German stadium deploys Avigilon surveillance to safeguard spectators

Vancouver, Canada

Vulnerable to the threat of football-related violence and disorderly conduct, the SGL Arena has deployed the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system as a strategic component of its security plan.

“To ensure a complete overview of the situation in the stands, we need a surveillance system that is reliable, easy-to-use, and delivers highly-detailed images to help us quickly and accurately identify potential problems,” said Edgar Schweininger, security manager at SGL Arena. “We use the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system as a key tool to help reduce the risks—and costs—associated with disorderly fans.”

Security personnel manage the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise network video management software (NVMS) with high definition stream management (HDSM) technology. SGL Arena installed Avigilon 16 MP JPEG 2000 HD Pro cameras, which monitor the stands, entrances and exits, and other common areas. The Avigilon high definition IP cameras are monitored live during games in the stadium’s state-of-the-art control room. The stadium relies on an Avigilon network video recorder to store up to 30 days of continuous surveillance footage.

The Avigilon high-definition surveillance system delivers the level of image quality and advanced search capabilities the stadium needs to capture indisputable evidence of fan disturbances to prove responsibility and assign liability. The stadium can now hold perpetrators financially accountable for the related fines set by the German Football Association, reducing the stadium’s liability costs and ensuring regulatory compliance. The security team can also conduct investigations in half the time. The SGL Arena is confident that it will recover its investment within the first year of installation and has successfully met its top security goal to ensure the safety of its players and fans.

“In a country like Germany where football is big business, sports venues attract enthusiastic fans. However, these large crowds also present high security and safety risks ranging from fan disturbances all the way to the threat of terrorism,” said Keith Marett, director of marketing and communications at Avigilon. “With a lot at stake, including lost revenues—or even worse—lost lives, we are pleased that the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system can play a strategic role in enabling the SGL Arena to create a safe and enjoyable football experience for players and fans alike.”