Kennesaw State’s Fifth Third Stadium Deploys Electro-Voice To Upgrade Fan Experience

Burnsville, MN, December 2024 — Kennesaw State University recently rolled out an upgraded audio and video system at Fifth Third Stadium, home to the university’s football, lacrosse, and soccer teams. The venue is also used by Atlanta United 2 (MLS Next Pro Affiliate of Atlanta United FC). The school collaborated closely with Nicolas Betancur, Director of Business Development for Electro-Voice & Dynacord, as well as their Applications Engineering team who designed an end zone-based sound reinforcement system featuring Electro-Voice MTS Series loudspeakers along with X-Line Advance subwoofers.

“With KSU recently moving to the NCAA’s Division 1 conferences, the timing was right to update the stadium to offer a better fan experience explains Betancur. “The old system was beginning to fail and offered little vocal intelligibility or low-end impact. The new system addressed all those issues, and the upgrade has delivered an elevated fan experience...”

The school's one caveat was that the new scoreboard and sound reinforcement system fit within the original footprint. In addition, the school is located near a residential area, so it was equally important that the new audio system cover the stadium and fans while controlling the sound spill into the surrounding neighborhoods.

“The challenge was to deliver impactful sound not only to the home and visitor seating but to the big grandstand located in the opposite endzone as well. All while keeping the sound contained to the stadium. We know from experience that the MTS loudspeakers were perfect for the job.”

Auburn AV deployed the system in conjunction with a new Daktronics video display. The main components feature four MTS point-source loudspeakers and four X-Line X12-128 dual 18-inch subwoofers to augment the application's low-frequency effects. The subs push the rumble and excitement for the fans. Two EVF front-loaded fills complement the clarity at the seats directly below the video display.

Designed specifically for large-scale applications, the MTS series utilizes technology that provides a true point-source experience, making it ideal for stadiums. MTS loudspeakers feature a cohesive output with a strong bass response, achieved by combining four 15” woofers with dual coaxial mid/high compression drivers through a single waveguide. The MTS loudspeakers at Fifth Third Stadium are fully weatherized (partially weatherized versions are also available), and all MTS models are IP55-certified for protection against dust and water ingress.

Two Dynacord IPX10:4 amplifiers power the MTS loudspeakers, while another IPX20:4 powers the four subwoofers. Equipped with OMNEO IP networking architecture enabling Dante and OCA/AES70, IPX models feature 96 kHz high-resolution DSP with ultra-low latency, a superior signal-to-noise ratio, and unique technologies for energy efficiency and system protection. These features allowed placing the amplifier rack close to the scoreboard, underneath the structure, in a staff co-working area.

“Fifth Third Stadium is home to many teams and draws a vast fan base,” Betancur concludes. “The upgraded scoreboard and sound system have completely transformed the fan experience. This technology upgrade highlights the venue within the school's Division 1 conference, caters to the diversity of their events, and integrates well with the surrounding community.” KSU is a happy EV customer.