SAFETY AND SECURITY

In other words , why would people attend in-person events when they can enjoy a safer , simpler experience on their HDTV at home ?

Digital transformation and innovation can help alleviate these challenges , enabling venue owners and operators to provide safe , secure and compelling fan experiences that keep people coming back for more .

By Peter Evans

During a fourth-quarter timeout of a pivotal playoff game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns , Phoenix point guard Chris Paul wasn ’ t talking with his teammates . He was huddled with police and venue security after rowdy and unruly fans harassed and made physical contact with his family behind the team bench .

The offenders were removed from the arena and banned from NBA venues for a year , but the incident is emblematic of a troubling trend at live events . Fans are increasingly behaving badly , and venue operators are having to adapt their security strategies .

Instances of unruly fan behavior — from verbal assault to physical violence — are on the rise . As The Washington Post succinctly reported last year , “ As the crowds have increased , so have episodes of disturbing misbehavior .”

These encounters expand beyond just professional sports . High school administrators and youth sports leagues are grappling with unruly fan behavior and threatening situations from students , parents and other patrons .

Stadium owners , management groups and administrators are taking notice . Their rationale is simple : disorderly conduct by some undermines the experience for all . Patrons will be less willing to pay for the tickets , concessions and souvenirs that help make sports profitable if the in-person experience isn ’ t exceptional , or if it is a risk .

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MEETS PHYSICAL SECURITY Digital transformation has disrupted and forever changed virtually every sector of life . However , physical security has remained a labor-based model built dozens of years ago based on different societal expectations than today .

This is especially problematic as venues have struggled to attract and retain staff since the pandemic . According to industry analysis by Security Management , 95 percent of venue security professionals surveyed said they “ experienced staff shortages over the past two years .”

Broad labor shortages and rising costs related to talent scarcity have made security a unique challenge just when venues need it the most .

Digital transformation can revolutionize security by providing better data and enhancing fan experiences . For example , Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) technologies empower advanced systems for weapons detection ,

26 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com