The recently completed US$310m, 35,000-seat college football venue, Snapdragon Stadium, at San Diego State University reckoned achieve a ‘new level of stadium design’, using the latest available technology. Notably, Snapdragon Stadium features more than 100 AC6 ADAPTive Column Loudspeakers from EAW, installed by Clair Global Integration at the behest of audio and video design firm, WJHW.
‘EAW supported the design team during the various phases of the project including early demonstrations, proof of concept and modelling for the AC6 loudspeakers, and exporting data for consultants’ integration into the full system design,’ says WJHW Associate Principal, Mark Graham. ‘The brand also remained involved throughout the construction process with onsite pretesting, as well as being an integral member of the commissioning and testing team during tuning and calibration of the installed system.
‘The ADAPTive technology of the AC6 loudspeakers allowed us to select mounting locations that better integrated into the stadium’s architectural and structural elements, while maintaining the output levels and coverage patterns needed at the spectator seating,’ he adds. ‘From every seat in the stadium, EAW has allowed us to create a truly wonderful listening experience. We are thrilled with how it turned out.’
Other EAW loudspeakers used in the installation included the MK8196, CIS300, CIS400, LS832i, JF80z, MKD864, MK2366i, QX300 and QX500. ‘EAW’s product line encompasses the breadth of products needed for Snapdragon Stadium, from ceiling speakers and small-, medium- and large-format loudspeakers in a weather-rated enclosure, as well as passive small format column speakers, and of course, the new AC6 high-output ADAPTive column loudspeaker,’ Graham says. ‘Additionally, apart from the ceiling speakers, all of these loudspeakers are available in custom colours, allowing us to match adjacent architectural finishes for a truly integrated aesthetic.’
In addition to WJHW, the crew at EAW worked closely with Clair Global Integration while building and installing the PA system. ‘We would like to commend everyone at EAW for very clear communication and transparency,’ says Clair Global Integrations GM, Ted Leamy. ‘During times of supply chain uncertainty, these facts were key to delivering the stadium on time and on budget. In addition, I would also like to applaud EAW on its customer support and service. They have a clear process in place for dealing with customer inquiries and were always readily available to help us with any questions we had along the way.’
Designed for portable and installed applications, the AC6 is loaded with six, 6-inch woofers and 30 1-inch dome tweeters mounted to a CSA waveguide. ADAPTive technology allows vertical coverage to be matched to any venue across a 20KHz to 65Hz operating range. A modular approach provides redundancy and full serviceability from the front of the unit.
In addition to San Diego Aztec football, Snapdragon Stadium will serve as home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Wave and the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby.
More: www.eaw.com
