By Matthew LockardContributor
Concert-goers at Cox Arena will soon notice a difference in soundquality, thanks to an acoustical upgrade.
Criticism from local media, performers such as Eric Clapton andPearl Jam, and sound technicians prompted the change when theycomplained about the arena’s acoustics, said Associated StudentsExecutive Director Dan Cornthwaite.
“(The improvements) reaffirm our commitment to providing astate-of-the-art facility,” Cornthwaite said.
The arena sits 12,000 people and holds year-round events. In 1998,there were more than 175 concerts at the arena.
More sound-absorbing material on the ceiling and walls was addedto help eliminate echo problems.
Cox Arena Director John Kolek said the improvements havesignificantly helped the arena.
“I hope anybody that had not come to an event because of the soundwould give us another try,” Kolek said.
The $538,000 upgrade is scheduled to be completed in two weeks.
Kolek said the upgrade has already received positive feedback fromlocal media, including representatives from the Faith Hill and TimMcGraw tour.
Kolek said the arena was built for the best sound system possible,but construction didn’t match what sound engineers expected.
“It’s very difficult to assure good quality sound in a bigbuilding,” he said.
Music junior Jeff Collins said large arena’s have problems withechoing that can degrade sound quality, but that the arena’simprovements should fix that.
“The new acoustics will make a difference,” Collins said.
The arena was constructed so people could see better, but thesteep angle increased echoes, making it harder for people to hear,Kolek said. The upgrade will fix the problem and bring the arena upto industry standards, he said.
Cox Arena is contracted with Bill Silva Presents, a concertpromoter. Bill Silva Presents, owned by House of Blues, is in chargeof bringing acts to the arena.
“We are trying to expand the variety and type of events that comeinto the facility,” he said. “There is no question that we havebecome a primary player in the arena industry,” he said.
Kolek said the arena promotes San Diego State University andtelevised events that serve as a recruitment tool to future students.
The arena was completed in 1997. Student fees increased $47 to payfor the original construction. The project was paid for with moneyfrom the original Cox Arena construction reserve.
The arena is owned by A.S. and is run by a professional managementstaff. It operates on a $4.3 million budget.
Upcoming events include Martin Nievera on Oct. 13, Miguel Bose andAna Torroja on Oct. 19 and Matchbox Twenty on Oct. 22.
