Epsom Downs Racecourse: AV for Racecourses Case Study
Epsom Downs Racecourse is one of Britain’s most iconic sporting venues, home of the world-famous Derby since the 1700s. For a site steeped in history and prestige, keeping pace with modern expectations was critical. Audiotek was awarded the contract to replace decades of piecemeal upgrades with a unified AV system for racecourses, enhancing guest experience and supporting the commercial success of the venue.
Epsom Downs Racecourse Project Challenges
- Scale: Coverage had to span vast outdoor areas and multiple indoor facilities.
- Information flow: Guests expect race-day updates on demand, wherever they are on site.
- Commercial stakes: The system needed to add tangible value to hospitality, sponsorship, and conferencing.
Project Scope – AV Installation at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Audiotek delivered a complete solution, integrating PA audio and video into a single, modern backbone:
- Audio Distribution: QSC Q-SYS NANO platform with QSC CX-Q 4k4 amplification for reliable, scalable coverage.
- Control: QSC TSC-70 Touchscreens providing intuitive management for race-day staff.
- Speakers: Martin Audio CDD-12WR weather-resistant loudspeakers to ensure announcements reached every corner of the grounds.
- Video: Wyrestorm 100 series AVoverIP distributing race-day feeds and event content.
- Displays: LG UE Series TVs on Peerless mounts delivering live updates, sponsor messaging, and guest information.
Design Approach to AV for Racecourses
The system was designed to deliver more than coverage — it had to elevate the experience:
- Guest-first design: Announcements and race commentary clear across stands, restaurants, and betting areas.
- Commercial flexibility: Video displays enabled sponsor branding, betting updates, and corporate messaging on demand.
- Dual-purpose use: The AV backbone now supports race days, conferences, weddings, and live events, maximising venue utilisation.
Key Innovations at Epsom Downs Racecourse
- Integrated Control: Staff could manage PA and video seamlessly from QSC touchscreens.
- Revenue Support: AV systems ensured sponsor visibility and kept hospitality guests engaged.
- Prestige Project: A unified AV solution at a venue of this stature positioned Audiotek as a trusted partner for tier-1 sporting sites.
Installation & Execution
Audiotek’s team rationalised decades of legacy systems into one streamlined, modern platform. The installation was phased to avoid disruption to events and tuned to meet the unique acoustic and logistical demands of a live racecourse environment.
Commercial & Educational Insights
This project demonstrates why AV for racecourses isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic investment in guest satisfaction and commercial performance:
- Enhancing Guest Experience
Racegoers don’t just watch the action on the track — they eat, drink, and socialise throughout the venue. A unified PA and video system ensured that whether a guest was queuing at a bar, in hospitality, or seated in the grandstand, they never missed an announcement, betting update, or moment of the race. This consistency builds trust and keeps the atmosphere electric from start to finish. - Driving Revenue Streams
The new AV platform gave Epsom Downs greater flexibility for sponsor messaging and branding, providing prime opportunities across dozens of displays and loudspeaker zones. Clearer race-day communication also kept crowds flowing smoothly, reducing bottlenecks and increasing food, beverage, and betting turnover — all crucial revenue drivers for the venue. - Maximising Year-Round Value
Beyond race days, the system became a cornerstone for Epsom’s corporate and hospitality business. With reliable PA and video distribution, the venue could market itself as a premium destination for conferences, weddings, and live events — expanding its revenue potential outside the racing calendar. - Futureproofing a Historic Venue
By consolidating decades of piecemeal systems into a single, scalable backbone, Audiotek provided a platform that will adapt as the racecourse evolves. The investment ensures Epsom can continue to meet modern expectations without constant, disruptive upgrades.
Conclusion – AV for Racecourses That Elevates the Guest Experience
By unifying audio and video at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Audiotek didn’t just improve sound and vision — it strengthened the venue’s reputation and revenue potential. From Derby day crowds to corporate conferences, the new AV system ensures every visitor stays connected, informed, and engaged.
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