Assessment and Analysis of Reverberation Time in Hyder-Burks Arena at Tennessee Technological University

This study addresses the issue of long reverberation times in large-scale arenas, specifically the HyderBurks Arena (HBA) at Tennessee Technological University. HBA primarily hosts cattle shows and agricultural events. The current multi-speaker sound system in the facility ensures audibility, but the long reverberation time accumulates noise that impairs communication and causes dissatisfaction. The objectives of this work conducted as a student project in an undergraduate noise control class include measuring the reverberation time, analyzing the data, researching noise reduction methods, and proposing feasible plans that consider cost, achievability, and ease of implementation. The current reverberation time measured in the arena is approximately 2.313 seconds, posing challenges for speechapplications. The aim was to reduce this to a range of 1.32 to 1.02 seconds. The study employed a Larson Davis Sound Advisor 831C sound level meter to measure the reverberation time at various points in the arena. Despite low-frequency analysis challenges, critical frequencies affecting speech intelligibility were identified. The study also highlights potential issues with the arena’s sound system and the need for a synchronized, centralized speaker system. The assessment revealed that areas near the concrete walls without sound absorption have the maximum T60, indicating the need for treatment. Recommendations include ceiling treatment to reduce the reverberation time and enhance speech intelligibility. The proposed plan, considering cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility, aims to improve the atmosphere and experience for HBA users.