CTs Series amplifiers installed in the 'friendly confines' of MLB's Chicago Cubs

Crown Dominates Chicagoland Sports with Latest Install at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO - June 2007 -- From the manually operated center-field scoreboard to the ivy-covered outfield walls and visions of Harry Caray enthusiastically rousing fans through the seventh inning stretch, few sporting venues can command such vivid imagery as Wrigley Field, home to MLB's Chicago Cubs.

Now, thanks to a recent upgrade of the ballpark's audio system incorporating Crown CTs Series amplifiers loaded with Harman Pro HiQnet(tm)-compatible network control modules, Wrigley Field rounds out the complete lineup of Chicago's major sports venues--including Soldier Field (NFL Bears), U.S. Cellular Field (MLB White Sox) and United Center (NBA Bulls)--powered by Crown.

The Cubs organization has been updating the audio system at Wrigley as part of a multiple-phase expansion project, upgrading amplifiers to units with more power as speakers are replaced. Furthermore, the facility's operational staff had expressed an interest in the ability to monitor the system remotely.

Dallas-based design and consulting firm Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WJHW) was brought in as the consultant on the project with Advent Systems of nearby Elmhurst serving as the contractor.

Under WJHW's specification, the latest system upgrade included 11 Crown CTs amplifiers (CTs 3000 and CTs 600 models) equipped with PIP-Lite cards, BSS Soundweb London for processing and JBL loudspeakers, among other things. This upgrade complements the previously completed expansion of the outfield bleacher section, which benefits from the same pro audio equipment, and enables the two separate systems to be linked together via CobraNet(tm).

Choosing Crown for Wrigley Field wasn't a difficult decision for WJHW. "The stadium already had Crown amps existing when we began the project, namely Com-Techs that were installed back in the '80s," notes WJHW Associate Jack McCallum. "Since we weren't replacing all of the back-of-house equipment, we went with Crown to make the system more uniform. Besides, Crown has always given us good support; we never have any heartburn specifying their products."

Built in 1914, when it was known as Weegham Park, Wrigley Field is now one of the oldest active major league ballparks, second only to Boston's Fenway Park. The stadium, itself, was built on the site of a former seminary, which could explain why so many people describe seeing a game there as a "religious experience." Of course, Wrigley is also said to be the origin of the phrase "out in left field" as there was once a mental institution outside the stadium on the left field side.

Although the Cubs have never won a World Series Championship, Wrigley Field has seen its fair share of baseball history, including Babe Ruth's infamous bleacher point, Gabby Hartnett's "Homer in the Gloamin'," and Sammy Sosa's home run streaks to name just a few. The park has also hosted three MLB All-Star Games and the World Series (sans Cubbies) numerous times, not to mention previously serving as the home turf of the NFL's Chicago Bears and pro soccer's Chicago Sting years ago.

For more information on WJHW, visit www.wjhw.com.