Portsmouth Football Club, known for its electric match-day atmosphere, had a fan base that continued to grow. Thus, the demand for a hospitality space that could serve multiple functions beyond football grew as well. With the help of Workspace AV and Visionary AV-over-IP solutions, the Warrior and Victory Lounge at Fratton Park has unlocked its capabilities, and is now a modernized, truly versatile space.
The absence of an integrated AV system further complicated matters, making it difficult to display live TV, manage digital signage, or deliver high-quality audio. Additionally, the technical setup was cumbersome, requiring significant effort to operate, limiting the efficiency and usability of the space. Portsmouth FC needed a solution that would not only improve the fan experience but also enhance the club’s ability to host high-end events with ease.
To overcome these challenges, the club partnered with Workspace AV to implement a series of solutions designed to transform the lounge into a modern, multi-functional venue. A key component of the upgrade was the integration of a Visionary AVOIP system, which provided each screen with independent control, ensuring content distribution and allowing for future scalability.
This was paired with an Embed Signage system, enabling the club to centrally manage its digital signage, ensuring that all screens displayed relevant and engaging content in real time.
The club also required an audio system that could adapt to different event types. To achieve this, Extron audio amplifiers, pendant speakers, and a DSP system were installed, alongside Sennheiser microphones, providing clear and dynamic sound quality. The introduction of iPad-controlled Extron processors simplified AV management, allowing staff to adjust settings with minimal training.
A standout feature of the project was the 9-foot Dahua LED screen with a 1.5mm pixel pitch, perfect for both sporting events and professional presentations. Complementing this were seven additional professional displays, positioned throughout the lounge to maximize visibility.
Beyond the lounge itself, the Fan Zone was integrated into the AV system, featuring an interface to the DJ booth that enables direct control over external audio. This setup not only supports live DJ performances but also provides ambient sound to enhance the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the external IP-rated speakers allow for the overspill of event audio from the Warrior and Victory Lounge, ensuring a seamless audio experience that extends beyond the main hospitality space.
Thanks to Visionary’s PacketAV Matrix Series, the entire AV infrastructure remains highly adaptable, ensuring that whether the lounge is operating as a single space or divided into separate areas, every display receives high-quality, synchronized content.
The integration process focused on linking Embed Signage and live TV across all displays, guaranteeing a synchronized experience. Meanwhile, the automation phase introduced the iPad-controlled Extron processors, providing a user-friendly interface for AV management.
Once the installation was complete, the entire system underwent comprehensive testing to ensure that every component functioned flawlessly. The team worked closely with Portsmouth FC to provide hands-on training, ensuring that staff could easily manage the new AV setup with confidence.
The transformation of the Warrior and Victory Lounge has had a profound impact on Portsmouth Football Club’s hospitality and event capabilities. The venue has been completely reimagined, offering a flexible and technologically advanced space that can be easily adapted for different functions.
The new AV solutions have significantly enhanced fan engagement, providing immersive visuals and high-quality audio that elevate the matchday experience, along with a 50% reduction in event setup time. With live TV streaming, digital signage, and dynamic audio, fans can enjoy real-time content in a modern and engaging environment.
