Clair Global Integration (CGI) has designed and installed a new sound system installation for the historic 82,000-capacity Twickenham Stadium sports venue that is claiming to have ‘catapulted Twickenham Stadium into a new era of concert-grade audio capabilities’.
Owned by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), England’s national rugby governing body, the project was led by the experienced UK-based CGI team, and uses JBL Professional’s VLA loudspeaker systems.
Designed by CGI UK Director, Eddie Thomas, and Associate Director Tom Williams, the project was delivered by Jake Miller, Steve Watson and John Hardy. Starting with a groundwork from by environmental and technology consultant Vanguardia, CGI built upon the initial delivery phase by installing 16 line arrays flown from the stadium roof. ‘Each hang comprises 12 JBL VLA-C2100 dual 10-inch cabinets and three JBL VLA-C125 flown sub-bass loudspeakers,’ Williams says. ‘The JBL VLA-C speakers use components shared with the JBL Pro VTX range for maximum sonic quality.’
In all, 336 JBL AWC-Series speakers have been used for the under-balcony areas on levels three and four, amplified by Crown DCi8|600N. Crown DCi-N amplifiers were used throughout the entirety of the system, with DCi4|2400N used for the main arrays and subs.
There are six amp rack locations on the roof and over 50 amplifiers in total. Two Q-Sys Core 510i integrated audio processors have been used in a redundant configuration with IO Fframes in each rack. This system is capable of LAeq of 105dBA.
CGI has also installed a diversely routed and fire-resistant fibre network backbone. It provides essential infrastructure and is Sports Ground Safety Authority Green Guide approved, the UK Government-funded guidance on spectator safety at sports grounds. This results in best practices for design, planning, safety, management and operation.
‘Designed specifically for stadia and other large-scale projects, the JBL upgrade at Twickenham is a statement system that offers generous flexibility,’ Williams says. ‘This venue has welcomed spectators since 1907 and these significant upgrades will future proof the evolving needs of its impressive sporting and live events calendar.’
The stadium hosts half-time entertainment during rugby matches, as well as high-profile international touring artists seeking large, outdoor venues. The new system was, therefore, required to reach the ‘Ggods’ for live performance needs, offering an innovative ‘construction to production’ solution. ‘This iconic venue has welcomed many Clair Global touring artists in the past including Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, Rihanna and recently, Depeche Mode,’ Williams adds. ‘The new audio system now allows tours to save on additional rental equipment costs while becoming a summer destination of choice for booking agents.’
‘The fan experience is becoming more and more important and creating that fan experience through audio is key,’ says Mark Lynch, RFU Executive Director. ‘It goes beyond rugby; we hold concerts, conferences, and events here, so making this a multipurpose stadium is underpinned by a quality audio system. The feedback we get now from fans about the overall experience – led by those JBL speakers – is unbelievable.’
See also:
Case Study: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
