Elite Tech for Elite Performance

Objective

Since 1981, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has been the foundation for Olympic, Paralympic and elite athletic achievement in Australia. As part of a major revitalisation initiative, the AIS transformed its flagship Arena into a modern, multi-purpose venue that could seamlessly host everything from high performance sporting events to concerts and community functions.

With outdated AV systems that had been in place for over 30 years, the Arena was due for a complete technological overhaul. The AIS required advanced, reliable solutions that could energise crowds, deliver crystal-clear communication and meet the production demands of today’s diverse, high-profile events.

Solution

To bring their vision to life, the AIS partnered with Diversified to reimagine what the Arena could do. From the roar of the crowd to the precision of a coach’s call, every element was designed to elevate performance, enhance atmosphere and create an immersive environment worthy of elite competition and major events.

52

New Speakers

Powering the Arena with Precision Sound

When a venue’s sound system fades into the background, that’s when it’s doing its job right. The new custom-designed PA system features a 52-speaker array suspended 16 metres overhead, delivering every word, note and cheer with precision to every seat — so whether you're courtside or in the stands, you’re fully in the moment. Advanced acoustic modelling ensured immersive coverage, while custom suspension mounts worked around the Arena’s existing structure without compromising sound performance. 

Dynamic Visuals that Raise the Bar

Two high-resolution Samsung LED walls now anchor the ends of the Arena, replacing legacy scoreboards with vibrant, broadcast-quality displays. These are complemented by LED ribbons that wrap the bowl in motion graphics and branding, delivering a professional, immersive visual footprint for every event.

2

LED Walls

Seamless Event Control

Managing complex events is now more straightforward with a centralised control interface that unifies the Arena’s AV systems. From a single touchpoint, staff can control lighting, audio and visuals — eliminating the need for specialist technicians and allowing a small team to confidently manage large-scale productions.

Real-Time Engagement with Digital Signage

With 29 digital signage endpoints installed throughout the concourses and key zones, the AIS Arena now delivers timely, targeted messaging wherever it’s needed. The network supports wayfinding, event schedules, live updates and promotions that enhance both the flow of foot traffic and the overall fan experience across the venue.

29

Digital Signage Endpoints

Precision Timing for Professional Sports

To support elite athletic performance, the Arena now features Australasian Sports Timing’s Sport-in-a-Box system — fully integrated into the AV backbone. This ensures accurate, reliable event timing and seamless communication with displays and audio cues, enabling a professional, broadcast-ready environment for competitions of all levels.

Impact

The transformation of the AIS Arena has elevated it into a true centrepiece of Canberra’s event landscape. With crystal-clear audio and dynamic visual systems, the venue now rivals world-class arenas, creating a high-impact environment for athletes, performers and fans alike. From precise time tracking during competitions to seamless wayfinding and crowd communication, every element has been thoughtfully integrated to enhance the overall experience.

The new systems are intuitive, enabling on-site staff to manage events with confidence and ease, without relying on external technical support. As a result, the AIS Arena can now accommodate a broader range of events, from elite sporting competitions to concerts and community gatherings. Diversified’s work has not only modernised an iconic venue but has helped position it as Canberra’s premier indoor entertainment destination—equipped with the state-of-the-art infrastructure expected by world-class athletes and demanded by today’s audiences.