When the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens host home games on the same evening, coordination between production teams is required.
To support real-time communication between the two venues, Clear-Com, working with CTI (Conference Technologies, Inc.), has implemented a new intercom system in Toledo, Ohio, linking Huntington Center and Fifth Third Field.
Centralized Intercom Infrastructure
The system is based on Clear-Com’s Arcadia® Central Station, located at Huntington Center, and connects the two venues via more than five miles of fiber. The network supports both HelixNet® digital partyline and FreeSpeak II® wireless intercom systems, enabling full-duplex communication for production crews at both locations.
Multi-System Support Across Venues
The integrated setup allows teams working on hockey and baseball productions to communicate across venues in real time. Operators can access the same intercom network regardless of which event is taking place, or whether both events are running simultaneously.
“Opening day is when this system truly shines,” said Jeremy Knoff, CTS, CQT, Branch Director at CTI. “When both teams have games at the same time, crews at each venue can communicate instantly over the network instead of relying on phone calls. It’s a major step forward for efficiency and collaboration.”
Equipment and Network Design
Each venue includes multiple FreeSpeak beltpacks, HelixNet panels, and camera operators connected directly to the intercom system. Redundant network switches are installed at both locations to ensure reliability and continuous operation.
“The operators can simply plug into the network and go,” Knoff added. “Even though the fiber run between the two stadiums spans several miles, the system’s design, with a long-haul transmitter and Clear-Com’s IP-based technology, makes it work flawlessly.”
Long-Term Expansion Plans
The new intercom deployment replaces legacy equipment with a scalable, IP-based system designed for future expansion. Plans include extending the platform to the teams’ cable sports network partner, with the goal of unifying production communications across all facilities.
“The integration of Arcadia, HelixNet, and FreeSpeak gives the Toledo Walleye and Mud Hens a modern, future-proof intercom system that’s simple to operate yet capable of supporting highly complex productions,” said Vic Lombardi, North Central Regional Sales Manager at Clear-Com. “It’s a perfect example of how our systems can link venues over long distances while maintaining exceptional clarity and reliability.”
