Technology continues to infiltrate the sports industry through performance enhancement and fan engagement, but it is also quickly making its way into another key pillar of sports: safety and security.
“Apart from the Yankees, probably the biggest threat to our business, the sports industry in general, would be some type of massive security breach or failure to execute,” explained Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox President and CEO, when talking on a recent smart venue panel at Fenway Park. “We work very closely together with regional intelligence centers to make sure we’re doing everything we possibly can.”
With tens of thousands of fans attending games (and concerts) at venues across the globe, organizations continue to prioritize safety and security. Clay Nesler, VP of global energy and sustainability for Johnson Controls, joined Kennedy on the panel at Fenway that was focused on the future of smart and sustainable venues. Johnson Controls is working with the Red Sox and Fenway Park on developing new innovative security solutions. Nesler discussed a new survey that his company conducted with over 1,500 organizations in 12 different countries.
“The number one application around the world is life safety systems. Fire and life safety,” he said, “85 percent [of organizations] plan to implement integrated life safety systems, 96 percent in North America. Security is the next most popular system which is being integrated, 72 percent plan to integrate globally, 90 percent in North America.”
As technology continues to evolve at an exponential pace, helping to enhance our lives and experiences, it also opens up the door for new threats—perhaps a cybersecurity breach or a drone strike. Although teams never know specifically where the next danger will come from, many are turning to cutting-edge technology to keep fans safe.
SportTechie Takeaway
Like Johnson Controls and the Red Sox, many other organizations are working together to develop security solutions for sports. Last Fall, the New York Jets became the first team to work with identity and biometric security leader IdentoGO, implementing TSA Pre at MetLife Stadium. Fenway Sports recently followed in the Jets footsteps. Rival ID company Clear signed a multi-year deal with MLB and Tickets.com in July. Backed by Bill Gates, another company called Evolv Technology has built a system that plans to combine sensors, deep learning, and facial recognition to completely transform venue security.