As summer approaches and students prepare to head home for break, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to your behind-the-scenes systems: audio, video, and security. These systems are easy to overlook when they’re a part of your everyday function, from sports games to your morning announcements. But while your buildings are quieter over the summer, your AVS systems should be anything but overlooked. 

Come fall, your football stadiums, gymnasiums, weight rooms, tennis courts, and convocation halls will have to perform their best. So, take advantage of the summer to maintain, update, and prepare your technology for the busy school year ahead.

Why AVS Maintenance Is a Must

AVS systems power many of your school's most important moments: the pep rallies, the game-day announcements, the training room audio cues, the emergency paging systems. When these systems aren’t maintained, small issues can quickly grow into major problems—often discovered at the worst possible times, like right before a packed stadium event or a high-stakes game.

Regular maintenance:

• Prevents system failures during live events
• Helps you stay compliant with state and local regulations
• Extends the life of your equipment
• Ensures that users—coaches, teachers, students—experience seamless, stress-free performance
  
  

Think of AVS maintenance like tuning up a car before a long road trip: it’s not just a good idea, it’s a necessity to avoid breakdowns along the way.

The Summer AVS Checklist for Schools

With fewer people on your campuses and more flexible schedules, late July through early August is the perfect time for AVS service. Your AVS technicians will help you plan ahead and fully assess systems, complete any needed repairs or upgrades, and make sure everything is ready before school resumes.

Here are the areas our experts recommend you focus on this summer:

• Football Stadiums
  Test loudspeakers, microphones, and control systems. This means looking for weather damage, worn wiring, or outdated firmware, ensuring systems turn on appropriately, and checking that sound carries evenly throughout the bleachers, press box, and field.
  
  
• Gymnasiums
  Gyms present unique audio challenges, like echo and poor speech accessibility. Now’s the time to make sure your indoor PA system is balanced, clear, and easy for coaches and staff to operate and students to hear.
  
  
• Soccer Stadiums
  Just like football, your outdoor AV system must be inspected for wear and tear, especially when your system is exposed to Indiana’s variable weather. Summer checks mean next year’s games can go more smoothly (and your team can rock it!).
  
  
• Weight Rooms
  Coaches and students rely on these systems for music, timers, and announcements. Verify that your AV components are operational, safe, and securely installed.
  
  
• Auxiliary Gyms
  These spaces often double as multipurpose rooms, so portable gear, ceiling speakers, and microphones should all be tested for versatility and durability to ensure every event goes as smoothly as possible.
  
  
• Other Spaces: Cardio Rooms, Cheer, Dance, Training, Portable Speakers
  Think beyond the obvious. Portable speakers should be tested and charged, wall panels and control devices should be updated, and all special-use spaces should be evaluated for coverage and ease of use.

Stay Ahead of the School Year

Summer moves fast—and once school starts, it’s hard to find time for system updates and repairs. Don’t wait until the first football game or school event to discover your mic doesn’t work or your speakers are crackling. Scheduling service now gives you peace of mind and ensures you start the school year with systems that are ready to perform.

At Blades AVS, we partner with Indiana schools to deliver smart, seasonal service tailored to your district’s specific needs. We understand what each space requires and can help you plan, prioritize, and future-proof your AVS technology before the rush of the fall semester. Let’s set you up for a smooth, secure school year today.