Following in depth consultation and acoustic measuring, PEL Services has provided Scottish Premiership soccer club Celtic FC with a modernized public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system, which was delivered without disruption to the day-to-day activities of the stadium.
Celtic Park, located in Glasgow, Scotland, regularly hosts large-scale European events for capacity crowds of 60,000. The stadium not only hosts soccer matches, but also daily activities in the hospitality suite. Replacing the crucial safety systems therefore had to be phased to prevent disruption, taking advantage of the limited down time between league seasons. This also enabled more efficient spreading of the capital expenditure.
Initially, Pel conducted acoustic measurements (crowd noise levels) during a capacity-crowd Uefa Champions League match, using the services of Acoustics Plus (an independent acoustic consultant). This identified that crowd noise sound pressure level (SPL) can consistently reach 99dBA for at least 10% of the measured period and can reach 112-115dBA during goal celebrations.
Phase one of the system implementation has now been completed, with Pel replacing the existing analog PA/VA system with a Bosch Praesideo digital amplification and control system for the stadium’s back of house, combined with an Electro Voice (EV) Netmax system for the main stadium bowl area, all connected on a Dante network controlled from Celtic FC’s IT Department.
The equalisation of the system was handled by two Sound Web digital sound processors (DSPs). This work has already improved output quality, despite the outstanding need to address speaker types and configuration in phase three. The new racks not only increase power and quality of signal, but they are more compact, more reliable and have power-saving characteristics which will save Celtic FC considerable energy expenditure.
In the design process, looking at a layout which has grown and developed successively in recent years, Pel experts identified and advised the stadium manager on additional opportunities to enhance the visitor experience as a by-product of essential works.
Phase two is already underway, with a new match-day entertainment system being installed.
David Howell of Celtic Football Club said, “We have been delighted to work with Pel once again on a project which we feel has brought great benefits to the club and our supporters.”
Pel Services has considerable experience in providing sound solutions for stadia, having worked with English Premier League club Aston Villa FC on the Holte Stand and on the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, which played a major role in the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
