Coopers Stadium Redevelopment, Adelaide, SA

Coopers Stadium underwent a rejuvenation and upgrade in preparation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, aimed at enhancing the matchday experience and delivering a world class arena while cementing its position as South Australia’s home of football.

The project incorporates a new stadium roof constructed over the existing eastern grandstand, new corporate facilities, upgrades to the amenities and food and beverage facilities, stadium lighting and audio visual and broadcast facilities.

NDY conducted thorough consultations with stadium operators to ensure the successful implementation of this significant upgrade. Key considerations included the integration of a new sports lighting design, compliant with FIFA guidelines, to enhance the overall ambience and atmosphere. The aim was to create a distinctive and premium arena, elevating it to a prominent position on the global stage.

NDY was engaged as specialist ICT and audio visual consultants, working closely with the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation to design and deliver:

• New stadium wi-fi for facilities and events management, ensuring mobile and ‘always connected’ capabilities throughout the stadium.
• A new loudspeaker system delivering announcements and music to every spectator with high sound quality, balanced audio coverage and clear speech, integrated with the stadium’s emergency warning system.
• Two high-definition video boards at both ends of the stadium enhancing the fan experience with live video, scores and statistics in high resolution, reaching all seats.
• New continuous ribbon LED signage for branding and advertising reaching both event attendees and fans watching from home.
• New audio visual technology, including displays, public address systems, presentation and recording capabilities to serve corporate suites and function rooms.

The project faced significant challenges regarding the timing of upgrades, as they had to be coordinated around the A League season schedule.

To overcome this hurdle, the delivery of works was meticulously planned across multiple construction phases. Detailed planning and forethought were given to implementation, with certain elements being introduced early on, even though their full development was scheduled for the project’s final phases. Close collaboration with managing contractor Hansen Yuncken and trade subcontractors allowed NDY to ensure the feasibility of the tight program.

With a focus on a fan first experience, the project ensures Coopers Stadium can host world class sporting events while enabling built-in flexibility to expand stadium functionality into the future.

Images by Richard Humphrys Photography.