Fans have grown accustomed to various security rules and processes required to enter a venue, but how will they respond to new measures designed to keep out those who may be infected when venues reopen? On the most recent episode of “SBJ Unpacks - Weathering COVID-19,” our Bill King is joined by Kathy Lupia, a leading security and emergency preparedness consultant, for a discussion on the many ways sports venues will have to change their procedures on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the logistical challenges of getting fans through security safely:
Lupia: Think about the crush at the gates. Now we have to add some sort of medical component or variation of medical component, which likely is going to consider including temperature checking and tracing of where those individuals have been. … If we’re talking about the design aesthetics of how we’re going to get people through, we also have to talk about what methodology we’re going to use and staffing we’re going to need. … How are people going to be handled when turned away? … How are security measures going to be put in place to de-escalate people who have been quarantined for all this time who want to be active. And how are we going to do it in a way that the staff remains healthy and safe while escorting these people out?
On why training is required to teach security personnel how to diffuse tense situations with fans who aren’t medically permitted to enter stadiums:
Lupia: The training that is required to de-escalate in these circumstances, where we are turning away patrons who’ve been cooped up for months, is different. The sensitivity is different. People understand weapons, and they’ve come to be conditioned to understand that weapons are not allowed in these venues. … Here you’re dealing with a sensitivity of someone’s health, wellbeing and all the fear that comes along with that, and then trying to articulate a process that’s sensible and meaningful to protect the masses.
On what stadium operators can do to make their processes as smooth as possible:
Lupia: One of the best things that you can do moving forward is look at all of your scenarios, and then study them with an expert. Study your flow of traffic, its intentions, whether you need additional technology, whether you need to get people through gates faster, use different seating or use enhanced technological efforts. That’s the biggest question. If we decide we can get them in safely, mechanisms can be instituted to safely endure the events.
