ABSTRACT
In this study, the room acoustics design of sports facilities is discussed over a long-term experience on contemporary sports arenas designed and/or built-in recent years. These arenas are serving as spaces accommodating entertainment facilities from sports events to pop concerts. Acoustic design considerations vary from providing the intelligibility of the instructor to creating the required lively ambiance in these halls. Acoustical comfort conditions need to be arranged in sports arenas considering volume, function, and designated atmosphere together. The challenge of taming the reverberation time in a large arena volume increase when there is no sufficient area - approved by the design team or client- to apply sound absorptive materials. The absence of the audience after the Covid-19 pandemic has caused even a greater problem due to the lack of main sound absorptive areas in sports halls. In this study room acoustics design parameters and design limitations in sports arena projects are discussed through the available literature and in-house experience of the authors. Current practices and multi-function uses of recent sports arena designs are discussed from acoustical point of view. Comparative analysis of acoustical conditions in different cases is shared to guide future arena designs and to contribute to room acoustics studies in the field. © International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration (IIAV), 2022.