This month AB digs into the archives for great content related to event and facility safety and security. Scroll below to find valuable insights on everything from designing a facility with safety and security in mind to the latest in patron screening technology and strategies.
NCS4 Survey Sheds Light on Venue Security Challenges, Solutions
By Andy Berg
Securing sports stadiums and arenas has never been a simple task, but in today’s high-tech world, the threats facing venue operators are many, varied and increasingly require sophisticated strategies and tools to counteract them. From securing vital cyber infrastructure to thwarting gun violence, operators have a lot on their plate.
To better understand the challenges facing sports venue operators, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi this spring surveyed venue security directors in charge of professional sports teams from Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League and the National Hockey League. The hope is that information gleaned from the study will assist venue directors in policy development, increase awareness of technology solutions, identify resource needs, and address training gaps to help protect human, physical and cyber assets.
Here’s a quick look at some of the survey results, which frame how facility operators see the current environment on game day, as well as how they’re meeting the challenge of keeping everyone in the venue safe and comfortable.
A quarter of respondents indicated that fan behavior is “much worse” (25 percent) or “worse” (40) than it was 10 years ago.
Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of participants indicated that COVID-19 restrictions caused increased tension between patrons and staff.
Alcohol abuse was the most common form of inappropriate fan behavior (82.5 percent), and fights between patrons was the most concerning for venue directors (72.5).
The majority of participants (82.5 percent) have observed or detected unauthorized drone operations in airspace above or near their venues.
The majority of venues (95 percent) experienced security staff shortages in the last two years, with COVID-19 the leading cause for those shortages, followed by staff not showing up for work (84.2) and a lack of qualified applicants (60.5).
Most respondents (87.5 percent) indicated that they use patron screening technology, with walk-through metal detectors the most common solution (100), followed by handheld magnetometers (85.7) and X-ray screeners (60).
Most venue operators said they have a cyber security defense program (87.5 percent), and nearly all (92.5) inform patrons of the secure in-house Wi-Fi network available for use at their venue.
The top five technologies or analytical tools respondents said they would purchase if additional funding was available:
- Facial recognition system (37.5 percent)
- License plate reader (32 percent)
- Staff identification RFID chips (30 percent)
- Retractable bollards (27.5 percent)
- Automated barrier systems (25 percent)
For complete survey results and NCS4’s industry recommendations: ncs4.usm.edu/research/industry-reports/
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Athletic Business with the title "NCS4 Survey Sheds Light on Venue Security Challenges, Solutions." Athletic Business is a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry.
Advanced Security Scanning Technology
Garrett is an industry leader in front-end security with superior pinpoint detection technology and unmatched discrimination features. Quick-Q™ technology (used with the Garrett PD 6500i only) provides quicker venue access into stadiums, arenas, outdoor events, convention centers and concert halls. This technology moves high volumes of patrons through event checkpoints and minimizes the traffic buildup outside the venue.
When used with Garrett’s enhanced walk-through metal detectors, the Quick-Q™ technology eliminates the divestment of cell phones or other small metallic items. This reduces the number of fans that require secondary screening and improves venue through-put rates.
How Venue Operators Should Implement and Manage New Patron Screening Technologies
While spectators are returning to sports venues, the sports and entertainment industries have spent the past several months preparing for them. As expected, fans are likely to encounter a broad range of additional measures and technologies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and meet public health guidelines. However, many venues have also begun to explore options to speed up patron screening without sacrificing the safety and security of all those who attend events.
How New Venue Screening Solutions Can Detect Plastic Guns and Other Threats
It used to be that a plastic gun was relatively harmless. They were called squirt guns, and the worst an assailant could do was soak the victim with water. Today, however, with the advent of at-home 3D printers, individuals with nefarious intentions can create easily concealable working plastic guns that shoot real ammunition and can cause injury and loss of life. Among the many concerns around these plastic weapons is that, for the most part, traditional metal detectors can’t identify them should a bad actor attempt to bring them into a stadium, arena or other public gathering place.
Designing Facilities for Safety and Security
You're planning to renovate your athletic facility or maybe even build a new one. You have many items to consider and cover with your architect, design and management teams. Location, budget, schedule, programming, amenities, marketing, profit/loss — the list is long, and rightfully so. But have you missed anything?