Portsmouth Football Club has upgraded two of its corporate hospitality spaces at Fratton Park with Visionary’s AV over IP systems.
To unlock the full capabilities of The Warrior and Victory Lounge at Fratton Park the club embarked on a project to modernise the lounge with AV systems, turning it into a truly versatile space.
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.
To overcome these challenges, the club partnered with Workspace AV 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 scalability in the future. 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 viewing experience.
Audio was another critical component of the transformation. The club required a system that could adapt to different event types, from the 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 sound quality. The introduction of iPad-controlled Extron processors significantly simplified AV management, allowing staff to adjust settings with minimal training.
A 3-metre Dahua LED screen with a 1.5mm pixel pitch provides 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.
Once the installation was complete, the entire system underwent testing to ensure that every component functioned flawlessly. The team worked closely with Portsmouth FC to provide hands-on training, ensuring that staff could manage the new AV setup with confidence.