Page 28 - Security Today, July/August 2024

The Recipe for
Stadium Security
A comprehensive approach to stadium security begins with ingredients that aid situational awareness and incident response, while simultaneously creating a positive fan experience and boosting operational efficiencies
By Mark McCormack
The threat landscape of stadi- um security is fluid. Today’s venues and stadiums have operational security 24/7, hosting sporting events, community events, concerts, conventions and more – each with a unique visitor base and each with unique security risks.
As entertainment businesses, one of the necessary focuses for stadiums is providing a positive fan experience. But providing this positive experience from tailgating to egress while also protecting staff and visitors from unknown risks is a delicate balance.
EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH
According to the NCS4 2023 Spectator Sports Safety and Security Survey, ap- proximately 69% of survey participants consider safety and security when choosing to attend an event. Security risks are also high. Stadiums must combat the unknown, along with maintaining a proactive stance surrounding active shooter or fan violence scenarios, emergency weather events, miss- ing children, theft, stalkers or banned spec- tators. Indeed, a survey from Sportsbook Review published September 2023 revealed that almost 40% of NFL fans alone have witnessed a crime at or around an NFL stadium, including physical violence and public intoxication.
For stadium security stakeholders, react- ing quickly both during and after incidents is just as important as being proactive and curbing potentially dangerous scenarios. The good news is that attendees are ready, and even expecting, to see safety and se- curity measures in place. According to the NCS4 2023 survey, 73% of respondents said they prefer security and safety measures to be visible.
Public acceptance of physical security measures opens the door for stadiums and
entertainment venues to take advantage of today’s advanced technologies to en- hance security in a big way while provid- ing a positive fan experience and boosting operational efficiencies at the same time. To achieve these multi-pronged benefits, venue directors must take time to consider their technology, collaboration and inte- gration.
APPLYING
SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY Carefully chosen surveillance technology can be one of the most critical ingredients of a stadium’s layered security approach on both the perimeter and inside the stadi- um. The perimeter of a stadium is now ex- panded farther outside the building than in the past and venue directors need situ- ational awareness before spectators come through the gates to deter unruly behavior as well as streamline entry and egress.
Cameras can create a visual presence for deterrence while also monitoring po-
tentially aggressive crowds or areas that need attention. The technology allows operations staff to monitor gate flow and make informed decisions about redirect- ing staff to various locations to expedite ticket scanning, bag checks or even con- cession sales. In the event of bigger bottle- necks, security can redirect fans to a less crowded entrance or area of the stadium. Wait time apps and signage can use cam- era data to reduce crowds and inform spectators about wait times at particular gates or vendors.
The high-resolution of today’s IP cam- eras allow stadiums to better document scenarios and gain visual details for locat- ing missing children, detecting theft, and documenting accidents or investigating lawsuits. At the Milwaukee Bucks’ Fiserv Forum arena, for example, the organiza- tion uses 20-megapixel network cameras and PTZ cameras in their upper and lower bowls so security staff can identify a per- son in a specific seat in the event they need
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JULY/AUGUST 2024 | SECURITY TODAY
STADIUM SECURITY