West Ottawa Public Schools Expands Athletic Fields

West Ottawa public schools recently embarked upon a new project to expand and enhance the sports and athletic experience at several of their fields. A major part of this undertaking was to design and build a new football stadium along with a multi-purpose field. The football field was intended to be a high quality experience for players and fans alike.  Working with GMB architects and engineers West Ottawa knew that the design of the facility would also require a high quality sound system and new digital video scoreboard. GMB brought in HAV Design to help bring the vision of the required audio and video systems to life within the space.

Designing an AV Experience to exceed expectations

Tim Hamilton, principal consultant with HAV Design, worked with GMB and West Ottawa to design AV systems for the space that would not only meet the need, but exceed the expectations of fans and viewers in the space. After reviewing several different potential designs for the sound system within the space HAV Design recommended a pair of Danley J7 speakers and matching subwoofers be installed on the visitor’s side of the stadium. Combined with some fill speakers to cover the visitors bleachers, concessions, and band areas, the J7’s provide excellent coverage and sound reinforcement for the home bleachers and for the playing surface of the field.  Danley amplifiers and a Qsys control system round out the amplification and operational components of the system as well. The resulting sound system is an excellent match for the high-quality aesthetics and feel of the entire venue.

Along with the sound system HAV Design also specified a 32 ft wide video scoreboard to sit on the North end of the field. The video scoreboard allows the staff from West Ottawa to display not only the score of the game, but also advertising and video replay. The video system provides a high quality, fantastic experience for both fans and players alike.  With dynamic audio reinforcement, pre-game entrance videos, and in-game highlights, this High School venue rivals the experience of what many D1 colleges can provide!

New AV for a Multi-purpose Field

The multi-purpose athletic Field that was also included as part of the complex, provides much needed space for soccer, lacrosse, and other teams to be able to practice and play. A slightly smaller version of the football field system covers the space for both audio and video. Danley OS80 speakers along with Danley amplifiers and QSC controls combine with a 20 ft LED video scoreboard to provide both audio and video support for the multipurpose field.

The resulting AV experience in both facilities is a wonderful and exceptional event for both players and fans alike.  Bill Kennedy, from West Ottawa public schools, remarked that the system allows the school to provide a fantastic experience for their athletes and fans. They are thrilled with the final outcome of the stadium and AV systems. Both fans and visitors who have experienced the stadium agree that it’s hard to find a finer athletic venue anywhere in the area that can rival the aesthetic and AV experience of the new West Ottawa stadium.