The future of golf has arrived at the custom-built SoFi Center, where TGL presented by SoFi has built a platform for prime time, team golf through an unprecedented fusion of technology and live competition. This first-of-its-kind league, backed by TMRW Sports Group, debuted in January on ESPN and ESPN+, and its season will wrap by the end of March. At the heart of this innovative in-venue experience is a sophisticated L-Acoustics sound system designed to transform traditional golf spectatorship into an electrifying entertainment experience.
The 250,000-square-foot SoFi Center, located on the Palm Beach State College campus, combines a state-of-the-art virtual course with a unique short-game complex. Here, six teams comprised of 24 PGA TOUR stars compete in fast-paced, two-hour matches that provide a new way fans can experience elite golf, both in the stands and through global broadcasts.
ESI Production Services, an L-Acoustics Certified Provider, implemented the venue’s ambitious audio system. “This project completely reimagines the relationship between sound and sport,” explains Matt Coombs, Director of ESI AV Solutions, a division of ESI Production Services. “This isn’t just another sports venue – it’s a virtual reality set inside of a massive television studio, where technology and topflight athletic talent converge to create something entirely new in golf.”
Coombs says of instead of looking at typical sports venues for inspiration, the teams researched the sound for events such American Ninja Warrior and other unconventional competition productions. “This isn’t your grandfather’s golf tournament,” he adds. “From atmospheric sound effects to dynamic music integration, we’re creating an audio environment that matches TGL’s vision of reimagining golf for a new era.”
The decision to partner with L-Acoustics was strategic, building on the company’s proven track record in elite sporting events worldwide, including multiple Super Bowl deployments. TMRW Sports Group was looking for a technology partner to deliver powerful, precise sound that energizes both players and fans, and L-Acoustics’ reputation for excellence in high-stakes live environments made the brand the clear choice for this project.
The comprehensive sound system designed for the space features 14 primary arrays, each combining two L-Acoustics A15i loudspeakers with KS21i subwoofers for the main audience areas. Two further hangs of one A15i face the field, where low frequency extension was not needed. These are powered by the latest LA7.16i amplified controllers.
Several levels of suites and VIP boxes are covered by a combination of coaxial X Series loudspeakers. In the suites, 18 ultra-compact L-Acoustics 5XT coaxials are intended mainly for pre- and post-event speech, rather than music reproduction, and are powered by LA2Xi. These are invisibly wall-mounted behind scrims and positioned next to the Samsung flat-panel televisions in each suite and area. Eight X6i are wall-mounted in the VIP boxes, while the six owners boxes each sport a pair of larger 8Xi. Another 44 5XT, also powered by LA 7.16i, ring the interior of the field as under-balcony fills for the stands. Content-wise, these have just the player’s microphone audio in them, with the A Series hangs handling both speech and the music programs for the stands.
“L-Acoustics is proud to set a new benchmark in sports entertainment with this groundbreaking installation,” says Preston Russ, Regional Sales Manager at L-Acoustics. “We’ve created what we believe is the world’s first golf venue equipped with a full-bandwidth audio system. Our distributed design approach, powered by Milan-AVB networking technology, ensures perfect synchronization and exceptional sound quality throughout the venue – from thunderous effects to crystal-clear commentary. This is truly a first-of-its-kind audio experience that matches TGL’s innovative vision for the future of golf.”
For more information on TGL presented by SoFi, visit www.tglgolf.com. ESI Production Services can be found online at www.esi-productions.com.
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