Home to the football team GKS Tychy, the new stadium has been designed to meet the requirements of UEFA and FIFA and as a true multifunctional venue for concerts, cultural and artistic events, fairs and conferences. In addition to the main sports arena, with six commentary positions, the site comprises restaurants, conference rooms, two TV studios, VIP lounges and impressive amenities for players and athletes. The stadium not only creates a striking new landmark, but is intended to become a showcase for the city.
For the main arena sound system, SLX designed a system using 68 Community R Series R.5HP loudspeakers, deployed in pairs along the outer edge of the stadium's 360-degree canopy. Each pair of loudspeakers is arrayed to provide even coverage of the front and rear tiered seats. The high power three-way R.5HP offers high sensitivity and mid-range clarity with vocal projection and intelligibility maximised over distance. A further two Community R2-94 loudspeakers cover the playing field.
Loudspeaker performance is optimised by a Community dSPEC 226 DSP processor and the Community loudspeakers are driven by six Dynacord DSA 8410 4-channel amplifiers and a DSA 8405 amplifier. The whole system is operated on a Dynacord P64 audio matrix that connects all devices in an IRIS-Net network, allowing monitoring and control from a PC. The system is controlled from the main commentary position via the PC and a Dynacord CMS 1600-3. Genelec monitors and Sennheiser wireless microphones complete the system.
SLX additionally installed an APS-Aprosys eight-zone modular voice alarm system, from Swiss manufacturer g + m electronics. The alarm system is fully integrated with the main sound system and also operates in all the stadium's public, commercial and technical spaces and the underground car park. In the case of an emergency the safety system has full priority and all other signals are automatically muted, with absolute priority for the fire officer's microphone.
Tommex ?ebrowscy supplied the main equipment and provided technical support for the project. Marcin Zimny, commercial director of Tommex, commented, "SLX has designed and installed an outstanding system for the entertainment and safety of visitors to Tychy Municipal Stadium. All elements of the system have a proven track record for reliability and the sound in the main arena is clear and even across all seating areas, ensuring spectators' maximum enjoyment of all events."
(Jim Evans)
