Mojtaba NAVVAB, Gunnar HEILMANN , Dennis W. SULISZ
Year:
2009
Bibliographic info:
Building Simulation, 2009, Glasgow, Scotland

The noise generated by the crowds and organized fans during sporting events has created a challenge for sport facility management. The new demand for full compliance to National Football League rules on crowd noise, and cities' regulations on noise ordinance require new methods or approaches in measuring such environmental conditions. Given their dynamic range and possible classification, noise levels generated by large crowds have influenced the outcome of games, and recent analysis of the available data shows an increase in noise related penalties. This situation has provided more excitement for the spectators and greater participation in the events, however sound intensity of 95 to 110dBA is now the typically reported range of recorded noise levels within various sport arenas.  This paper describes a new approach in measuring crowd noise, and estimating the contribution of various frequency ranges for evaluation of the existing, and in this case, the proposed University of Michigan (UM) newly designed addition of skyboxes to the football stadium. Data were measured using Acoustic Camera spherical array, 120 channel data recorders, and utilizing various acoustic software for data reduction, computer modelling, simulation and analysis. The measured and simulated results based on these parametric studies are compared against selected well-known stadiums for their crowd noise conditions. The frequency domain and spectral analysis are used as input to the computer modelling, simulation and analysis of the space. Using newly developed room acoustic indicators provide a new approach in estimating the impact of the reflected sound contribution to the crowd noise; given the skyboxes as part of the new addition with their unique facade and window geometry.