Stadium and arena acoustics
Stadia and arenas are designed for atmosphere, but they also have to communicate clearly in an emergency, host premium hospitality and live with their neighbours. We help architects shape the acoustic experience of the bowl and the spaces around it, from roof form and finishes to sound systems and event noise.
Acoustic considerations
Crowd atmosphere. The roof and bowl geometry decide how crowd noise builds and is reflected back to the stands. A well-shaped bowl can intensify atmosphere; the same surfaces can also make announcements harder to understand.
PA and voice alarm intelligibility. In a large, reverberant volume full of noise, spoken messages must still be clearly understood, above all in an emergency.
Hospitality, lounges and media spaces. Boxes, lounges, restaurants and press areas need their own acoustic design, often within a few metres of a very loud bowl.
Concerts and event noise. Music events and crowds can be heard well beyond the site, and venues usually operate within noise conditions set by the local authority.
Plant and services. Large venues carry substantial plant, which has to be controlled both inside and at neighbouring homes.
How we help
Acoustic modelling of the bowl. Acoustic modelling and simulation lets the team test roof form, bowl geometry and finishes, and predict both crowd atmosphere and the conditions the sound system will have to work in.
Sound system design. Our sound system design service covers PA and voice alarm systems for the bowl and concourses, and performance and event systems for concerts, designed with the architecture so loudspeakers are well placed and well integrated.
Finishes in hospitality spaces. We design room acoustics and sound insulation for boxes, lounges and media spaces, so they feel premium and protected from the bowl, with absorption that fits the interior design.
Environmental and event noise. Through our environmental noise assessment and planning and expert advice services, we predict noise from events and plant at neighbouring homes, support planning and licensing, and help set out noise management for event days.
Commissioning tests. We carry out measurement and testing to confirm that sound systems, room acoustics and plant noise meet the design criteria before opening.
Standards and guidance
Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (the Green Guide): guidance for UK sports grounds, including public address and communication systems
BS 5839-8: design, installation and maintenance of voice alarm systems
Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts: commonly used to set noise limits for outdoor concerts in the UK
BS 4142: assessment of plant noise at neighbouring homes
We confirm with the client, the local authority and the safety advisers which standards apply to each project.
Designing for every part of the venue
A stadium is a series of very different acoustic environments in one building. The bowl is about atmosphere and clear communication. The hospitality levels are about comfort and conversation. The neighbourhood is about predictable, managed noise. We bring these together into one acoustic strategy, coordinated with the architect, the services engineer and the sound system designer from the start.
Projects we have advised on
Auris provided acoustic design advice and consultancy on this project.
AELTC Indoor Tennis Centre, London: six indoor courts, six external clay courts and a Members’ bar beneath a double-curved timber roof
Frequently asked questions
Why is PA intelligibility so difficult in stadia? Large, hard volumes are reverberant, and crowd noise is loud. Loudspeaker positions, coverage and the absorption in the roof and stands all affect whether speech is understood, so they need to be designed together.
Can a stadium host concerts without disturbing neighbours? Usually, yes, with predictions at the design stage, sensible stage and system orientation, and agreed limits and monitoring on event days.
When should acoustics be considered in a stadium design? At concept stage, while the roof form and bowl geometry are being developed. These have the largest effect on both atmosphere and intelligibility.
Related services
Get in touch
Designing a stadium or arena? Tell us about the venue and the stage you are at. Get in touch, call 020 3949 1597 or email hello@auris-consultancy.com.