Super Bowl LV: Intercom Systems Crowd RF Bands

Super Bowl LV: Intercom Systems Crowd RF Bands A total of 91 Riedel Bolero wireless beltpacks are being deployed By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Friday, February 5, 2021 - 4:14 pm

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For a sense of the scale of Super Bowl LV's audio infrastructure, look no further than the intercom systems deployed at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

Between ATK Audiotek, which provides the live-sound and other audio systems for the halftime show, and Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, which serves as the main conduit for the in-venue videoboard show and the overall game-day experience, including special audio events such as the National Anthem and trophy presentations, an estimated 77-plus wireless bodypacks are being distributed, all Riedel Bolero full-size BL-BPK-1006 beltpacks. And 14 S-Packs will be in use by game officials - seven on the field, seven more by backup officials - using Riedel's compact S-Pack beltpacks provided by NEP Integrated Solutions.

The real challenge of this game is the scale, says Dan Bakies, project manager, Riedel. A large number of people all trying to accomplish what needs to be done, and all of them needing to be on wireless. It becomes even more challenging with COVID-19.

Each of the three wireless systems has its own hub, built around Riedel Artist frames. ATK and Van Wagner share wired panels and antenna networks from a central location. The NFL's wireless hub and antenna network are isolated and completely separate.

And then, of course, there's only so much RF bandwidth to go around. That compounds the quantity issues with density concerns, says Bakies.

The stage this year is at one end of the field, instead of in the middle as usual, he explains. That packs more people and beltpacks into a smaller, denser footprint.

But it's Super Bowl. We adapt to it.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/02/05/super-bowl-lv-intercom-systems-...
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