Elevating Audio & Visual Performance at the Kehoe Forum
April 21, 2026 (Sydney, NS) – In a major revitalization effort, the Kehoe Forum at Cape Breton University was transformed into a modern, multi-purpose facility capable of supporting athletics, convocations, and community events. To support this evolution, our team supplied a high-performance audio and visual solution built around CODA Audio loudspeakers and Absen LED panels.
Alongside Backman Vidcom, we ensured that the systems were tailored to the acoustic and visual demands of the arena, while remaining flexible and easy to operate for day-to-day users.
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Designing for a multi-use arena meant we had to carefully consider both clarity and impact. The system needed to deliver clear, consistent speech for announcements and ceremonies, while also providing the energy and low-frequency performance expected during live events, like hockey games.
The visual system needed to serve as a central focal point for the arena. The scoreboard displays had to maintain excellent brightness and clarity under numerous conditions, while supporting dynamic, real-time content for both sports and non-sporting events.
This had to be achieved within the constraints of a retrofit project, where infrastructure limitations and coordination with other trades added layers of complexity that needed to be both considered, and respected.
The audio system was built around CODA Audio’s advanced loudspeaker technology, selected for its ability to deliver high output with exceptional clarity and control. Utilizing CODA’s proprietary driver and waveguide design, the system achieves precise directivity, allowing sound to be evenly distributed across the seating areas while minimizing reflections and intelligibility loss. The loudspeaker system provides full-range performance, ensuring that both speech and music are reproduced with accuracy and impact. High-frequency detail remains crisp and intelligible, even at higher output levels, while low-frequency extension supports the energy required for sporting events and large gatherings.
System tuning and deployment were carefully considered to match the acoustic characteristics of the arena. The result is a balanced and controlled sound field that avoids common issues such as hot spots, dead zones, or excessive reverberation. This allows operators to maintain consistent levels and clarity regardless of the type of event being hosted. In addition, the system’s scalability allows for flexible zoning and control, enabling different configurations depending on whether the venue is hosting a hockey game, a ceremony, or a community event.
To complement the audio system, Absen LED technology was selected to deliver a modern, high-impact visual experience. The installed LED scoreboards feature fine pixel pitch and high brightness output, ensuring sharp image reproduction and excellent visibility from all seating positions.
The displays are capable of rendering detailed graphics, live video feeds, and real-time scoring information with clarity and consistency. Their high refresh rate and color accuracy ensure smooth motion and vibrant visuals, which are critical for fast-paced sports environments.
Designed for reliability in demanding conditions, the Absen LED panels provide long-term performance with minimal maintenance requirements. Their modular construction also allows for efficient servicing and future scalability if the venue’s needs evolve.
Beyond athletics, the LED scoreboards function as versatile communication tools, supporting presentations, branding, and informational content during non-sporting events. This flexibility plays a key role in maximizing the utility of the venue.
Installed by Backman Vidcom, both the CODA Audio and Absen systems were integrated as part of a broader AV ecosystem within the renovated facility. Coordination between design teams, engineers, and on-site trades ensured that all components were installed to meet both performance and structural requirements.
Special attention was given to loudspeaker placement and aiming to optimize coverage and intelligibility, as well as to the structural integration of the LED scoreboards to ensure optimal sightlines and long-term stability.
Despite the challenges of working within an aging structure undergoing significant upgrades, the installation was completed efficiently and aligned with the overall construction schedule.
The revitalized Kehoe Forum now delivers a professional-grade audio-visual experience that meets the expectations of a modern arena. The CODA Audio system provides powerful, consistent, and intelligible sound for every type of event, enhancing both audience engagement and operational ease.
At the same time, the Absen LED scoreboards serve as a dynamic visual centerpiece, elevating the atmosphere during sporting events while offering flexible functionality for a wide range of uses. Together, these systems form a reliable and future-ready AV foundation, helping Cape Breton University create a vibrant, inclusive venue that serves both its campus and the broader community.