NCS4 Conference Highlight: Civil Unrest at Sporting Venues

Impact of Civil Unrest on Sporting Venues

July 9, 2015

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

National Sports Safety and Security Conference 

Like any other emergency situation, you do not want to be exchanging business cards when you meet to start assessing and managing a crisis. It is important to understand who is in charge, who is part of the conversation, who will make decisions and who will be taking action. 

This panel discussion, “Impact of Civil Unrest on Sporting Venues” will focus on the planning and action taken in response to civil unrest to safeguard sporting venues and sporting events.

In light of the riots in Baltimore in April 2015, the Baltimore Oriels locked down the stadium near the end of the game and told guests that they had to remain in the ballpark due to police activity in the area (there were riots nearby). The game went into an extra inning and it was determined by the end of the game that the threat had been reduced and the stadium lock-down was lifted and the gates opened for guest egress.

On Monday, April 27, 2015 there was significant rioting in Baltimore and a curfew was put in place. The Baltimore Oriels game scheduled for the daytime on Wednesday, April 29 was played to an empty stadium. The event was not open to ticket holders due to ongoing concerns that the civil unrest posed a risk to people attending the game in person.

Join us as we discuss the following issues:

•What is the best way to plan for a Civil Unrest Response Action?

•What entities/individuals should be convened to assess the potential impact of civil unrest on a sporting venue and scheduled sporting event?

•What group did Baltimore convene when making their decisions about the stadium lock-down and the closed stadium game?

•What if the civil unrest took place on a college campus? Who would be in the discussion/action group?

Register for the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition by May 15th to receive the Early Bird Registration rate!

National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition

The 6th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition is set for July 6-9, 2015 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and this year’s theme is "Enhancing Tomorrow TODAY." The event attracts over 450 attendees including sports venue and event operators, managers, security and safety staff, first responders and law enforcement from the following levels: professional leagues, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics and marathon/endurance events.