Improved Arena Acoustics at UCONN
Sound Success at UCONN’s Ratcliffe Hicks Arena: Acoustic Treatment for Clearer Communication and Better Events
The Ratcliffe Hicks Arena at the University of Connecticut is a hub for agricultural exhibitions, community events, and campus gatherings. However, like many large, open venues with high ceilings and hard surfaces, the arena suffered from one major drawback: excessive echo and poor sound clarity. Before treatment, the reverberation time in the space was measured at a staggering 9 seconds—making speech nearly unintelligible and negatively impacting the overall event experience. That all changed thanks to a collaborative acoustic treatment project between UCONN and DDS Acoustical Specialties.
The Challenge: Improving Sound in a Tough Environment
The goal was clear: reduce reverberation and improve the overall acoustical environment for speaking events, student activities, and community functions. However, the project came with a unique set of challenges. The arena’s ceiling materials couldn’t be drilled into or penetrated, ruling out many traditional installation methods.
“The installation restrictions were one of the most challenging aspects of this project,” said Dave Gilbert, Owner of DDS Acoustical Specialties. “We had to design a solution that didn’t compromise the integrity of the ceiling structure while still dramatically improving the sound quality.”
The Solution: Lightweight Melamine Foam Panels and Baffles
After conducting an in-depth site assessment and reverberation analysis, the DDS team proposed a treatment plan that balanced effectiveness with installation feasibility. The final design utilized a combination of melamine foam acoustic ceiling baffles and ceiling panels—both known for being lightweight and highly effective at absorbing sound across a wide frequency range.
Melamine foam was the perfect choice for this project. Its lightweight nature allowed for safe installation without mechanical fasteners, and its high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) made it ideal for absorbing both low and high-frequency noise in the large, open space.
The panels were securely adhered to accessible ceiling areas using industrial-strength adhesive, eliminating the need to drill into the ceiling structure. In areas where panel adhesion wasn’t feasible, baffles were suspended from the steel ceiling truss beams, hanging vertically to increase surface area and sound absorption efficiency.
This hybrid approach allowed DDS to maximize coverage while respecting the building’s structural limitations.
The Results: From 9 Seconds to Under 2
The impact was immediate and dramatic. Prior to treatment, the arena’s reverberation time—how long it takes sound to decay in a space—was approximately 9 seconds. After installation, that time dropped to just 1.8 seconds, an over 75% reduction in echo and reverberation.
The difference was particularly noticeable during spoken presentations and announcements—critical elements of many arena-hosted events.
“Our events are now so much more enjoyable,” said a UCONN facilities representative. “Before, you could barely understand the speakers over the echo, and now everything is crisp and clear. We’ve already held multiple gatherings since the installation, and the feedback has been nothing but positive.”
A New Standard for Functionality and Comfort
This project showcases how acoustical treatment can dramatically enhance a venue’s functionality without compromising its structural or aesthetic characteristics. By combining lightweight, high-performance materials with thoughtful design and installation techniques, DDS Acoustical Specialties transformed a reverberant arena into a space fit for any event—from livestock shows to academic presentations.
“What makes this project so rewarding,” added Dave Gilbert, “is knowing that our work doesn’t just change the sound—it improves the entire experience for the audience. Acoustics are invisible, but their impact is unforgettable.”
Key Takeaways from the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena Project:
- Client: University of Connecticut – Ratcliffe Hicks Arena
- Problem: Poor speech clarity and excessive echo with a reverberation time of ~9 seconds
- Solution: Installed melamine foam acoustic ceiling baffles and adhered ceiling panels
- Challenge: No penetrations allowed in ceiling materials—required creative mounting solutions
- Results: Reverberation time reduced to ~1.8 seconds; clear speech and enhanced event quality
- Client Feedback: Noticeable improvement and highly satisfied with the results
The success at Ratcliffe Hicks Arena stands as a testament to the power of targeted acoustic solutions—improving environments not just for the sake of sound, but for the people who use them every day. Whether you’re planning an event, holding a class, or addressing a crowd, the right acoustic treatment can turn a cavernous echo chamber into a place of clarity and connection.
If you’re facing similar acoustical challenges in your venue, DDS Acoustical Specialties offers turnkey solutions tailored to your specific needs and structural requirements. Let’s talk about how we can bring clarity to your next project.