Diversified was the head contractor for the public address (PA) and emergency warning intercommunication system (EWIS) upgrade at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)—Australia's most iconic sports and entertainment stadium. Working closely with the ground manager the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), and audio consultant Auditoria, this project delivered an immersive stadium audio infrastructure providing fans an exceptional game day experience.
The MCC’s extensive ‘Smart Stadium Strategy’ drove this $25M upgrade to improve the end-to-end event experience for all visitors. The project was a complete refurbishment of audio technology throughout the stadium, including bowl PA, concourses, bars and function areas, gate entry and exit points, and broadcast facilities, connecting it to a converged network for easier audio management. In total, more than 3,500 loudspeakers were installed.
Audio consistency was a priority with a requirement for clear, immersive stadium audio sound regardless of where a visitor stands. d&b audiotechnik powered the full audio experience—from the under balcony systems to the bowl PA comprised of 30 robust arrays, in custom-built framing, secured seamlessly around the roof structure. For internal patron areas, the loudspeakers feed the crowd ambiance to connect fans in bars and suites to the on-field and in-crowd experience.
Diversified selected a Q-SYS ecosystem for the converged network that has integrated into the MCG’s building management system, including the EWIS. The Q-SYS system gave the MCG increased ease in operation and management, allowing more visibility of all EWIS zones. The new system provides custom paging abilities, allowing the MCG to communicate tailored messages to different gates and areas through the Q-SYS interface.
Production capabilities were bolstered with increased audio sources and inputs fed back to the system. The MCC better supports live production and events. Performers can tap into this system for concerts, with a marked improvement in audio quality for artists performing on-field.
