Stadium and sporting event security is more important than ever, and technology – including AI – is changing how facilities approach venue security and patron safety. SportsField Management magazine recently discussed the topic with Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies, and AI-powered security technology company that offers integrated applications designed to preserve patron experience, streamline operations and provide actionable insights.
SportsField Management (SFM): Professional sports teams utilize your technology. Is the technology also being utilized at the college and high school levels?
Peter Evans: Yes! As more and more locations worry about the threat of weapons where people gather, we are seeing strong interest, and deploying to locations at the NCAA and K-12 level. Additionally, across the country, we’re seeing an increase in high schools and colleges mandating the adoption of similar technology as security threats rise. From New Jersey and Michigan to Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma, occurrences of violence at after-school events like football games have driven the need for security measures beyond traditional metal detectors. The implementation of technology-driven weapons detection systems is helping to combat these security problems.
SFM: How can high school sporting events better utilize digital technology for event security, and what are the common challenges to implementing such systems?
Evans: The challenge with high schools, along with all other schools, is the current lack of any screening process. So, introducing screening in the form of traditional systems can be a huge issue as it results in long lines, slower delays and invasion of student and staff privacy. Adopting digitally enabled solutions from the start that effectively screen without significant disruptions to the current patron or student experience can potentially reduce or remove these challenges altogether.
SFM: How should sports facilities managers and related decision-makers go about identifying the right solutions to meet their security needs?
Evans: Test, test, test! It’s important to set objectives first, and then test solutions – not the other way around. Another way to identify the right solution for your security needs is to look to third-party independent verification and inputs. When considering weapons-detection solutions, evaluate key factors such as ease of use, level of maintenance, flexibility, portability (its ability to address multiple needs), and staffing requirements.
SFM: In addition to your own technology, what, in general, have been some of the biggest advancements in security technology that can help sports facilities managers, and what are the keys to implementing such solutions to create the safest fan experience possible?
Evans: Sports facilities are generally looking for amazing fan experiences, and AI-based weapons detection is a significant advancement in reducing potential friction for patrons. The key benefits of adopting this type of screening technology are faster ingress, allowing patrons to enjoy all the experiences it offers more quickly. Additionally, it eliminates the need to make every patron feel like they “did something wrong” before they even reach their seat.
To successfully implement these solutions, facilities must prioritize safety first, followed by speed. To do this, every venue should evaluate the detection system using both standardized testing and red teaming, ensure that proper external evaluations have been completed, and ask for feedback from peers who also prioritize security and use the product. Lastly, facility managers should assess the transparency of the technology providers and completeness of the solution by asking key questions about how the technology works and researching any past concerns about failing technologies. Reputable security companies take security efficacy as a priority, will openly discuss how their technology works, and acknowledge their weaknesses while providing clarity in claims such as the ability to detect all weapons. When following these steps, managers can establish a partnership that starts with trust and ends with an amazing fan experience.
SFM: What should sports facilities professionals know about implementing tools to enhance safety and security without negatively affecting the fan experience?
Evans: For these tools to succeed, every technology needs proper training, an effective Concept of Operations (CONOPS) design, and an “owner” of each solution to be accountable and make timely decisions. Along with this, it’s important to inform all stakeholders involved – teachers, students, parents, local police, etc., about the features, benefits and proper usage of each tool.
