Memphis, Tenn., is the birthplace of the blues, so expectations for sound are high in this “Music City.” It’s fitting then that fans of the
NBA Memphis Grizzlies and the NCAA Division I men’s basketball of the University of Memphis are now enjoying impactful and engaging sound from an L-Acoustics Kara IIi system at FedExForum. Designed by consultancy WJHW and installed by integrator Solotech, the 19,000-capacity multipurpose arena’s new audio rig first went live on October 26 for the Grizzlies versus Orlando Magic game, and has also recently been used by key visiting music artists, including Billy Strings, Jhené Aiko, Justin Timberlake, and Maxwell.
“The original system from 2004 couldn’t meet current requirements for music playback expected by todays fans,” said WJHW Principal Mark Graham, who led the system design. “The arena’s new rigging infrastructure covering two-thirds of the venue floor required an audio design that could deliver powerful performance within a compact footprint. Kara IIi meets these requirements perfectly.”
FedExForum’s new professional sound system features eight arrays of 15 Kara IIi each, powered by LA7.16i amplified controllers, with two KS28 subs per hang powered by LA12X. In addition, two dozen coaxial X12 enclosures are used as delays for the upper-deck seating on the north and south ends, with eight larger X15 installed directly under the scoreboard as court-fills.
“L-Acoustics has elevated the experience for fans at FedExForum with world-class sound,” said Seth Tackett, Senior Director, Arena Operations. “Whether it is watching the Grizzlies or Tigers, or attending one of our many concerts or shows, guests of FedExForum are experiencing connections to our events like never before and we could not be more thrilled about it.”
The 800,000-plus-square-foot arena’s interior celebrates Memphis’ musical heritage, with artwork featuring locals like Justin Timberlake, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. Even the venue’s dining spaces reflect this theme, including the Opus Restaurant and the Blue Note Lounge.
For more details on FedExForum, visit www.fedexforum.com. WJHW and Solotech can be found online at www.wjhw.com and www.solotech.com, respectively.