In the United States, as well as internationally, vehicle ramming attacks continue to rise. As of early October 2017, there had been a minimum of seven major attacks worldwide resulting in 24 people dead and another 153 injured. As a result of this recent trend, there is an increased interest in perimeter security for different applications beyond traditional government and military operations.
Following the Las Vegas shooting – the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history – new concerns emerge regarding the security programs required to protect fans, performers, and staff at open-air sports and entertainment venues.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) had opened its Sport Security Research, Training and Operations Center at the National Sport Security Laboratory (NSSL) for addressing sport safety and security risks and threats.
Iconic entertainers will remain attractive targets for terrorist attacks because they attract substantial crowds and promote social norms and values that conflict with terrorists’ worldviews.
If the Islamic State terrorist organization deliberately targeted Ariana Grande or her May 22, 2017, concert, new challenges will be presented for security professionals who provide close quarters protection to entertainment stars.
Sports venues for many years have been on the lookout for weapons like guns and knives at their entrance ways, and it would probably be very difficult for a bad actor to enter a stadium with a nuclear warhead.
The subject of security at sports venues usually revolves around traditional violence-related concerns like terrorism, active shooter or possibly drunken and rowdy fans getting into brawls.
The terrorist incident at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, United Kingdom, in May raised new questions of how arenas that house sporting events and other types of attractions such as concerts can ensure fan safety.
Modern day sports venue security is uncompromising and ever-evolving. Sports venues require a robust security posture to protect fans, players, staff and venue. Explosive threats, specifically Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) and Person Borne IED (PBIED), have become prevalent, requiring an effective security solution.