CLIENT
Fredon Technologies
LOCATION
Western Sydney, Australia
YEAR
2019
PROJECT TYPE
New Stadium Construction
Scope
Complete audio system design and commissioning for a new 30,000-seat stadium
Services Provided
- →Loudspeaker system design and simulation
- →Venue-wide acoustical modelling
- →Commissioning and system tuning
- →Operational interface design
- →Event overlay consultancy
The Brief
Bankwest Stadium, now commercially known as CommBank Stadium, was a landmark development in Western Sydney, delivering a purpose-built, fan-first venue for rugby league, football and entertainment events.
As part of the construction programme, Auditoria was appointed to design a high-performance audio system capable of delivering clear speech and powerful music across the full seating bowl, concourses and hospitality zones. The audio solution had to reflect the stadium’s contemporary architecture, ensure full coverage and intelligibility, and support a wide range of sporting and event formats.
The Challenge
New stadium builds come with a unique set of challenges: from working alongside multiple design and build contractors to ensuring that technology integration meets future operational needs. At Bankwest Stadium, the brief called for clarity, coverage and flexibility in a venue with a reverberant, reflective structure and tight construction deadlines.
In parallel, the client needed a simple, intuitive control interface that would allow operators to adapt the sound system quickly between events, whether for a high-capacity match day or a community event with broadcast overlays.
Our Approach
Our design process began with extensive computer modelling, incorporating the architectural geometry and acoustical surfaces into detailed simulations. These helped us to evaluate system performance across the full seating bowl and inform loudspeaker placement, aiming for optimal intelligibility, uniform coverage and minimal spill or echo.
The system design went through several iterations to achieve the performance targets set during the construction brief. As always, our goal was to create a sound system that balanced high-impact music playback with crystal-clear speech reproduction, a critical requirement for modern stadium environments.
Once installation was complete, we led a detailed commissioning and tuning programme. This final phase ensures every component is correctly calibrated, that the system meets expected performance across varied content types, and that the final result is precisely aligned with the intended audience experience.
Additional Event Overlay Support
Following the completion of the core system, the stadium operator, VenuesLive, brought us back in to advise on event-specific overlays. With our deep understanding of the venue’s acoustics, we were able to review and comment on temporary sound system proposals, particularly in relation to reflective surfaces like corporate suites and the giant LED screens at either end of the stadium.
Where needed, we recommended the addition of temporary acoustic treatment to mitigate the risk of echo and ensure a consistent patron experience during larger-scale, high-energy events.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System Design
- System scaled to support a 30,000-seat capacity with even, consistent coverage
- Loudspeaker placement designed to avoid hot spots and dead zones
- Optimised for music, media content and speech-based announcements
Commissioning and Optimisation
- Full system tuning and equalisation led by our team
- Balanced for typical event formats, with capability for future content variation
Event Overlay Consultancy
- Advised on temporary sound system configurations for major events
- Recommended treatment solutions for acoustically challenging surfaces
- Supported VenuesLive in engaging a suitable production services partner
Acoustic Design
Full 3D acoustic simulation of the seating bowl and internal zones
Iterative optimisation for sound pressure levels and intelligibility
Inclusion of acoustical surfaces in simulations to reflect real-world conditions
Show Control Design
Custom operator control interface for simple adjustments
Designed for adaptability depending on attendance, broadcast requirements and event type
System includes flexible presets to support quick transitions between use cases
The Results
Bankwest Stadium launched to widespread acclaim, with its immersive, fan-focused atmosphere setting a new benchmark for mid-sized stadiums in Australia. The sound system was praised for its clarity and presence, enhancing everything from team entrances and match commentary to post-goal celebrations and live content.
The venue continues to benefit from an audio system that is resilient, intuitive to operate and finely tuned for both everyday and special event use. The combination of technical design, flexible control and high-quality commissioning has ensured that sound plays a central role in the stadium’s game day experience.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
We were engaged by Nick Orsatti from Fredon Technologies to design and commissioning the loudspeaker system. Since then we have worked with VenuesLive to appoint a production services contractor.
Our Team
Luis and Scott worked on the initial design concepts for the stadium in conjunction with the architect and engineering team. Luis ran the project for us and Scott joined for the commissioning in early 2019.
Our Integrator
Cameron Mitchell was the project manager for Fredon. Peter Kubow was the sound systems engineer for the project. The entire Fredon Technologies team made this installation possible in a very tight time frame.
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