A New Stadium PA System Unlocks New Opportunities

In 2024, Sunderland AFC, one of England’s most iconic football clubs, recognised a need to modernise and diversify their stadium’s PA system. The Stadium of Light, which opened in 1997, had not undergone any significant AV system upgrades since its inception. However, as the demands of modern sports venues have evolved, the club identified the need to enhance both their fan experience and the potential for additional revenue streams.

Prior to the upgrade, the Stadium of Light’s PA system was underperforming. The original setup, which had served the venue since its opening, lacked the quality and versatility needed for large-scale events. Sound clarity was also an issue, with many areas of the stadium suffering from uneven coverage. Additionally, the system was not “concert grade,” meaning that it was unable to meet the audio demands for performances outside of football matches.

This became especially relevant as many stadiums have begun hosting non-sporting events like concerts, where high-quality sound systems are essential. In a densely populated region that is underserved by local arenas and other stadia, there was a real commercial opportunity to be realised. They just needed a better system.

And so, they decided to contact Solotech.

BOSE & Solotech – The Ideal Solution

After looking at the amazing solutions that had been delivered at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, Sunderland turned to Solotech to address their stadium’s needs.

The primary focus was to install a system that could provide top-tier audio coverage throughout the venue, improve sound quality, that facilitated a wide range of events – not just on match day. After careful planning and consultation, the team decided to install a Bose Professional PA system.

The new system featured 28 arrays of Bose Professional Arena Match, each consisting of 5 or 4 boxes, along with 16 single units. To power the system, 38 Bose Professional PSX4804D amplifiers were deployed in two strategic positions around the stadium.

This setup provided much-needed power and clarity, ensuring that fans across the stadium could enjoy consistent, high-quality sound.

Additionally, Sunderland AFC implemented a PAVA system by Ambient Systems, running in parallel with the Bose PA system. This was crucial for safety and communication during large events, with the PAVA system ensuring clear and reliable announcements for emergency situations.

The entire AV infrastructure is managed through a custom designed Q-Sys interface, a control system that allows the stadium to fine-tune audio levels and direct sound precisely where it’s needed.

The upgrade delivered several key benefits to the Stadium of Light, both from a functional and financial perspective.

First and foremost, the sound quality across the stadium improved dramatically. With the new Bose PA system, the stadium now boasts high-quality, concert-grade sound, ensuring that fans enjoy a superior experience, whether they are attending a match, a concert, or any another event. The clear and powerful audio coverage is uniform across the stadium, addressing the uneven sound distribution issues of the past.

Secondly, the new system enables the stadium to host a broader range of events, including concerts and conferences. By diversifying the types of events that can be held, Sunderland AFC can generate additional revenue, making the stadium a more versatile and profitable asset.

Q-Sys – The Real Game Changer

Lastly, the integration of the Q-Sys control system provides the stadium with full flexibility and ease of use. It gives the venue’s AV team complete control over the system, ensuring that each event has the right sound setup, whether for a sporting event, a concert, or an emergency situation.