CLIENT
Jack Morton Public Events
LOCATION
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
YEAR
2006
PROJECT TYPE
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Scope
Stadium sound system design and show control support for large-scale ceremonies
Services Provided
- →Stadium loudspeaker system design
- →Signal distribution design
- →Replay and show control integration
- →Systems engineering support
The Brief
Auditoria were engaged by Jack Morton Public Events to design the audio systems for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, staged at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The ceremonies brought together large-scale performance, music and broadcast production for one of Australia’s largest sporting events. The audio system needed to support the stadium audience while also providing a stable platform for the ceremony soundtrack and live performance elements.
Given the scale of the MCG, the system design focused on achieving even coverage across the venue while supporting the demands of a broadcast-driven show.
The Challenge
From a technical perspective the project followed the typical challenges of large stadium ceremony work rather than introducing any unusual design constraints.
One moment during the preparation period did create a practical problem. Heavy rain left the field of play covered with several inches of water shortly before the opening ceremony. This meant loudspeakers positioned on the field had to be lifted clear to prevent them becoming waterlogged while the production team waited for conditions to improve.
The primary task remained delivering a system capable of supporting the scale of the venue and the musical requirements of the show.
Our Approach
The loudspeaker system combined L-Acoustics KUDO arrays with EAW and NEXO elements to provide coverage across the stadium and support the ceremony performance areas.
Yamaha mixing consoles formed the control environment, with Optocore handling signal distribution throughout the system. Lake processors provided system control and loudspeaker management, while Pyramix replay systems supported the ceremony soundtrack and timecode playback.
The system was designed to operate reliably across rehearsals and the live events while accommodating the large performance area at the centre of the stadium.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
L-Acoustics KUDO line array loudspeakers
EAW KF730 loudspeakers
NEXO PS15 loudspeakers
Yamaha consoles
Optocore signal distribution network
Lake signal processors
Show Control
Pyramix replay system
The Results
The opening and closing ceremonies were delivered successfully at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, supporting both the live audience and the international broadcast.
The audio system operated consistently across rehearsals and performances, delivering coverage across one of the largest stadium venues used for a Commonwealth Games ceremony.
The project formed part of a series of large-scale ceremony productions that helped establish working methods and technical approaches used in later stadium events.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Jack Morton Public Events
Our Team
Scott Willsallen – Audio Designer
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