Hiram Bithorn Stadium

The Return of a Historic Venue

As the first stadium in Puerto Rico to host Major League Baseball, Hiram Bithorn holds a prominent place in the island's baseball tradition. This project also marked the stadium's first major renovation since opening in 1962.

The sound system renovation formed part of a broader investment initiative led by the administration of Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo, representing an approximate $40 million effort to bring the stadium up to modern standards in preparation for international events. The timing made the remodel even more critical, as Puerto Rico prepared to host games for the World Baseball Classic, one of the sport's premier international events. To meet the demands of the renovation, the project team developed a new stadium audio system designed for both performance and durability.

Acoustic consultant Thorburn Associates developed the system design and specified Fulcrum Acoustic for the grandstand and field areas. Interlink served as the general contractor on the project while integrator Acoustic Audio Solutions managed the audio system installation and deployment. With the final contract signed in January, the team had just 50 days to deliver a stadium wide audio upgrade before the March World Baseball Classic games began.

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Built to Withstand the Elements

Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers were chosen for their ability to deliver intelligible, high-impact sound across the large outdoor venue while standing up to Puerto Rico's harsh climate of heat, humidity, and frequent rain exposure. Fulcrum Acoustic weather resistant loudspeakers are built for demanding outdoor environments, with composite enclosures that resist rot and degradation, stainless steel grilles for long term durability, an impact-resistant paint finish, and sealed connection points that help protect critical components.

The audio system was tailored to the geometry and performance demands of the venue. AHC443-WR loudspeakers handled the longest threw areas, where output and pattern control were essential. FH1596-WR and GX1226-WR loudspeakers provided coverage across key audience areas, helping maintain clarity and consistency for primary listening zones. CS118-WR subwoofers delivered the low-frequency impact that is essential for a modern stadium environment.

Because Fulcrum Acoustic manufactures in-house in the United States, the company was able to adapt its production schedule to support the project timeline. As Ricardo Rodriguez Leon, President of Acoustic Audio Solutions, explained, “We ordered the brackets in advance, installed them first, and completed the wiring so that when the loudspeakers arrived, we were ready to go.” Polaris Controls, Fulcrum Acoustic’s manufacturer’s representative for the region, played a pivotal role in coordinating with the local project team, helping keep communication and support aligned throughout the fast-moving installation.

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Ready for Game Day and Beyond

When the system went live, attendees immediately noticed the difference. Fans and venue representatives praised the result. Rafael Colón Lugo, Director of Technology at Interlink, explained, “Everyone who attended the games said they had never heard the stadium sound like that before.” Hiram Bithorn also serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, and other large events, extending the demands on the system well beyond game day. The Fulcrum Acoustic upgrade delivered the clarity, control, and reliability needed to serve the stadium well into the future.

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