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National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security e-newsletter | October 21, 2020

First Virtual National Sports Safety and Security Conference a Success

More than 400 professionals in the sports security industry came together to engage and collaborate online with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) during the 2020 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition. The three-day conference was held in partnership with title sponsor Johnson Controls on October 12 -14, 2020, with the theme The Way Forward.

“We are delighted with the industry’s feedback on our conference programming and logistics. This year’s theme focused on the future and how we, as an industry, can work together to get back on track in a safe manner,” said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 Director and College of Business and Economic Development Sport Management Professor at The University of Southern Mississippi. “We learned from the nation’s leading industry professionals and public health experts on forward-thinking strategies dealing with communication, resiliency, legal issues, health regulations, operational changes, and the importance of utilizing data for safety and security mitigation efforts and technology solution decisions.”

“The NCS4 Conference brought together professionals from a variety of industries, backgrounds, and venues in a successful virtual setting that continues to help us learn, grow and collaborate together,” said Billy Lagenstein, National Football League (NFL) Director of Security Services and Investigation. “The strong, well-balanced content, speakers, and experiences shared help us continue to develop pro-active operations.”

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN NCS4S VIRTUAL 2020 NATIONAL SPORTS SAFETY AND SECURITY CONFERENCE!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:

“We all share the common challenge of adapting and innovating health, safety, security, service, and operations for sports and entertainment venues, but after listening to and learning from the members of NCS4 at the conference, I feel confident that together, we can create environments ready for anything the future holds,” said Brian Young, Johnson Controls Chief Commercial Officer.

“The content and presentations are pertinent to the times we are dealing with, and the presenters were all very knowledgeable in their fields. I particularly enjoy the ability to watch the presentations on demand,” said security consultant Don Paisant. “The on demand feature allows the attendee to watch the information presented at their leisure without normal daily interruptions.”

“Experts from every level and multiple sports and events provided great insight and information to help move us forward safely,” said Jeff Steele, Auburn University Athletics Associate AD, Facilities & Operations. “Sharing information collectively at the conference is the epitome of teamwork making us all safer and more secure.”

”I went into the conference with some degree of hesitation, not knowing how a once traditional conference would work in a virtual format. All fears were immediately set aside the first day when I saw what NCS4 had put together for us,” said Ian Kendrick, Major at North Carolina State University Police Department.”The vendor area was chock full of industry leaders and easily accessible, the speakers were (as usual) top tier, the navigation within the conference was incredibly easy, and the mechanisms they had in place for attendees to engage were second to none. It was everything I had come to expect from all NCS4 events...nothing but the best.”

Join us for a free Online Technology Forum on October 29 at 2 p.m. CDT.

Any time patrons gather in mass for queuing or attending an event there is an increased possibility of vehicular ramming or accidents. In this forum, industry leaders will discuss the processes, considerations, and lessons learned for the implementation of vehicle barriers. Presenters will provide recommendations for mitigating vehicle threats as part of your risk management program and as a component of the SAFETY Act process. Register now to guarantee a spot!

Textron Systems’ Optice™ Recently Underwent a Product Review Through NCS4

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) would like to thank Textron Systems for participating in an industry Product Review of their newest real-time visualization and exploitation software, Optice™. The process entails engaging end-users in an organized effort to gain institutional knowledge and better understand practitioner needs with the goal of customizing or developing solutions to address vulnerabilities and capability gaps. We look forward to seeing how Optice™ translates to operational capabilities in venue safety and security!

SPORTS SECURITY WATCH

Atlanta Falcons to Use Drones to Clean Stadium After Games

The Atlanta Falcons’ home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is believed to be the first professional sports venue to implement drones to clean the stadium, but they’re not the only ones using new technology. Read More

UGA to Address Student Seating at Sanford Stadium After Social Media Backlash During Auburn Game

Georgia athletic officials will take steps before Saturday’s home game against Tennessee to address the issue of too many students gathering closely together after photos went viral this weekend from the first game in Sanford Stadium under reduced attendance. Read More

Entire SMU Student Section Cleared Out During Football Game for Not Following COVID-19 Guidelines

The entire SMU student section was cleared out during Saturday’s game against Memphis due to some not wearing masks or social distancing, the school said. In a statement, the SMU athletics department said some of the students failed to follow the safety guidelines in place due to COVID-19 and that staff and security tried numerous times to get them to comply. Read More

School District to Practice Security Procedures

“The disctrict will be holding our semi-annual lockdown drills at each of our buildings,” Safety and Security Coordinator Brandon Deppen said. A lockdown is part of the district’s SRP – standard response protocol. In a lockdown, students respond to a threat that is inside the building. Doors are locked. Lights are turned out. Students and teachers remain out of sight. Read More

Frustrated Mullen Says Florida Gators Should ‘Pack the Swamp’ After Loss

Pandemic be damned, Dan Mullen wants you in The Swamp next week. Following Florida’s 41-38 upset loss to Texas A&M Saturday afternoon, a frustrated Mullen met with the media saying he plans to reevaluate every aspect of Florida’s defense, the main suspect in Florida’s defeat. However, although he acknowledged those issues, Mullen also pivoted to saying home-field advantage helped A&M along the way and made a plea to UF for the same help. Read More