Los Angeles FC hopes to monitor the movement of people inside its Banc of California Stadium once fans are allowed back inside the venue. A partnership with crowd intelligence platform Armored Things aims to help LAFC make decisions related to crowd control, concessions staffing and security operations.
Armored Things will use existing video cameras and WiFi points throughout the stadium to track movement, providing LAFC with real-time analytics and visualizations on crowding. The platform can alert team personnel when specific spaces become overcrowded or when social distancing protocols related to COVID-19 are being violated. Data will also be used to schedule cleaning of the venue.
“When fans return to Banc of California Stadium, the ability to measure crowd size and movement will be critical as we prepare to safely manage concourse traffic, operate concessions, and utilize club spaces,” said Christian Lau, chief technology officer at LAFC, in a press release. “Armored Things’ crowd intelligence software provides us the ability to anticipate how our fans will move throughout the venue, so we can continue to enhance the guest experience.”
Like most sports leagues, MLS suspended its season in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. All 26 teams are now planning to resume play at a tournament in Orlando beginning on July 8, but no details for when teams could play in their home venues have been announced.
