INNISFAIL – There will soon be less muffled, indiscernible acoustics for sporting events at the Innisfail Twin Arena.
The Town of Innisfail is going high tech and getting a new audio system for both rinks at the arena.
On July 8 at town council’s regular meeting, a motion was unanimously passed to purchase a new sound system from Inland AV for $95,510.50.
Council was told the purchase, which was a budget item for 2024, is within the budgeted amount of $125,000 and will be funded from the town’s Arena Reserve.
“We’re really pleased that this is moving forward and we'll be very excited to see that completed,” said mayor Jean Barclay. “It is long overdue, and I think everyone knows that we needed something better in the twin arenas.”
Erica Vickers, the Town of Innisfail’s director of corporate services, told council the quality of the new sound system in on par with the one at Red Deer’s Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre Arena.
Vickers told council the new sound system will have Bluetooth capabilities as well as multiple speakers in various locations to provide optimum sound levels over the ice and bleachers.
“Each timekeeper’s booth and the announcer’s booth on the second floor will be equipped with a Bluetooth receiver as well as microphone capabilities to allow users to play music, as well as make any announcements,” said Vickers. “New speakers will be added to the change rooms and the system will be connected to existing lobby speakers to allow for full facility announcements and paging if required.
“Audio controls will be programmed and set to achieve optimum sound and clarity in all areas,” Vickers added.
She told council that controls for power will be located in the arena’s office area in a secure cabinet.
“All existing equipment will be removed to leave a clean and professional look for years to come,” said Vickers.
Vickers told council the installation of the new sound system should be ready for the arena’s coming winter season.
