Stadium Security - best practices every strategy should have
- IronSite Education
- May 27
- 4 min read
Updated: May 28
How to develop a plan that provides maximum protection against stadium security threats
Introduction
Stadiums and sports venues often draw large crowds of attendees who are passionate about cheering on their favorite teams and athletes. Unfortunately, they’re also prime targets for threats like terrorism, active shooters, and fan violence. This worry should be the last thing on the minds of fans attending, which is why it’s critical to have a security plan that works for your stadium.
In this blog article, we’ll be exploring best practices for stadiums when designing physical security and how having an effective plan in place ensures the safety of everyone involved so they can focus on what matters most – enjoying the main event.
The best plans use a layered approach
When designing physical security for stadiums, it’s never a bad idea to consider design best practices. One of the best ways to design a multi-layered security plan is by following the 5 D’s principle – deter, detect, deny, delay, and defend. These layers combine security barriers, automated gates, security fences, turnstiles, etc. with integrated access control systems to create robust protection. This approach reduces the likelihood of an attack, prevents unauthorized access, and provides rapid response time to breaches by forming multiple lines of defense.
Working with an expert physical security integrator provides organizations with valuable insights into the overwhelming number of solutions available, their costs, and the complexities of implementation.
How assessments play a key role in strategy
The key to success when designing perimeter security for Stadiums starts at the very beginning. Conducting a thorough security assessment determines the current state of your security setup, identifies potential security threats, and analyzes the likelihood and impact of specific attacks; it may even involve a vehicle vector analysis. Best practices when assessing security should include:
Regular security risk assessments for ongoing identification of vulnerabilities and threats that need to be addressed
Impact of security threats analysis - including potential injuries, loss of property, and reputational damage
Identifying critical assets and infrastructure that require protection, such as entrances, exits, and concession stands
Prioritization of security threats based on likelihood and severity of potential impact
Take advantage of Access Control systems
Access control systems prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas, making them a critical component to an effective Stadium security plan. Bollards, wedge barriers, automatic gates, and security fences are important physical barriers that can bolster access control. The following best practices should be implemented when designing access control:
Leveraging bollards to prevent vehicles from accessing certain areas. Bollards are highly versatile barriers that can be fixed, removable or retractable. They come with various crash-ratings, they’re available in different shapes and sizes, and have lighted and non-lighted functionality.
Automated gates and security fences are ideal for stadium perimeter protection. Gates that can be closed and locked in combination with anti-cut or anti-climb security fencing provides maximum protection when the stadium isn’t being used.
In addition to the physical barriers mentioned above, implementing controlled entry points adds another layer of increased protection to your security plan. Turnstiles, metal detectors, bag checks, etc. should be implemented through the stadium to ensure maximum protection.
Trained security personnel should be stationed at all entry points and should regularly patrol any public areas around the stadium.
Be prepared if something does go wrong
In the event that something does happen, responding quickly and effectively is key to minimizing the impact it has on your stadium. Having an emergency preparedness plan baked into your security strategy is essential, and the following best practices should be included:
Develop a plan that includes evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and emergency contacts
Ensure quick and accurate communication with public address systems and mobile alert systems
Coordination with local law enforcement and emergency responders to ensure rapid response if something does go wrong
Ongoing guard training on security systems and emergency procedures
The importance of preventative maintenance
Another critical component to an effective stadium security strategy is having a proper preventative maintenance program. Ongoing preventative maintenance extends longevity of security systems and ensures they’re functioning as intended. By doing so, you also identify issues early, before they turn into costly equipment failures or security breaches. Long story short, having a preventative maintenance plan that maintains systems rather than replacing or repairing them will save money in the long run.
Due to the vast amount of security systems available today, it’s common for organizations to work with professional services. Having an expert design and execute a maintenance plan for your security provides 24/7 peace of mind without disrupting internal team workflows.
Conclusion
To wrap up, a comprehensive preventative maintenance strategy should include risk assessment, access control measures, emergency preparedness, and recurring maintenance. By following best practices and adhering to the plan that’s been designed specific to your unique setup, stadiums can ensure attendees, staff, and the venue itself benefit from maximum protection.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.
Media Contact
Terin Pickett
IronSite
1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101
Corona, CA 92879
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