Portsmouth Football Club has long been known for its passionate fan base and electric match-day atmosphere. However, as the club continued to grow, so did the demand for a hospitality space that could serve multiple functions beyond football. The Warrior and Victory Lounge at Fratton Park had the potential to be much more than just a match-day venue. To fully unlock its capabilities, the club embarked on an ambitious project to modernise the lounge with state-of-the-art audiovisual solutions, turning it into a truly versatile space.
The challenge was clear. The existing lounge setup lacked the flexibility needed to accommodate a variety of events. While it served as a gathering space for fans on match days, it was not optimised for conferences, corporate presentations, or fine dining events. 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 innovative 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 seamless content distribution and allowing for effortless scalability in the future. Visionary’s cutting-edge AV over IP technology meant that the club could easily expand the system without costly infrastructure changes, making it a truly future-proof investment.
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. Live TV streaming was also introduced across multiple displays, offering guests an uninterrupted and immersive viewing experience.
Audio was another critical component of the transformation. The club required a system that could adapt to different event types, from the high-energy atmosphere of match days to the refined ambiance of corporate gatherings. 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 significantly simplified AV management, allowing staff to adjust settings effortlessly with minimal training.
A standout feature of the project was the 3-metre Dahua LED screen with a 1.5mm pixel pitch, which provided stunning high-resolution visuals, perfect for both sporting events and professional presentations. Complementing this were seven additional professional displays, strategically positioned throughout the lounge to maximise 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, with ultra-low latency and superior video quality, ensuring that whether the lounge is operating as a single space or divided into separate areas, every display receives high-quality, synchronised content.
The installation of such an advanced AV system required meticulous planning and execution. The project was carried out in several stages, beginning with detailed consultations and a design phase to ensure the system would meet Portsmouth FC’s exact requirements. Every element of the AV infrastructure was carefully considered to create an intuitive, scalable, and high-performance setup.
During the installation phase, the Visionary AV-over-IP system, Extron audio components, and Dahua LED display were deployed, ensuring optimal placement and integration. The integration process focused on linking Embed Signage and live TV across all displays, guaranteeing a seamless and synchronised experience. Meanwhile, the automation phase introduced the iPad-controlled Extron processors, providing an intuitive and 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.
Given the scale of the project, we anticipated some challenges during the installation process. One of the key obstacles was simplifying the control of such an advanced AV setup. To address this, the iPad-based automation system was designed to remove technical barriers, making it easy for non-technical staff to operate. Another challenge was ensuring superior audio clarity in a space that had to accommodate both loud, energetic crowds and intimate business gatherings. This was resolved through Extron DSP and Sennheiser microphones, delivering crystal-clear sound in any configuration.
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 effortlessly adapted for different functions.
The new AV solutions have significantly enhanced fan engagement, providing immersive visuals and high-quality audio that elevate the match-day experience. With live TV streaming, digital signage, and dynamic audio, fans can enjoy real-time content in a modern and engaging environment.
Beyond match days, the lounge has become a highly desirable venue for corporate events, fine dining experiences, and conferences. The ability to divide the space into two separate areas or merge it into one large venue provides exceptional versatility, opening up new commercial opportunities for the club.
The simplified AV controls have also led to a 50% reduction in event setup times, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency. Staff can now configure the space quickly and effortlessly, ensuring that every event runs smoothly. This operational improvement has translated into higher customer satisfaction, with corporate clients and event organisers praising the ease of use and high-quality AV performance.
Darren Parker, Head of Technology at Portsmouth Football Club, highlighted the significance of the upgrade, stating: “The transformation of the Warrior and Victory Lounge has been remarkable. The AV solutions provided have not only enhanced the fan experience on match days but also turned the space into a highly sought-after venue for corporate events. The simplicity of the control systems means our staff can manage everything effortlessly. A truly game-changing upgrade for Portsmouth FC.”
The Portsmouth Football Club Warrior and Victory Lounge project is a shining example of how cutting-edge AV technology can revolutionise stadium hospitality. By integrating scalable AV solutions such as Visionary AVOIP, Extron automation, and Dahua high-impact displays, the club has created a future-proof venue that seamlessly balances entertainment and business functionality.
Thanks to Visionary PacketAV Matrix Series’ flexibility, reliability, and ultra-low latency, Portsmouth FC now has a seamless AV infrastructure that can grow with the club’s needs, ensuring a superior experience for fans and event attendees alike.
This transformation not only enhances the fan experience but also maximises the commercial potential of Fratton Park, solidifying Portsmouth FC’s reputation as an industry leader in stadium innovation. With a highly adaptable and technologically sophisticated lounge, the club is now positioned to host premier events, attract corporate partnerships, and continue delivering an unparalleled match-day experience for its loyal supporters.
