SECURING SPORTS VENUES IS THE NAME OF THE GAME While enjoying a sports game at a stadium, some people may briefly notice security fencing and then not give it much thought. Instead, they focus on the fun and excitement of the game, as they should. Unfortunately, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released a brief in June 2020 reporting 893 terrorist attacks and plots were made between 1994 and 2020. Stadium and facility owners have made major improvements to security and are continually upgrading facilities to ensure the safety of the fans and players. Nick Gardner, business development specialist for Ameristar Perimeter Security, works primarily with owners and facility managers of sports venues across the United States. “I go into every new project knowing that it will be its own unique design of products. No two stadiums are exactly alike,” he says. Some of the key safety measures include protecting against vehicle threats by adding security fencing incorporated with a passive cable barrier system; protection of pedestrians while limiting vehicle access with a tested bollard or bollard system; pedestrian access gates or crash rated vehicle barrier arms for traffic control, as well as other types of perimeter and interior security fence for crowd control and authorized access. Many venues seek to obtain a SAFETY Act certification. This provides legal liability protections for providers of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies, whether they are products or services. Those in the
private sector can apply for the certification through the Department of Homeland Security to determine if their offering qualifies. An entertainment venue that is seeking to get a SAFTEY Act certification will work to incorporate certified products into their perimeter security. Ameristar Perimeter Security has many perimeter security products including Impasse II designed and released in 2002 for high security applications. “This system focuses on deterring and defending,” Gardner explains. Another option, the Stalwart Passive Cable Barrier system, can be integrated with various fence facades, including but not limited to, ornamental iron, chain link and welded wire designs. “SAFETY Act certified barrier and bollard products are also great options for protecting these large venues,” he says. “At Ameristar, we have had the honor of not only manufacturing and supplying perimeter security products on many stadiums and entertainment venues, including Allegiant Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl, but collaborating closely with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to understand the site, project requirements, and the products to meet their safety needs,” Gardner says. For more information, visit www.ameristarperimeter.com.
FENCENEWS.COM | JULY 2022
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