What is that SOUND? Football Stadium

I was asked to evaluate a local high school's stadium sound system. They were getting a lot of complaints about inadequate sound and needed to find a solution quickly. When I arrived at the facility, I was met by the Athletic Director and escorted into the stadium. I immediately went out to the 50 yard line and looked to the press box to get a better view of the space. Here is what I saw:

Looking at the press box, I noticed 2 full range speakers on the roof spaced pretty evenly and directed out at the bleachers. On each end of the bleachers was a light pole with a speaker attached to it, directed back toward the bleachers. These speakers were all weather horns, not full range cabinets like the press box. The bleachers spanned almost the entire length of the football field; approximately 220-240 feet. The distance from each light pole to the press box was approximately 80-100 feet.

The opposite side of the field, which was at my back as I faced the press box, had only a small set of bleachers that appeared to be for the visiting marching band. There were no speakers on this side of the field, only the 2 main cabinets on top of the press box that were facing that direction.

As I stood at mid-field processing everything that I was looking at, I turned to the AD and said, " I don't even need to hear your system at all, I guarantee you I know what your biggest problem is". He was eager to hear my assessment. What was it? And what would be the solution?

Go to our website to submit your evaluation. Click here if you need to download the picture of the stadium for a better view. Post any comments or questions that you may have, or email me. You never know, I may be feeling generous that day and offer some helpful advice. Good luck and have fun. We look forward to seeing your submissions!

The first 2 correct submissions will receive a new Good Sound Studio T-shirt.

Remember: If it can't be heard, it can't be Good!