Merivale, one of Australia’s largest hospitality groups, is renowned for its diverse portfolio of pubs, restaurants, bars, and clubs across Sydney, with a growing presence in Victoria and beyond. Committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, Merivale has long prioritised high-quality audio in its venues. However, to elevate its sports pubs as premier destinations for televised sports, Merivale invested in Absen LED screens for two Sydney venues: The Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills and The Vic on the Park in Marrickville. These large-scale outdoor courtyard displays, installed in time for the 2025 sports season, aim to transform the sports viewing experience for patrons. Partnering with NAS and leveraging Absen’s AW Series, Merivale has set a new standard for immersive sports entertainment.
THE CHALLENGE
Merivale has utilised LED screens for over 15 years, initially in nightclubs for theming, and more recently in pubs to cater to sports fans. As Glenn Rayner, Merivale’s Technical Director, explains, “Over the last five years or so, we’ve looked at putting LED into our pubs that have traditionally had a strong sports focus.” The growing popularity of sports like football in Australia has broadened the demographic appeal, making high-quality visuals a critical upsell for patrons.
However, early LED sourcing presented challenges. Merivale initially procured screens directly from China, benefiting from market availability but facing inconsistent support. Rayner notes, “It was easy to get product from China, but as the years went on, the support became lacking.” A notable issue occurred when “we bought 100 panels of LED and five or six were from a different batch – it was really obvious, and it took quite a lot of work to fix.” As manufacturers shifted focus to newer products, obtaining parts for older screens became difficult after two or three years. With a large hospitality portfolio and a small AV maintenance team, Merivale needed a standardised, reliable LED solution supported by a trusted local distributor to ensure long-term performance and serviceability.
THE FIX
Merivale partnered with NAS and its growing LED division led by Absen Brand Manager Tommy Blum. The solution was Absen’s AW Series LED screens, selected for their technical suitability and robust support. Rayner emphasises the importance of standardisation: “A one-stop shop makes servicing so much easier. We’re a large hospitality group with a comparatively small AV maintenance team. When you’ve got similar product coming from different suppliers, it gets tricky keeping it all going.” By choosing Absen through NAS, Merivale ensured consistent product quality and access to local expertise.
The AW Series was ideal for the outdoor courtyards at The Beresford and The Vic. Rayner highlights the technical requirements: “Pixel pitch is the key number – making sure the viewing experience meets expectations. We knew we needed ~2.5mm pitch, decent brightness for outdoors, fully IP-rated, and a proven product.” NAS’s support, as Blum explains, extends beyond supply: “Local distribution is important. Partnering with a trusted local distributor helps protect your investment and your rights as a consumer. Our philosophy is to put the right product in the right place – not just the cheapest deal. We provide training, commissioning, screen repairs, optimisation of performance over time, and design assistance.” This comprehensive support was critical for Merivale, ensuring seamless installation and ongoing maintenance.
THE RESULT
The Absen LED installations at The Beresford and The Vic have transformed the sports viewing experience, aligning with Merivale’s goal of creating community-focused sports pubs. Rayner reports, “The improvement in guest experience has been huge. People crowding around 65-inch TVs is never ideal for a big match, but now they can sit comfortably in a large beer garden and watch games on a proper screen. The crowds love it.”
The Beresford, with its diverse clientele, has seen particular success, becoming a vibrant hub where patrons “come down, meet their mates, have a beer, watch the footy.” The Vic on the Park has similarly benefited, drawing sports fans with its enhanced visual setup.
The Merivale investment is a long-term one only possible with NAS’s commitment to long-term support. Tommy Blum underscores this commitment: “We give integrators the confidence that we’ll be behind them – helping commission, teaching them how to install and maintain. That’s not something you’re guaranteed to get if you go directly to China.” By standardising on Absen through NAS, Merivale has streamlined maintenance, enhanced guest satisfaction, and solidified its reputation as a leader in sports hospitality.
