WSDG enhances sound and safety at South America’s largest stadium

Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires benefits from world-class acoustic and AV system design as part of a multi-year transformation

October 28, 2025

October 28, 2025 — Following a sweeping renovation between 2020 and 2023, Estadio Mâs Monumental, the legendary home of Club Atlético River Plate and the Argentinian national football team, has been transformed into one of the most advanced sports and entertainment venues in the world. As the largest stadium in South America, with a capacity exceeding 86,000, Mâs Monumental is now setting new global standards in both infrastructure and fan experience. A key component of this transformation was a complete overhaul of the stadium’s sound system, supported by global acoustic design consulting and media systems engineering specialists WSDG.

Implemented in close collaboration with Bosch and Electro-Voice, the new electroacoustic system was engineered to deliver exceptional speech intelligibility, uniform coverage, and an immersive audio environment for both sporting events and large-scale concerts. WSDG conducted a detailed peer review of the proposed specifications, contributed critical design optimisations, and supervised the final system calibration on-site to ensure optimal performance.

“Designing for stadiums is always about achieving the right balance between clarity and emotional energy,” says Sergio Molho, WSDG Partner and Director of Business Development. “At Mâs Monumental, we were able to craft a sound experience that supports every word, cheer, and musical moment with power and precision.”

The upgrade was long overdue. For years, River Plate relied on temporary rented sound systems mounted at ground level, resulting in uneven coverage and poor intelligibility. The original installed system, dating back to the 1978 FIFA World Cup, had become technologically outdated and functionally inadequate.

“A new sound system was a non-negotiable part of the renovation,” explains Rodrigo Alvarez, Head Architect and Construction Manager at Club Atlético River Plate. “It was essential not only for enhancing fan experience, but most importantly, for ensuring safety. We looked for world-class partners with proven stadium experience – and that’s why we brought in WSDG.”

The final solution combined distributed point-source loudspeakers and mezzanine-mounted arrays, all managed through advanced digital signal processing to maintain coherence across the expansive stadium. WSDG also applied its Technical Interior Design (TID) expertise to adjacent areas, enhancing sound quality and speech clarity throughout the venue.

Integrating a state-of-the-art system into a stadium built in the 1930s posed unique structural and logistical challenges. “We had to verify and reinforce aged concrete structures, modernise electrical systems, and schedule all installations around active match days and events,” notes Alvarez. “Despite those constraints, the result is a sound system that blends into the architecture and elevates the entire stadium experience.”

And that experience is more important than ever. Club Atlético River Plate closed 2024 with an announcement that it had once again claimed the title of the most attended football club in the world, with an average of 84,567 fans per match and over 2.4 million attendees throughout the season. Estadio Mâs Monumental’s upgrades, including its state-of-the-art sound system, have played a major role in attracting these record-breaking crowds and reinforcing the stadium’s reputation as one of the top global venues for both sports and live entertainment.

“The reaction from both fans and performers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Alvarez adds. “The jump in quality was immediately noticeable, and it’s a major factor in our stadium being selected as a host venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”

“This is where design meets passion,” says Molho. “Whether it’s a championship goal or a sold-out concert, our mission is to make sure every sound reaches every fan - clearly, powerfully, and without compromise. When we get it right, the system disappears, and all that remains is the experience.”

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ABOUT WSDG

WSDG is an award-winning international firm specializing in Acoustics and AV Technology consulting and design. Founded by pioneering architect and acoustician John Storyk and multi-disciplinary designer Beth Walters, WSDG blends scientific rigor with artistic vision at the intersection of architecture, acoustics, and technology to create extraordinary sound environments. Beginning with Mr. Storyk's design of Jimi Hendrix's iconic Electric Lady Studios, notable WSDG projects include personal studios for Jack Antonoff, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen; landmark studio design, including Jungle Studios (NYC), Rue Boyer (Paris), Spotify (LA) and Church Studios (London) as well as technology and acoustic consulting for global media organizations including Beijing Film Academy, ESPN, Netflix, Sony, The National Museum of Qatar, and many more.

With a consolidated global leadership, offices in New York, Miami, Basel, and Berlin, and a worldwide network of representatives, WSDG continues to unlock the potential of sound by redefining acoustics in the arts, live entertainment, sports, education, and luxury residential fields.

For more information, visit www.wsdg.com.