Principality Stadium

Llanelli-based PAI Group/Vaughan Sound has completed the design and installation of a new NEXO sound system at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Home to Welsh rugby, the 74,500-seat venue is one of just two European sports stadiums with a fully retractable roof and joins a growing number of national stadiums standardising on NEXO sound that already includes the Stade de France in Paris and Croke Park in Dublin.

“We’ve been involved in maintaining and upgrading the original system at the stadium for many years, and welcomed the opportunity to propose a new system which would both enhance the match day experience for fans and keep them safe with the clear intelligibility and uniform coverage of every seat necessary for effective public address and voice alarm functions,” commented PAI Project Manager Stuart Williams.

Designed in conjunction with the NEXO Engineering Support team and drawing on NEXO line array and point source technology, the main system at Principality Stadium comprises 18 arrays of 8 x NEXO GEO S1230 with 10 banks of 3 x L18 subs and a delay line of 32 x NEXO P12 and 12 x NEXO P10 speakers. Pitch coverage is provided by a further 4 arrays of 4 x GEO S1230 each, with under balconies on level 3 covered by 44 x NEXO P8s and VIP hospitality boxes around the stadium covered by 75 x NEXO ID24s.

A total of 41 x NEXO NXAMPMk2 powered TD Controllers are spread across 6 amplifier rooms with a fibre ring connecting Dante™ and Q-LAN distribution networks, with remote control and monitoring from NEXO’s NeMo app together with system control and matrix routing from Q-SYS Core 610 processors. The Baldwin Boxall VIGIL3 integrates seamlessly for PAVA announcements and external sources are bridged into the system at locations including pitch side, the video studio and at the stadium bowl access area known as the Dragon’s Mouth.

“Anyone that’s been to a rugby international at Principality Stadium will know all about the unrivalled atmosphere created by Welsh supporters” stated Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager.

“The addition of a clear and powerful new NEXO sound system will enhance our renowned stadium experience, as well as helping keep the crowd safe throughout all of our world-class events, from major concerts to sporting events.

“Alongside the clarity of the sound, what’s particularly impressive is the coverage; from the back of every seating tier to the hospitality boxes and lounges, every seat in the stadium will get to experience the same outstanding sound this new system provides.”

Speaking on behalf of NEXO, Sales and Marketing Director Gareth Collyer said: “The team at PAI/Vaughan Sound has done a great job at Principality Stadium, and it’s good to see yet another national stadium choosing NEXO sound to ensure crowd safety and enhance the experience for fans.”