The premier Scottish football club Celtic FC has had a modernised Public Address and Voice Alarm (PA/VA) system installed, without disrupting the day to day running of the stadium, Celtic Park in Glasgow. Besides hosting a capacity crowd of 60,000, the stadium also daily has events in the hospitality suite. Replacing the crucial safety systems therefore had to be phased to prevent disruption, using the limited down time between football seasons. This allowed some spreading of the capital spend, too.
Initially the installers PEL Services conducted acoustic measurements of crowd noise levels during a capacity-crowd Champions League match, using Acoustics Plus, a consultant. It identified that crowd noise sound pressure level (SPL) can consistently reach 99dB (A) for at least a tenth of the measured period; and can reach 112-115dB (A) during goal celebration.
Phase one has now been completed with the old analogue PA/VA system replaced with a Bosch Praesideo digital amplification and control system for back of house, 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 (EQ) of the system was handled by two Sound Web Digital Sound Processors (DSPs). This work has already improved output quality, the installer says, despite the need to address speaker types and configuration in phase three. The new racks not only increase power and quality of signal, they are more compact, more reliable and have power-saving characteristics which will save Celtic on energy the installer says.
In the design process, looking at a layout which has grown and developed successively in recent years, PEL identified and advised the stadium manager on ways to enhance the visitor experience as a by-product of essential works.
Phase two is already under way, with a new match-day entertainment system being installed.
David Howell, IT Manager at Celtic 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.”
About PEL Services
The firm has experience in providing sound solutions for stadiums, having worked with Aston Villa FC on its Holte Stand; and Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow, a venue at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. As a UK systems company designing, supplying, installing and commissioning sound, fire, security and audio visual provides, PEL provides service agreements including routine maintenance and cover, on third party equipment as well as PEL systems, throughout the UK and Eire. Visit www.pel.co.uk and www.pelav.co.uk.
