Stadium of Light

Sunderland AFC’s PA system upgrade was a strategic project focused on improving fan experience, safety, and venue versatility.

Installation Process
1. Assessment & Planning – Site surveys identified sound coverage issues, and a Bose Professional ArenaMatch system was chosen for even, high-quality audio.
2. System Design – Engineers modelled speaker placements for optimal coverage, integrating 38 Bose PSX4804D amplifiers and a PAVA emergency system by Ambient Systems.
3. Installation & Integration – 28 speaker arrays and 16 single units were installed, with amplifiers positioned in two control rooms.
4. Calibration & Testing – Sound engineers fine-tuned the system for various events, using Q-Sys control for flexible sound adjustments.

How Audiovisual Technology is Used
• Matchday Enhancement: Ensures clear announcements, music, and commentary with real-time adjustments.
• Concert-Ready Sound: The concert-grade system allows the stadium to host major live performances.
• Safety & Communication: PAVA system ensures clear emergency messages, controlled via Q-Sys.
• Multi-Purpose Events: Supports corporate events, esports, and community gatherings, maximizing venue usage.

Results & Impact
Even sound distribution – No more dead zones.
Concert-grade audio – Attracting high-profile events.
Better fan engagement – Immersive stadium atmosphere.
Enhanced safety – Clear emergency communication.
Increased revenue – More non-sporting events.

Sunderland AFC has transformed the Stadium of Light into a modern, commercially viable venue, offering top-tier audio experiences for sports fans, concertgoers, and event organisers alike.

The installation of the new PA system at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light presented several technical and logistical challenges, all of which were carefully managed by Solotech and Bose engineers.

1. Integrating New Technology with an Existing Infrastructure
• Challenge: The stadium’s original AV setup was outdated and not designed to accommodate modern, high-powered audio systems.
• Solution: Engineers conducted detailed acoustic modelling to determine optimal speaker placement while ensuring compatibility with existing wiring and power sources.

2. Ensuring Uniform Sound Coverage
• Challenge: The previous system suffered from uneven sound distribution, with some areas too loud and others barely audible.
• Solution: The team installed 28 ArenaMatch speaker arrays in carefully planned locations, calibrated using Q-Sys control to ensure balanced audio across all seating sections.

3. Working Within a Live Stadium Environment
• Challenge: Installation had to be completed without disrupting club operations, including training sessions and match preparations.
• Solution: The project was executed in phases, with non-intrusive work schedules and off-peak hour installations to avoid interfering with stadium activities.

4. Preparing for Multi-Purpose Use
• Challenge: The system needed to function seamlessly for football matches, concerts, and emergency situations.
• Solution: The Bose PA system was integrated with a PAVA (Public Address & Voice Alarm) system, ensuring it could handle both entertainment and critical announcements.

5. Managing Weather & Acoustic Challenges
• Challenge: Outdoor stadium acoustics and North East England’s harsh weather conditions posed risks to sound clarity and system longevity.
• Solution: Weather-resistant speaker arrays were installed, and engineers fine-tuned the system to compensate for wind and crowd noise.

By strategically addressing each challenge, Sunderland AFC now boasts a concert-grade, multi-functional sound system, making the Stadium of Light a premier venue for both sports and live events.

Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light AV upgrade is a game-changer in stadium sound systems, delivering concert-grade audio, enhanced fan experiences, and multi-event flexibility. This project stands out for its technical excellence, innovation, and impact.

1. Transforming Stadium Audio
For over 25 years, the stadium’s audio system lacked clarity, coverage, and versatility. Solotech and Bose designed and installed a world-class PA system, overcoming the challenge of an outdated infrastructure. The result is uniform, high-quality sound for football matches, concerts, and major events.

2. Innovative & Customised Integration
• 28 Bose ArenaMatch arrays and 38 amplifiers deliver consistent audio across all seating areas.
• Q-Sys integration allows real-time sound customisation for different events.
• PAVA system ensures emergency readiness, enhancing stadium safety.

3. Multi-Purpose Venue Evolution
This project future-proofs the stadium, allowing it to host high-profile concerts, corporate events, and community functions. The improved audio capabilities unlock new revenue streams, making the venue more commercially viable.

4. Overcoming Installation Challenges
• Working within an active stadium without disrupting matchday operations.
• Optimising sound for outdoor acoustics and adverse weather conditions.
• Seamlessly integrating new technology with the existing infrastructure.

5. Setting a Benchmark in Stadium AV
The Stadium of Light is now a top-tier entertainment venue in North East England. This installation showcases how advanced audio technology can transform a stadium into a multi-functional event space.

Winning a MONDO-DR Award would recognise this project’s technical excellence, innovation, and long-term impact, setting a new industry standard for stadium AV solutions.