Stade Mohammed V Transforms Audio Experience with HK Audio COSMO
The iconic Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca has recently undergone a significant renovation of its sound system, now equipped with the advanced COSMO family of loudspeakers from HK Audio. This upgrade was strategically completed to prepare the stadium for its pivotal role as one of the main venues for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 25/26, showcasing the venue's commitment to enhancing the experience for players and fans alike.
Situated in the bustling Maârif district, Stade Mohammed V is not only Morocco’s oldest stadium but also one of Africa’s most renowned football arenas. Since its inauguration in 1955, this 67,000-seat venue has undergone several renovations and name changes, solidifying its status as a historic landmark. It serves as the home ground for the country’s most popular football clubs, Wydad Athletic Club and Raja Club Athletic, and regularly hosts international matches and major events, further enhancing its iconic reputation. With Morocco awarded the rights to host the Africa Cup of Nations, the need for an audio upgrade became paramount to meet the demanding technical specifications required for hosting multiple matches, including six group games, a round of 16 match, and the third-place playoff.
Challenges and Solutions in Upgrading the Sound System
The urgency of the audio upgrade escalated when Morocco was selected as a replacement host for the tournament, following Guinea's inability to meet preparation deadlines. This led to a rapid re-evaluation and enhancement of the stadium's facilities within a tight timeframe of just six weeks. The existing acoustic environment posed additional challenges, as only one stand is covered, limiting speaker placement options and necessitating precise long-throw audio coverage over distances of up to 150 meters. The goal was to ensure clarity, intelligibility, and consistent sound pressure levels throughout the venue.
To tackle these challenges, HK Audio collaborated closely with local partner Algam Maghreb, integrator Maghrebnet, and audio consultancy expert Melanie Ziska from SAVE audio solutions. Together, they successfully deployed a total of 166 HK Audio COSMO loudspeakers, powered by over 250 kW of Powersoft UNICA amplification. Utilizing advanced digital tools such as EASE 5 with Acousteer for system design and Armonia+ for amplifier configuration, the team was able to implement the sound system quickly and effectively without sacrificing audio quality.
Kamal Fandi, BU Manager at Maghrebnet, remarked on the project’s success, stating, “Delivering a project of this scale within such a compressed timeframe highlights exceptional coordination, engineering expertise, and logistical capability.” Meanwhile, Fabian Reimann, Senior Application Engineer at HK Audio, emphasized the quality of the COSMO system, noting, “The long-throw capabilities combined with COSMO’s adaptable horizontal coverage ensured that we achieved outstanding results for a key venue in a high-profile tournament.”
After the completion of the upgrade, the new sound system was tested during various events, including the much-anticipated Casablanca derby between Raja Club Athletic and Wydad Athletic Club, prior to the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations. The feedback from technicians and event organizers was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that the upgraded system provides a robust, future-ready audio infrastructure that significantly enhances the match-day experience for players, officials, and the tens of thousands of spectators who fill the stands each week.
As reported by livedesignonline.com.
