Futureproofing Audio for Compliance, Experience & Growth

Founded in 1879, Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) is one of England’s eighteen first-class county clubs. Based at Uptonsteel County Ground in Grace Road, Leicester, the club has a proud heritage and a strong connection to the local community. Over the years, LCCC has built a reputation for nurturing cricketing talent and delivering competitive performances across formats.

In recent years, the club has taken steps to modernize its infrastructure, aiming to enhance both matchday and non-matchday experiences. By upgrading facilities and embracing new technology, LCCC is committed to remaining a forward-thinking, multi-use venue at the heart of the East Midlands.

An Audio System at Breaking Point

Leicestershire County Cricket Club had been relying on an audio system installed nearly two decades ago. Over time, the limitations of the system became increasingly apparent. It was unable to provide localized audio control, didn’t support modern audio zoning requirements, and suffered from ongoing faults that were difficult and expensive to maintain. Crucially, the system no longer met updated UK evacuation and life safety standards—posing both a regulatory risk and a potential hazard to public safety.

As cricket grounds across the UK began modernizing in line with ECB guidance, the need to overhaul the system became urgent. With thousands of fans, staff, and guests visiting each year, the club recognized the necessity of delivering a safe, flexible, and high-quality audio experience. They needed more than a basic upgrade—they needed a complete redesign that could meet operational, commercial, and safety demands.

Intelligent Audio That Delivers More

RH Consulting, a leading authority in AV consultancy, was brought in to assess the situation and define a solution. With a focus on both regulatory compliance and long-term adaptability, RH Consulting devised a system that introduced full-site flexibility, intuitive control, and robust infrastructure.

Following a competitive tender process, Solotech was appointed as the integrator. Their reputation for delivering complex AV projects and their proactive site engagement were key factors in their selection.

Technical features included:

  –  Loudspeakers: Penton LBCs were selected for most areas, delivering clear and consistent sound. Atlas horns provided high-impact coverage across the pitch.

  –  Amplification and DSP: The backbone of the system is QSC amplification, controlled by a Q-SYS DSP, ensuring seamless audio management across all zones.

  –  Control Interface: Touchscreen controls allow staff to easily manage which areas receive announcements or music—whether it’s for a match day, a private function, or an emergency.

  –  Resilience: The system includes a secondary paging microphone and full UPS battery backup, ensuring continuity during power failures and emergencies.

Built to Last, Despite Global Delays

Although the project was signed off just as the COVID-19 pandemic struck, RH Consulting and Solotech remained committed to delivery. Progress was hampered by multiple challenges, including access restrictions during lockdowns and global shortages of core components. These delays tested both planning and logistics, but the team persevered.

Installation required meticulous cable routing across a deceptively large site. Although the stadium accommodates around 6,000 people, the layout is spread across multiple buildings and open spaces, making signal distribution and infrastructure planning more complex than many larger stadiums.

Solotech’s attention to detail and hands-on approach ensured that the project stayed on course, even in the face of global disruption. The system was completed and fully operational by June 2023, in time for the peak cricket season.

Compliance, Clarity & Commercial Opportunity

The new AV system delivers results far beyond regulatory compliance:

  –  Regulatory Assurance: The club now meets all current British Standards for public address and voice alarm systems.

  –  Spectator Experience: Clear, intelligible announcements make matchdays smoother and more engaging.

  –  Zoned Flexibility: Audio can be targeted to specific areas—hospitality boxes, fan zones, or staff-only zones—minimizing noise pollution and maximizing control.

  –  Commercial Use: Hospitality and event areas are now audio-ready, allowing the club to host non-matchday events without bringing in external audio hire.

  –  Remote Support: Solotech can remotely monitor and adjust the system, reducing downtime and support costs.

A Sound Investment in the Future

By working with RH Consulting and Solotech, Leicestershire County Cricket Club has taken a significant step forward—not just in safety and compliance, but in creating a better overall experience for everyone at the ground. The project is a blueprint for how small-to-medium venues can achieve world-class outcomes with the right partners and a clear vision.

The system now in place is robust, adaptable, and designed to support the club’s ambitions for years to come.