Bose Professional and Solotech transform the sound experience at Sunderland A.F.C.’s iconic Stadium of Light.

The Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland A.F.C., an English football club competing in the Premier League, is undergoing a modernization process that includes renovations to various public areas, the pitch, the lighting system, and the sound system—this last element being the responsibility of audiovisual solutions integrator Solotech, in partnership with Bose Professional.

This cutting-edge project elevates the experience for both fans and players to a new level, establishing the stadium as a cultural and technological landmark in the northeast of England.Built in 1997, the stadium has a capacity of 48,707 spectators, ranking it among the ten largest in the UK. It also gained wider recognition thanks to the Netflix documentary Sunderland 'Til I Die, in which the Stadium of Light is portrayed as the emotional epicenter for fans of this club founded in 1879. However, upon the stadium’s 25th anniversary, its sound system began to show signs of poor audibility and structural degradation.

"We needed a replacement that wasn’t just a short-term fix, but something that would last long into the future", explained Chris Ferguson, Head of Facilities at Sunderland A.F.C. The audio infrastructure is crucial not only for matches, but also for high-profile concerts and the stadium’s vital safety system. The renovation project began in 2022, with various integrators and manufacturers being considered. After a thorough evaluation, Sunderland A.F.C. selected audiovisual integration company Solotech and the audio system technology of Bose Professional.

The design of the new system faced the challenge of the architectural particularities of each stand, from wide-open areas to tight corners—all constrained by the structural load the roof could support. Ben Green, Integration Project Manager at Solotech, highlighted the use of Bose Professional’s Modeler acoustic prediction software to "mix and match the right components and achieve high-level performance and the necessary coverage".

At the heart of the system are Bose Professional’s ArenaMatch line array loudspeakers, including AM10, AM20, and AM40 models. In total, 28 line arrays with 16 speakers each were suspended from the stadium roof. Their varying vertical dispersion angles and adjustable horizontal waveguides allowed for precise coverage, ensuring that sound reached every seat without overwhelming the space.

It allowed us to reach the back rows and corners—areas that are typically challenging in stadiums like this, said Andrew Horsburgh, Regional Sales Engineer at Bose Professional.

The system is powered by 38 PowerShareX amplifiers, known for their versatility and performance. Each amplifier channel drives a single speaker, ensuring redundancy and reliable voice messaging—critical for stadium safety. "It’s a technically sophisticated setup, but one that delivers intelligibility and musicality—exactly what you’d expect from a modern stadium", added Green.The installation took place in the summer of 2024 during the short window between matches and events, under the pressure of delivering the system before the start of the new season—a task that required flawless execution. The smooth collaboration between Sunderland A.F.C., Bose Professional, and Solotech was key to the project’s success. "The commercial terms and delivery timelines were clear and transparent, the collaboration was strong, and the integrator’s performance was fantastic", said Ferguson.

The impact was immediate when fans returned for the new 2024–25 season.

The most satisfying part has been the fans’ response. From the first match, people commented on how different the stadium felt. Our fan engagement team was able to create an absolutely electric pre-match atmosphere using the system. The energy was incredible, and it showed on the pitch. The entire fan experience at the Stadium of Light has reached a whole new level, said Ferguson.

The sound system at the Stadium of Light is used in the following ways:

• Enhanced matchday experience: Ensures clarity for voice announcements, music, and line-up or substitution information, enhancing the fan experience.
• Concert-grade sound: The system’s quality allows the stadium to host high-profile concerts.
• Safety and communication: The system is vital for stadium security, ensuring clear voice announcements and amplifier-channel redundancy for emergency messages.
• Multipurpose events: The versatility of the sound system supports corporate events, e-sports competitions, and community activities, maximizing stadium use beyond football matches.

A year after installation, and ahead of a new football season, the team at Solotech and Bose Professional is proud of the results. "When Sunderland fans hear the new system, I’m proud to know we’ve been part of that transformation", concluded Ben Green from Solotech. "It’s truly a world-class audio system".

The Stadium of Light now features a sound system as iconic as its name—a testament to Bose Professional’s innovation and Sunderland A.F.C.’s commitment to its fans. In a venue where sound fuels the spirit, Bose Professional has delivered a solution that resonates far beyond the stands.