Pickles Pub
Project Overview
Pickles Pub AV System Upgrade
Since 1988, Pickles Pub has served as the #1 pre- and post-game destination for Baltimore sports fans. Located just a "home run or touchdown" away from Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, and housed in a building that earned architectural distinction for its renovation, it offers a versatile menu ranging from light appetizers to hearty entrees, paired with an eclectic selection of drinks at competitive prices. Whether fans are congregating in the main bar or hosting a milestone in one of the private party suites, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Crunchy Tech was brought in to modernize this legendary atmosphere and reimagine how technology could match the vigorous energy with which every Orioles and Ravens home game is celebrated.
Project Challenges
Legacy Infrastructure Modernization
Pickles Pub’s existing system had evolved piecemeal over the years. That led to mismatched displays, tangled cabling and inconsistent audio performance from across zones. Modernizing that infrastructure, without wreaking chaos to day-to-day operations, required no less than diligent planning and coordination from us.
The project called for the design and deployment of a unified AV system across multiple floors and areas, all managed through a single control interface. With over fifty (50) displays, several independent audio zones and outdoor coverage to consider, the new solution had to deliver on the twin goals of power and simplicity.
Beyond the technical demands, the building’s layout posed acoustic challenges as well. Each section of the venue had its own sound environment and audience flow. In order to balance those spaces, thoughtful zoning and precise tuning were necessary to achieve the immersive atmosphere that fans expect from Baltimore’s premier sports bar.
Understanding Client Needs
Flexible Control and Fan-First Design
Before designing anything, our team spent a good amount of time understanding how Pickles Pub operates during baseball and football seasons. The client needed state-of-the-art technology that could keep up with their pace. With several bars, dining sections and an outdoor patio full of passionate, enthusiastic fans, the AV system had to adapt instantly to changing crowd dynamics.
Just as important was giving staff complete flexibility sans complexity. That meant creating a centralized system that allowed any game, feed or music source to be routed anywhere with just a tap of a finger. Pickles also wanted the new system to feel invisible to guests - simple, intuitive and fully integrated into the atmosphere they’d come to love over the years.
Through close collaboration with ownership and management, Crunchy Tech translated those goals into a design that balanced form and function. Every display, speaker and control point was so chosen to enhance the sports fan experience while keeping operations smooth beyond what guests see. The outcome was a plan that met the client’s vision: a future-ready audiovisual system built for the upbeat energy of Baltimore sports.
Technical Solutions
Advanced SAVI-Driven Architecture
To fully satisfy the project’s goals, Crunchy Tech deployed a SAVI-powered entertainment infrastructure designed for performance, flexibility and ease of control.
| Technology Partner | Components | Role in Project |
| SAVI | Control processor, platform software | Unified control of all displays and audio zones via iPad or PC |
| Commercial Display Manufacturers | 52 high-performance displays (including 2 outdoor-rated and 6 video wall panels) | Delivered high-impact visuals across bar, dining and patio areas |
| Audio Solutions | 26 loudspeakers, 6 subwoofers, 4 outdoor speakers, 2 amplifiers, 1 DSP | Created four independent audio zones with precision tuning |
| RockBot | Music platform integration | Provided flexible music and entertainment options for any crowd |
| Networking Infrastructure | Dual 40-port switches, CAT6 runs, 42U rack | Formed the backbone for reliable connectivity and system scalability |
Each component was selected for reliability and longevity in a high-demand hospitality environment. SAVI’s user-centric interface made it straightforward for staff to route any game feed or content to any display. Likewise, the advanced audio setup allowed zone-specific control with zero lag. These technologies turned Pickles into an exemplar of how modern AV can tremendously improve a sports bar’s atmosphere and guest experience.
Implementation Methodology
Collaborative Execution and Seamless Delivery
Crunchy Tech painstakingly followed a coordinated design-build approach to make certain every phase of the Pickles Pub upgrade stayed on schedule and on target. Our engineers, installers and project managers - from the initial planning sessions to the final system check - worked side by side with the client and general contractor to keep communication clear and decisions fast.
Notably, one of the biggest priorities was keeping the venue open throughout the entire process. Pickles Pub remained fully operational even during major sporting events, thanks to prudent scheduling and phased installation. Equipment racks, network infrastructure and cabling were organized with future expansion in mind, while integration with the existing RockBot music system was completed cohesively.
Our team programmed custom presets for different event types, such as game days, private parties and live music. This allows staff to switch setups instantly. After installation, as part of the commissioning, we provided hands-on training for every team member to confidently manage the system from any device. This combination of collaboration, precision and planning guaranteed that the rollout worked exactly as envisioned without missing a single game.
Results and Impact
52 Displays, 36 Speakers, Zero Downtime
The completed system has hands down redefined the fan experience at Pickles Pub. Across multiple bars and other key areas, 52 displays now deliver crystal-clear visuals for every Orioles and Ravens game. Two video walls dominate the main viewing zones, bringing the kind of fervor you’d expect inside a stadium.
On the audio side, four independent zones let the staff fine-tune sound levels for each area, including the lively main bar and the relaxed patio. Audio stays clear and consistent no matter where guests sit, and with outdoor-rated screens and speakers, the open-air crowd gets the same great experience.
Since the upgrade, operations have become faster and smoother. The SAVI platform allows any source to appear on any screen in seconds hence cutting setup time dramatically. Staff training now takes minutes instead of hours and preset event modes make game days unexacting. Most importantly, the new AV environment has helped Pickles maintain its place as Baltimore’s stomping ground for having a good time through sports, drinks and unforgettable fan moments.
Finishing the Project On Time
Precision, Partnership and Performance
The Pickles Pub AV upgrade demonstrates Crunchy Tech’s commitment to precision execution and collaborative problem-solving. Every decision, from when the first design was drafted until the final calibration, was guided by the client’s no-nonsense vision: to deliver a fan experience worthy of Baltimore’s proud, patriotic sports culture.
Despite the venue’s unceasing activity, our team adapted to every challenge, evolving schedules and workflows to fulfill deadlines without disrupting the business’ day-to-day. Resultingly, the project wrapped with a smooth handoff and a modern, scalable audio-video system built for nightly performance.
Today, Pickles Pub operates with confidence knowing its technology can handle a packed playoff crowd, a live event or an easy Sunday afternoon on the patio. For Crunchy Tech, this project underscores what our team excels at: combining innovation, craftsmanship and dependability to help venues set up experiences their guests will be more than satisfied with.
