Elevating the Game: AVL Systems Design, LLC Transforms Cowboys Football Stadium with Cutting-Edge Subwoofer Installation
When the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys Football Stadium needed a high-impact, low-frequency sound solution, they turned to Marc Pierce (President, AVL Systems Design) and his expert AVL team. With over 60,000 seats in the stadium, delivering deep, immersive bass was no small feat—but AVL was up to the challenge.
The Challenge: Engineering Precision
in a Complex Environment
Athletic Director Mike Holder reached out to Marc Pierce with a critical request: enhance the stadium's audio experience by adding deep, powerful bass. However, the project posed several significant challenges:
✅ No Ground Access – The speaker locations were inaccessible from the ground.
✅ Vibration Control – The east suites, positioned directly below the subwoofer installation, required careful mitigation of vibration and low-frequency bleed.
✅ Audience Experience – The system needed to be loud enough for fans to not just hear the sound, but feel it.
The Solution: High-Performance Audio with Precision Engineering
Marc and the AVL team devised an innovative solution featuring ten Meyer 1100-LFC massive subwoofers arranged in a precisely calculated cardioid layout. This design provided tight control over low-frequency directionality, ensuring maximum impact in the seating areas while minimizing disruption to the suites below.
Key Technical Highlights:
🔹 Precision Placement – Each subwoofer stack was meticulously positioned to optimize coverage.
🔹 Vibration Mitigation – Heavy-duty plywood and ultra-strong rubber padding absorbed excess vibrations.
🔹 Advanced Audio Processing – A combination of QSYS DSP and Meyer Galileo DSP platforms ensured flawless timing and signal processing for a seamless experience.
How AVL Took It to the Next Level—Literally
With no conventional access to install the subwoofers, AVL took an extraordinary approach—utilizing a helicopter to position the equipment! This bold and innovative strategy allowed the team to overcome logistical barriers and complete the installation efficiently and safely. Also surprisingly less costly than renting a crane or massive lift!
The Result: A Game-Changing Audio Experience
Thanks to Marc Pierce and AVL’s expertise, OSU Cowboys fans can now not only hear the sound but feel the energy of every play, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium. This project is yet another example of how AVL continues to push the boundaries of audio engineering and installation excellence.
🎶 Turning Up the Game—One Stadium at a Time! 🎶
