Elevating Event Security: How BWG Would Have Managed Copa America's Biggest Challenges.

Event safety is integral to the overall experience for attendees, event organizers, staff and in this case, professional athletes. Recently, the US hosted the Copa America Tournament. An international soccer tournament that was played in 14 major stadiums across the US. Hundreds of thousands of people attended these events, however there were multiple instances where issues relating to the overall structure of the events caused mass hysteria between event attendees. Here’s how BWG would have addressed these challenges to ensure a safe and seamless event experience.

Issue 1: Security-Related Incidents at the Uruguay vs. Colombia Semi-Final

On July 11, over 70,000 fans gathered at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia. However, the excitement quickly turned into chaos as fights broke out in the stands, involving players and their families. This incident not only highlighted inadequate security measures but also brought negative global publicity.?

BWG’s Approach:

1. Proactive Security Planning: We prioritize detailed and proactive security planning. For an event of this scale, we would conduct thorough risk assessments in collaboration with stadium and local law enforcement stakeholders. By deploying a mix of trained security personnel and law enforcement officers, we ensure that potential risks are mitigated and any incidents are effectively managed. As many of us have learned, not all events / crowds are equal. Know your audience, go to games, study how different crowds react and what their habits are and adjust your plans accordingly in your planning stage and in real-time. Soccer fans and MLB fans are different. Teams have different fans with conflicting behaviors, as do artists, brands etc. Know your attendees and know the market.???
2. Family Zones: Protecting players' families and high-profile individuals is crucial. We would establish designated secure zones with restricted access to ensure their safety. These zones would be closely monitored to prevent unauthorized access and ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: Utilizing advanced surveillance systems, we maintain real-time monitoring of crowd behavior. A dedicated team would be on hand to quickly respond to any disturbances, preventing escalation and ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved.

Issue 2: Access Control Issues, Overcrowding, and Delays at the Argentina vs. Colombia Final

The final match on July 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami faced chaos as thousands of individuals, many without tickets, breached the stadium gates. Videos of the crowds rushing past security and law enforcement went viral, causing significant crowd safety concerns. The lack of proper crowd control measures led to a delayed start of the match and damaged the reputation of the event on a global scale.

BWG’s Approach:

1. Controlled Access Points: Understanding the potential for large crowds, even those without tickets, is essential. For this, we would develop a robust access control plan that includes both an inner and outer control perimeter. By conducting soft ticket checks at the outer perimeter, using trained security personnel, law enforcement officers, signage, and infrastructure, we could significantly reduce pressure at the stadium gates.
2. Emergency Protocols: Preparing for the unexpected is key. We would develop and rehearse emergency protocols for scenarios like overcrowding at the gates. This ensures that our team and other event stakeholders can respond swiftly and effectively, maintaining safety and order.
3. Communication: Clear and consistent communication is vital. By deploying well-designed signage, making PA announcements, and using digital communication channels, we help manage attendee expectations and direct crowd movement effectively, reducing confusion and enhancing the overall experience.

With the increase of security concerns around large scale events, it is integral to ensure that all parties involved with the event feel safe and all actions are put into place to prevent any instances where people feel threatened in any way. By understanding event safety, emergency protocols and key communication between stakeholders, you can significantly increase your event experience by making sure all that patrons have to worry about is having a good time.