This allows for supplemental information to the main displays and provides the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events while immersing fans in the game-day action.
“Kent State knew the positive effects of strong entertainment value for sports and their fans, and adding this technology was another step in achieving their goal,” said Daryl Mihal, Daktronics Regional Manager. “We worked closely with the school to create the right design for their venue and their goal of creating the desired game-day atmosphere. The results are fantastic and we’re thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this great project.”
The centre-hung video boards are capable of showing live and recorded video, game-day statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages. Each display can be divided into zones to show any combination of content listed above.
The project includes a fixed-digit basketball scoreboard to share all of the expected statistics for the sport, including score, game time, quarter, timeouts remaining and possession arrows. A custom audio control system was included with the installation to add to the functionality of the entire audiovisual system.