Levi's Stadium Becomes First California Sports Venue To Get Homeland Safety Act Coverage

The 49ers, Santa Clara Stadium Authority and City of Santa Clara have been awarded a Safety Act designation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The award gives the group limited liability protection from paying claims that might be filed by victims in the event of a terrorist attack at Levi’s Stadium. The venue becomes the ninth sports stadium to be covered under some level of Safety Act protection. 49ers VP/Security Dan Cory noted the team's application was bolstered by the fact that it recently signed a deal with an explosives detection canine company to provide full-time security at the venue, and that the team maintains an event-day perimeter that, in most areas, far exceeds the NFL's mandatory 100-foot hardened perimeter minimum. He said the award also covers the team’s security procedures for non-NFL events -- from a Taylor Swift concert to an international soccer match to even a small corporate event. Last year, the team hosted 17 non-NFL, full-stadium events and 204 corporate events. Catalyst Partners Principal Akmal Ali, whose DC-based public affairs firm handled the 49ers application process, said the club's already strong security protocol and commitment to utilize future tech was a major reason why Levi's Stadium is the first sports venue in California to be awarded Safety Act coverage. Ali: "When we started the application process, the stadium was still just a construction site. They really baled security in." Ali also helped the Yankees in '12 to become the first team to attain Safety Act designation and certification, and was hired to work on the NBA’s behalf with DHS to secure the league's award in '15.

NOTES: * = Highest level of protection. If an incident is deemed by DHS to be an "act of terrorism," an entity that has received this standing can use what is called the "government contractor defense" for all claims that may arise. The successful assertion of this defense can potentially eliminate any liability. ** = When a technology or security plan is designated as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology, its owner is granted limited liability for all claims that may arise following an act of terrorism. *** = If a technology shows promise but is not sufficiently mature to receive a full designation recognition, this standing is available to provide protection during further testing and trial development.