Carter Finlay Stadium

The Carter-Finley Stadium required a modern audio system that could handle the scope of needs, as the previous system was outdated, unreliable, and unable to provide the sound clarity and control necessary. As the university embarked on a major scoreboard renovation, it was clear that the sound system required an equally significant overhaul.

Allen & Heath played an important role in both the technology and services of the audio system replacement project, assisting the integrator (Precision Audio, based in Raleigh, NC) in design, implementation, and support of the school’s illustrious facility.

At the heart of the new sound system is Allen & Heath’s AHM-64 audio matrix processor, which handles the distribution, tuning, and control of the stadium’s PA system. This includes audio not only for the field and main seating areas but also for concourses, suites, clubs, lobbies, elevators, and more. Five strategically placed CC-10 touch panels run Allen & Heath’s Custom Control software, allowing localised and system-wide control accessible to both technical staff and non-expert users like coaches and game-day staff.

Carter‑Finley Stadium faced significant audio challenges that drove a full system overhaul. The stadium’s existing sound setup was outdated and unreliable, and it could no longer deliver the clarity, control, or coverage needed for the range of events hosted there—including high‑energy Division I football games, graduations, and large‑scale gatherings. The old system lacked the modern processing and flexible control essential for consistent intelligibility across the stadium’s expansive 57,000‑seat space, leading to an overall sub‑par audio experience for both fans and staff.

With a major scoreboard renovation underway, the university took the opportunity to reconsider its entire public‑address infrastructure. They commissioned Raleigh‑based Precision Audio to design and implement a state‑of‑the‑art audio system, with support from Allen & Heath’s product specialists to ensure both performance and usability were maximised.

At the centre of the solution was the Allen & Heath AHM‑64 audio matrix processor, which became the hub for distributing, tuning, and controlling all stadium audio zones—from the field and main seating areas to concourses, suites, clubs, lobbies, and even elevators. This modern matrix provided precise routing and processing, overcoming the old system’s limitations by allowing tailored sound distribution and improved signal management.

To give localised and system‑wide control—accessible even to non‑technical staff—five strategically placed CC‑10 touch panels running Allen & Heath’s Custom Control software were installed. This enabled simple volume and source adjustments without affecting overall system integrity.

Several Dante‑enabled DT164 and DT168 I/O expanders provided numerous remote inputs across the field, while four DX012 expanders fed distributed loudspeakers. Alongside these, an Allen & Heath dLive mixing system handled live event mixing, integrating DJ feeds, referee and host mics, and PA announcers.

Finally, the system allows different audience areas to select preferred audio feeds—such as live mix or local radio—boosting flexibility and delivering a consistently enhanced listening experience that resolved the stadium’s prior shortcomings.

The Carter‑Finley Stadium audio overhaul is a standout example of innovation, precision, and audience-focused design, making it a prime candidate for a MONDO-DR Award.

The stadium previously struggled with an aging, unreliable system that offered inconsistent coverage, poor intelligibility, and limited flexibility across its 57,000-seat venue. This project transformed the stadium’s sound experience, delivering clarity, control, and versatility for every event, from high-energy football games to graduations and live shows.

Central to the upgrade is the Allen & Heath AHM‑64 audio matrix processor, providing complete command over multiple zones, including main seating areas, concourses, suites, and even elevators. Dante-enabled I/O expanders integrated a wide range of inputs—from PA announcers and referee mics to DJs and live mixes—while dLive mixing systems ensured high-fidelity output. Five CC‑10 touch panels give non-technical staff intuitive, on-the-fly control, combining cutting-edge technology with ease of operation.

The project also prioritises audience experience: fans can enjoy consistent, clear audio throughout the stadium, with the flexibility to select localised feeds. The system’s modular design ensures scalability and adaptability, future-proofing the venue for upcoming technological needs.

By merging technical sophistication, operational accessibility, and fan-centric innovation, the Carter‑Finley upgrade sets a new benchmark for stadium audio systems. It elevates live experiences while demonstrating foresight, precision, and creativity—the very qualities celebrated by the MONDO-DR Awards. This project doesn’t just solve problems; it redefines what large-venue sound can achieve.