Snapdragon Stadium, the new 35,000-seat college football stadium on the campus of San Diego State University, is equipped with a sound reinforcement system utilizing more than 100 Eastern Acoustic Works AC6 ADAPTive column loudspeakers in a design by Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WJHW, based in Carrollton, TX) and installation by Clair Global Integration.
“EAW supported the design team during the various phases of the project including early demonstrations, proof of concept and modeling for the AC6 loudspeakers, and exporting data for consultants’ integration into the full system design,” says Mark Graham, associate principal, WJHW. “The brand also remained involved throughout the construction process with onsite pretesting, as well as being an integral member of the commissioning and testing team during tuning and calibration of the installed system.”
Graham points to the AC6’s flexibility and ability to be customized: “The ADAPTive technology of the AC6 loudspeakers allowed us to select mounting locations that better integrated into the stadiums’ architectural and structural elements while maintaining the output levels and coverage patterns needed at the spectator seating. From every seat in the stadium, EAW has allowed us to create a truly wonderful listening experience. We are thrilled with how it turned out.”
In addition to the AC6 loudspeakers, additional EAW models deployed on the project include the MK8196, CIS300, CIS400, LS832i, JF80z, MKD864, MK2366i, QX300 and QX500. “EAW’s product line encompasses the breadth of products needed for Snapdragon Stadium, from ceiling speakers and small, medium and large format loudspeakers in a weather-rated enclosure, as well as passive small format column speakers, and of course, the new AC6 high-output ADAPTive column loudspeaker,” Graham says. “Additionally, apart from the ceiling speakers, all of these loudspeakers are offered in custom colors, allowing us to match adjacent architectural finishes for a truly integrated aesthetic.”
EAW also worked closely with Clair Global Integration on the installation. “We would like to commend everyone at EAW for very clear communication and transparency,” says Ted Leamy, general manager, Clair Global Integrations. “During times of supply chain uncertainty, these facts were key to delivering the stadium on time and on budget. In addition, I would also like to applaud EAW on its customer support and service. They have a clear process in place for dealing with customer inquiries and were always readily available to help us with any questions we had along the way.”
In addition to San Diego Aztec football, Snapdragon Stadium will also serve as home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Wave and the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby.
