CLIENT
VenuesLive
LOCATION
Sydney, Australia
YEAR
2013
PROJECT TYPE
Installation – Stadium Audio System Upgrade
Scope
Design, procurement, project management, and commissioning of a full stadium PA system
Services Provided
- →Loudspeaker system design and modelling
- →Audio control system design
- →Procurement strategy and evaluation
- →Mechanical and architectural integration
- →Listening tests and system verification
- →Project management and commissioning support
The Brief
Auditoria were commissioned to lead the comprehensive upgrade of the front-of-house PA system at ANZ Stadium, originally constructed for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. With a seating capacity of over 83,000, the stadium plays host to a diverse mix of events, from major sporting fixtures to concerts and ceremonies, each demanding excellent intelligibility and consistent coverage from the house sound system.
The client sought to replace the ageing audio infrastructure with a modern solution that would not only meet the expectations of today’s audiences and hirers, but also offer operational flexibility and technical longevity.
The Challenge
Delivering uniform, high-quality sound across a stadium of this scale is never straightforward, but in this case, the brief was further complicated by several key constraints:
- The existing roof structure imposed strict weight limits, limiting suspension options for loudspeaker arrays
- The project had to be implemented without interrupting the venue’s event schedule, requiring a carefully phased installation plan
- The new system needed to be adaptable for various event modes, from sold-out football matches to smaller-scale community or corporate events
- The solution had to future-proof the venue by raising the bar in terms of audio performance within the Australian stadia landscape
Our Approach
Our process began with a series of acoustic simulations, generating 18 initial designs which were rigorously tested, refined, and narrowed down to a shortlist of three. These finalists were then evaluated through a live listening trial inside the stadium, using temporarily installed arrays to assess real-world performance.
During listening tests, to address the roof load limitations, we devised a truss system to land each array within the seating bowl when not in use, relieving the roof load and allowing pairs of arrays to be evaluated separately. Subjective tests were conducted with one array of each design for rapid comparison and confident decision-making.
Once the design was finalised, our work moved into coordination and integration, supplying full 3D mechanical models to architects and engineers using AutoCAD, Revit and SolidWorks, ensuring alignment across disciplines and smoother on-site installation.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System
- Final design selected from 18 alternatives after on-site evaluation
- Custom ground support used for listening trials due to roof loading limits
- Phased installation to maintain stadium operations throughout the works
- Amplifier and speaker systems installed quadrant by quadrant over four weeks
Control & Signal Infrastructure
- Flexible zoning and muting options to suit different event scales
- Intuitive system interface providing comprehensive status overview
- Fully digital signal path from input to amplification
Mechanical Integration
- Coordinated 3D design using SolidWorks and Revit
- Full system designed for integration with existing architectural and structural frameworks
The Results
The new PA system at ANZ Stadium was hailed by the client as “the best in Australia.” For many events, it has eliminated the need for supplementary audio hire, providing a cost advantage and reducing complexity for event organisers.
Operationally, the system offers flexibility and control unmatched by the previous solution, with intuitive zoning and monitoring features allowing technical teams to adapt quickly to different crowd sizes and event types.
The installation was delivered on time, within the four-week programme, and with minimal disruption to the stadium calendar, an achievement made possible through close collaboration with the venue team and installation partner.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Thank you to Simon Davies and Daryl Kerry at VenuesLive for entrusting us with this landmark project and for their support throughout the process. The upgrade was prompted by the desire to dramatically improve audio quality and create a world-class experience for all who visit ANZ Stadium.
Our Team
Led by Scott Willsallen and Luis Miranda, who collaborated closely from initial design through to final commissioning. Their attention to detail and shared commitment to excellence ensured the system delivered on every level.
Our Integrator
Installation was carried out by Sydney-based specialists The PA People, who expertly delivered the works across four quadrants in just four weeks, an exceptional achievement given the scale and complexity of the project.
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