The Sun Devil Stadium 365 Reinvention in Tempe, Arizona, combines athletics, student life and the local community in offering a multi-use complex. Among the facilities is a new sound reinforcement system designed by Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WJHW).

WJHW audio consultant and associate principal Mark Graham selected an EAW Adaptive end-zone system to deliver even SPL and consistent intelligibility throughout the 57,000-plus-seat arena, with Sound Image managing system integration and installation.

‘We were familiar with Anya and were confident this would not only provide the coverage the University required but also the flexibility to use the stadium for events that expand well beyond football games,’ says Sound Image Sales Engineer, Ben Davis. ‘They wanted a system that could put sound only where it was needed. Not only would that help avoid unnecessary reflections, but it would be a far more efficient use of the system. Anya can do that very easily. It was a perfect match.’

Graham specified two Anya arrays, each hung to the left and right of the video scoreboard. Each array is made up of one main column of 16 Anya and an auxiliary column of eight additional modules – bringing the total to 46 Anya. Adaptive Performance manages coverage and directivity via Resolution 2 software. The combination allows the system to throw 650 feet from one end of the stadium to the other or scale it back for events that will not use the entire space. Scoreboard under fill is covered by two more clusters, each comprising two QX544i and one QX564i loudspeakers, hung under the main PA columns to ensure those directly under the end zone scoreboard have the same audio experience as everyone else in the stadium.

‘There are a few seating areas with limited coverage due to structures that block sound,’ Davis explains. ‘In those cases, we are using EAW MK8126i loudspeakers placed under the overhangs and directed to the far seating under the balcony to ensure not a bad seat in the house. We also installed EAW CIS ceiling loudspeakers in the suites, restrooms, hallways and common areas, keeping the audio quality seamless throughout the space.

‘The client continues to be quite happy with the result,’ he closes. ‘As a matter of fact, we are working on some other projects for them where we are also using EAW Adaptive systems. This has been a highly successful project for us.’

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