The Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority (SMA) is to undertake a major upgrade that will see Adelaide Oval providing the latest light and sound capabilities that will rival some of the best stadia in the world.
In an all-South Australian partnership with Kojo, Big Screen Video, Sarah Constructions and Mott MacDonald, the Adelaide Oval SMA has designed an upgrade that will include: LED sports lighting at the leading edge of the stadium’s roofline; feature LED color lighting through the Eastern, Western and Riverbank stands; high-definition ribbon boards that will encircle the ground and upper levels of the stadium; and new audio/visual production equipment that will merge all elements together to fully synchronize all screens, music and light shows during events.
The upgrade is being funded by the Adelaide Oval SMA through a A$9m (US$6.97m) loan with the Commonwealth Bank to be paid back over an eight-year period. Work is expected to commence in the coming weeks with the aim of completion in December.
“As the operators and managers of Adelaide Oval and, therefore, the custodians of this facility on behalf of the people of South Australia, we see it as our responsibility to continue to invest in the infrastructure needed to create the best experience possible for every event,” said Adelaide Oval SMA chairman John Olsen. “We benchmark ourselves against the leading stadia around the world and this upgrade will ensure we remain on the pace of innovation demanded by international event promoters.
“It will also enable us to give crowds at Adelaide Oval the kind of light and sound spectacular that you see at Juventus Stadium or Stamford Bridge.
“This announcement represents a significant borrowing by the SMA, but one we believe is integral to our responsibilities as stadium manager and underpins our ability to continue to attract the big events that have made Adelaide Oval South Australia’s premier event venue.”
The 220 LED leading edge sports lights will augment the long-throw incandescent lighting provided by the Oval’s four light towers, which remain vital for game days. The feature lighting through the stadium roofline will deliver a step-change in the Oval’s ability to reflect the colors of the nation or teams on the field through the stadium’s architecture.
The high-definition LED ribbon boards will – unlike the current versions in use – run 360° around the stadium at ground level and on levels three and four of the Riverbank and Eastern stands. The high-definition panels will enable a vastly enhanced experience for advertisers and fans alike.
March 21, 2017
