Stetson University Melching Field
Entertainment Arts, Inc
Melching Field at Conrad Park is home to the Stetson University Hatters, a Division I baseball team. It is also used by DeLand High School and numerous recreation teams. The facility is owned by the City of Deland and is managed in partnership by the city and Stetson University Athletics.
As part of an $8 million renovation project the City of DeLand Parks and Recreation enlisted the help of Entertainment Arts Inc [EAI], an Orlando-based AV integration and production company, to design a new AV system from the ground up. Byron Conerly, owner of EAI, spearheaded the project: “In recent years, several MLB players have come out of Stetson University, so the stadium has been getting a lot of attention. It was time to put the attention on the audience”.
Challenges
- Create a flexible sound system to meet the needs of the multi-functional facility
- Design a compact system with high output, high fidelity, and good pattern control
- Requires extremely durable weather-resistant loudspeakers to combat Florida’s high humidity and extreme weather
Solution
CHRIS VINAL/NEWS-JOURNAL
The goal of EAI was to transform Melching Field at Conrad Park into a prestigious, modern facility. EAI chose Fulcrum Acoustic because of their weather-resistant product offering, domestic availability, and legacy of installs at high-profile sports venues. Says Conerly, “We offered them a system similar to other high caliber Fulcrum installs at NFL and MLB stadiums”.
EAI focused on high-quality coverage with an emphasis on the audio and control on the playing field. CX826-WR compact coaxial loudspeakers were used on the smaller poles, GX1226-WR coaxial loudspeakers for the main press box, and FH1596-WR full-range coaxial horn loudspeakers for field coverage. The field never had audio coverage, so it was important to Conerly that the field have outstanding sound: “The new video system has audio tied to it, the lighting system has audio, so the playing field system needed to kick. With its pattern control and projection, the FH is just an amazing cabinet. They really push,” states Conerly.
Entertainment Arts, Inc
The project also required an expansion of the existing distributed 70V system to service secondary areas. This system is powered by three new Apex amplifiers; two CloudPower1504s (4 x 1500W) and one CloudPower354 (4 x 350W). “It was our first-time using Apex Amps,” says Conerly. “We liked everything about it so far. The interface will do a lot. No matter what you need to connect to it, it will work.” EAI installed wireless control connectivity to the audio console so it can be controlled on the field via iPad. The system was setup with various zones. When needed, they can mute zones, so they’re not bleeding audio all over the place. They’ve also created customized presets for special events.
Both EAI and the customer were thrilled with the installation. “It sounds amazing,” says Conerly. “The Director of the City of DeLand Parks and Recreation was delighted. At the first practice, everyone was ecstatic with the install and how it’s working”. After renovations, Melching Field at Conrad Park in DeLand, Florida is now one of the premier baseball stadiums in the state of Florida and one of the elite college baseball facilities in the country.
Entertainment Arts, Inc
Entertainment Arts, Inc
Project Details
| Location | DeLand, Florida |
|---|---|
| Market | Sports Stadiums and Arenas |
| Type | Baseball Stadium |
| Fulcrum Products | (8) CX8 – Compact 8” Coaxial Loudspeaker |
| (7) GX12 – 12” Coaxial Loudspeaker | |
| (4) FH15 – Full-Range Coaxial Horn | |
| Supporting Products | (2) Apex CloudPower1504 Amplifiers – 4 x 1500W |
| (1) Apex CloudPower354 Amplifier – 4 x 350W |
