AMEX Stadium Upgrade – Probably The Best-Sounding Stadium in the UK

Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club undertook a major sound system upgrade at the AMEX Stadium, aiming to create the best-sounding stadium in the UK. The previous PA and voice alarm system, which had served the stadium since its opening, was primarily designed for safety and general announcements. While functional, it lacked the power, clarity, and coverage required for a modern matchday experience.

(See the stadium before the new L-Acoustics installation)

The club sought to install a world-class audio system that would enhance matchday atmosphere, fan engagement, and multi-use event capabilities, while also future-proofing the stadium for concerts, esports, and corporate events. The upgrade had to be completed within a tight two-month close-season window, adding further complexity to the project.

1. Tight Installation Schedule

With just two months to complete the installation, every element had to be planned with military precision. There was no room for delays, and all equipment, cabling, and rigging had to be in place and functional before the start of the new season. Multiple teams worked in parallel to meet this deadline, ensuring a seamless transition from the old system to the new one.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions

The project took place during a period of global supply chain disruptions, which affected the availability of amplifiers, processors, and networked audio components. To keep the project on track, Solotech implemented a strategic procurement plan, securing key equipment in advance and identifying alternative suppliers where necessary. This approach ensured that installation work could progress without delays.

3. Complex Stadium Design

Unlike traditional stadiums with a symmetrical bowl design, the AMEX Stadium has varying heights and levels across different stands. This presented a major challenge in achieving consistent sound distribution. To overcome this, Solotech carried out detailed acoustic modelling, using advanced digital simulation tools to fine-tune speaker placement and coverage.

4. Coastal Weather Conditions

Situated close to the coast, the stadium is constantly exposed to salt-laden air, which accelerates the corrosion of metal fixtures and wiring. To counteract this, stainless steel mounting hardware and weather-resistant cabling were used throughout the installation. Additionally, L-Acoustics weatherproof speakers were chosen to ensure long-term durability in the harsh coastal environment.

Solotech designed and installed a cutting-edge L-Acoustics sound system, ensuring the AMEX Stadium now has the best stadium audio in the UK.

1. High-Performance Loudspeakers & Subwoofers

–  L-Acoustics A15i Wide (121 units) & A15i Focus (33 units) – ‘Providing concert-grade clarity and sound pressure levels (SPLs).

–  KS21i Subwoofers (48 units) – Delivering deep bass reinforcement for immersive matchday experiences.

–  East Gantry A15 Loudspeakers (2 units) – Additional reinforcement for broadcast and commentary zones.

These elements ensure powerful, high-quality sound reproduction, making the stadium atmosphere more engaging and immersive.

2. Under-Balcony Audio Enhancement

–  L-Acoustics 5XT (37 units) & X8i (4 units) – Ensuring consistent speech intelligibility and music playback under covered seating areas.

–  North Event Control Under-Balcony 5XT Loudspeakers (3 units) – Improving audio coverage in key spectator zones.

By addressing under-balcony sound dispersion, the upgrade eliminated dead spots, ensuring every seat receives the same high-quality audio.

3. Advanced Stadium Audio Processing & Amplification

–  L-Acoustics LA7.16i Amplifiers – Providing high-power AES67 digital networking for low-latency audio distribution.

–  QSC Q-SYS DSP System – Enabling real-time audio control, monitoring, and zoning for seamless sound management.

–  Redundant DSP cores – Ensuring failover protection and compliance with PAVA standards.

These upgrades ensure the stadium sound system is fully networked and flexible.

4. Future-Proofed Infrastructure & Resilience

–  Bespoke rigging solutions to accommodate the asymmetrical stadium design.

–  Stainless steel fittings to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term durability.

–  Dual redundant audio networks with Cisco switches to guarantee reliability and uninterrupted operation.

By investing in high-quality components, the AMEX Stadium sound system is built to last and adapt to future expansions.

The AMEX Stadium now sets the gold standard for stadium sound systems in the UK, with benefits including:

1. Unrivalled Audio Quality

Crystal-clear speech intelligibility ensures fans hear every announcement with perfect clarity.

Concert-grade music performance enhances pre-match entertainment and half-time shows.

Powerful subwoofer reinforcement delivers deep bass, enriching crowd atmosphere and event audio.

2. Enhanced Matchday Experience

Clearer commentary, crowd engagement, and sponsor messaging.

Balanced sound distribution across all seating areas with no dead spots.

Custom tuning and precise calibration for optimal acoustic performance.

3. Multi-Purpose Venue Capabilities

Ready for concerts, esports tournaments, and corporate events.

Flexible audio routing enables tailored sound settings for different event types.

Expands the stadium’s ability to generate revenue beyond football matches.

4. Reliability & Longevity

Weather-resistant materials protect against harsh coastal conditions.

Advanced networked control system ensures easy monitoring and maintenance.

Future scalability allows the club to expand the system as needed.

Why This Case Study Matters for Stadium Audio Professionals

For stadium operators, AV consultants, and event venue managers, this project showcases the importance of high-quality stadium sound systems in creating a next-level fan experience.

The AMEX Stadium’s upgrade highlights best practices in stadium audio design, from speaker placement and DSP control to weatherproof installation and long-term resilience.