Coca-Cola Arena
Solotech Supplies Tour Grade Control Package for Coca-Cola Arena
Solotech has supplied a control package to the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai including DiGiCo consoles, microphones and RF and line systems all in a bespoke custom package.
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Coca Cola Arena is a multi purpose arena that first opened in 2019. The 17,000 capacity venue can be configured in an array of different seating modes including end-stage and in-the-round giving the flexibility to host large scale concerts, sporting events, shows and ceremonies.
In 2022 venue operator ASM Global decided to invest in a high end, rider friendly control package, available for the variety of artists and events who pass through the Coca Cola Arena.
Coca-Cola Arena in Images
Why Solotech?
ASM could have sourced much of the equipment from local suppliers, that would have been the most obvious thing to do, but they needed more. They didn’t need a supplier to simply provide a commoditised box sale, they needed someone to build them a complete tour grade package, one that also provided top notch after sales support. Aware of Solotech UK Group’s manufacturing and integration experience in the live market, the company were commissioned to supply the package.
DiGiCO Consoles
Solotech Senior Sales Executive, Mark Day, put the specification together centred around a DiGiCo Quantum 5 for Front of House and DiGiCo Quantum 338 for monitors. The package was a complete control system, to include everything from mains distribution to microphones and RF, from stage boxes to network infrastructure, all packaged in flightcases built in-house by Solotech.
Solotech’s manufacturing arm was key to the project. Not just for designing and building the flightcases needed, but also the line system and panel work required to make the system bespoke. A full stage mains system was manufactured, along with analogue multicores and patching systems.
The complete package was put together in the UK, utilising staff from across the group’s operation. The Live Productions team were called upon for configuration and build, ensuring the system complied with Solotech’s exacting standards found in the company’s own touring packages. The Coca Cola Arena sent over Luke Brooks from their technical team to assist with the build.
Solotech as a Technical Partner
Luke Brooks commented on the decision to choose Solotech: “When we deicided to make this investment we wanted a partnership with our supplier, not just a box sale. We’ve been able to draw on Solotech’s expertise, developed over many years in Live Touring, making the package as rider friendly as possible.”
“Then there’s the customer support, particularly after the system has been delivered. We know we can pick up the phone and tap into the company’s technical expertise with any issues we have. This was key to the decision to go with Solotech.”
Solotech UK Sales Director Ryan Thomas explained, “This is a perfect illustration of what sets Solotech apart. Our Sales team has worked hand in hand with all facets of our business to build a truly bespoke control package for a world leading entertainment venue. Any of our competitors could have supplied the equipment, but the client has opted for us because we have the skill and expertise to go that extra mile. The quality of the work is superb, and is a great asset for both the venue, as well as all the acts that pass through the venue.”
Coca Cola Arena Exterior Image by Nikosha Maria and reproduced under Creative CommonsAttribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
All other images by Luke Williams and Bob Scattergood.
