Stadium Security Post COVID-19

By Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, the leading innovator of road blockers, bollards and vehicle barriers.

After 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic and countless lockdowns across the UK, the government has finally  allowed fans to return to stadiums and reopened the doors to in-person, live events. Whilst capacity was initially reduced to continue with social distancing regulations, full stadia's have now returned and venues have had to adapt to evolving regulations, fan management and new entry processes.

But how has this changed the way stadium managers protect their fans? What new approaches to security measures are now needed to account for social distancing and how is the changing role of crowd management affecting stadiums’ security procedures in a post-COVID world?

Irrespective of perceived safety, most stadium and large event spaces have been closed for the past 18 months and ensuring the right physical measures are in place, that protect fans and considers any terror threat, is paramount. New legislation such as the upcoming Protect Duty reform is also changing the way events are patrolled and will be an essential consideration for how these sites can safely welcome fans back.

As more and more excited fans and visitors fill stadiums and venues around the country we explore in more detail overleaf the top three security considerations that stadium managers should prepare for as they welcome fans, performers and employees back into their major facilities.

Get Updated On Evolving Security Legislation

Following the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017, where 22 lives were lost following an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert, many victim groups have been campaigning for greater protection for public spaces and venues. In February of this year, the UK government set out its proposal on a new ‘Protect Duty’ that legally requires public places to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks. This legislation is anticipated to be introduced in July of this year and will be a duty that operators and managers of stadiums will be responsible for.

Therefore, as these sites begin to welcome fans back to these locations, understanding what is expected of them once the legislation is passed is integral. Owners may need to consider getting updated risk assessments in the diary and introducing clear counter-terrorism action plans ahead of the roll-out. Teams should also take part in ACT (action counters terrorism) training that is also available and now, free to all. Whilst this will be subject to the legislation specifics, enquiring into these processes and training courses will be a good use of time in the coming weeks.

Consider The Physical Surroundings Of The Site

With many sites now introducing rapid testing, temperature checks and staggered arrivals, there may be long queues that will form outside of the stadiums’ entrance and exit points. This will also require a security consideration as large numbers of fans could be waiting outside the venue for longer periods than they would have done before the pandemic, and could therefore be more vulnerable to external security threats such as vehicle attacks.

Installing physical security solutions such as temporary bollards or barriers could help to mitigate members of the public being vulnerable to hostile vehicle attacks when queuing outside of a stadium. Equally, temporary solutions can be designed to allow people to flow in and out of an area which can help to prevent an unnecessary build-up of queues and crowds. Similarly, with staggered arrivals now being necessary for social distancing, giving fans specific times to arrive can avoid queues and people building up in bottlenecks outside of the venue.

Re-Train Employees In Crowd Management

As with any employer currently, members of staff may need refresher sessions if they have spent a large proportion of time away from the job. For security professionals that work at these large venues, having refresher training on crowd management as well as being trained in how to look out for security breaches or suspicious behaviour at a site, will always be valuable.

It is also essential that a terrorist threat is never underestimated. With the number of spectators permitted into a venue being expected to be relatively low for the foreseeable future, there is the distinct possibility that the risk of terrorist activity will be dangerously underestimated. Stadium managers should do everything they can to ensure that they are as prepared as possible, should a terror event regrettably occur.

With the worst of the pandemic hopefully behind us, it is now an exciting time for live events and stadium managers. There is a natural buzz around fans being allowed to return to these venues, but it is essential that the safety of both visitors and staff is not underestimated.

Changing security requirements and new legislation mean that large venues may need to update their measures, reconsider physical security solutions and retrain their staff. Doing so will ensure preparedness for any potential security threat and will help to safeguard all of those that will be visiting the stadium in the foreseeable future.