First & Goal Inc., the company created by Seahawks Owner Paul Allen to operate CenturyLink Field, has been awarded a Safety Act designation and certification from the Department of Homeland Security, the highest level of protection granted by the program. The recognition gives the entity protection, through April '23, from paying claims that might be filed by victims of an incident at CenturyLink Field that is deemed by DHS to be an “act of terrorism.” The coverage is applicable at any “full-stadium event,” including Seahawks and Sounders games. CenturyLink Field becomes the 16th sports venue to be covered under some level of Safety Act protection. Officially known as the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act, the act promotes the creation, deployment and use of antiterrorism technologies and practices. It was enacted in '02 in response to the multibillion-dollar lawsuits filed after the Sept. 11 attacks. DC-based Covington & Burling helped First & Goal navigate the application process and secure federal protection.
