Security Risks to the Super Bowl (And How to Overcome Them)

This year’s Super Bowl is to be held at Caesars Superdome which has a capacity of 76,468, and this presents increased security risks.

The mix of large crowds, competitive spirits, and sporting stars, all create an atmosphere that can attract crime.

What is the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) where various teams will have competed throughout the season in hopes of winning the championship trophy.

As much as this event is extremely important for the teams and players involved within it, many spectators countdown to this event and hold it with just as much importance as they do. 

Thousands will gather at the game to watch this sporting event, some even for the much-anticipated, extravagant half-time show. However, with this excitement for those attending comes months of preparation for the event's organizers.

Due to the vast number of individuals in attendance, the Super Bowl will need to ensure security is of high-standard in order to protect everyone’s safety; NFL teams, staff, and spectators alike. 

The Importance of Security at the Super Bowl and Sporting Events

Although the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events in the US, all sporting events should be holding security at utmost importance.

The risks to sporting events, particularly the Super Bowl range from minor incidents to acts of terrorism, and as it is often easier to remain concealed in larger crowds, organizers must prepare for all scenarios. 

Without this, injuries, cyber takeovers, and even death could be caused through a security breach, all of which could impact any individuals in the stadium.

For those impacted, knock-on effects on their mental and physical health are likely, and this will create large reputational damage towards the stadium and those organizing the event. 

Legally, organizers and stadium owners hold a responsibility and duty of care to attendees regarding their safety. If this is not complied with, those responsible could face serious repercussions.

Security Risks to the Super Bowl and How to Tackle Them

Preparing for an event such as the Super Bowl helps organizers implement the correct security measures for it. 

However, in order to effectively prepare for this, organizers of the event will need to complete their research and be aware of the security risks presented to them.

There are several security risks that the Super Bowl and other sporting events could be faced with and these are as follows:

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies can take place on and off the field. With thousands in attendance, the risk of a medical emergency or multiple of them is higher than normal. 

At times, medical emergencies can be caused by poor crowd control, which can escalate into stampedes. Injuries and even deaths can occur in situations such as this, pushing medical services to their limits.

In isolated instances, poor procedure may lead to worsening side effects from the incident and have widening issues on the sporting event.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Review and update your procedures if necessary before the event
• Ensure you have the correct number of medical personnel
• Provide First Aid training prior to the event

Major Incidents

Major incidents including murder, acts of terrorism, and crashes, can all heavily impact events such as the Super Bowl due to the severity of such incidents. 

Due to the size of the Super Bowl and other similar sporting events, large crowds are attractive targets for terrorist groups and other criminals as it provides them with the perfect hiding spot. 

Also, with acts of terrorism, individuals and groups will focus attacks on events like this to cause maximum disturbance. Strikes can be unpredictable, making it a top priority for event organizers to keep ahead of.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Coordinate with Law Enforcement to ensure the correct security
• Ensure staff are trained and remain vigilant of suspicious behavior
• Implement a surveillance system with a remote monitoring service that can assess and address threats outside of the stadium

Motor Vehicle and Personal Property Theft

Many attendees will drive to the Super Bowl and keep their vehicle in the parking lot there. For thieves, this makes sporting events such as this, a prime target for vehicle theft.

The vast space allows them to remain hidden and often lacks surveillance due to this, meaning criminals can steal vehicles or personal property without being caught. This risk is heightened even more at night, as 22.1% of vehicle theft was reported to occur between 8pm and 1pm.

With a high number of sporting events, including the Super Bowl taking place at night, this will be one of the most common risks they face. 

For organizers and stadium owners, you can be held liable to vehicle and personal property theft that occurs on site, especially if you have poor security in place. 

Top Prevention Tips:

• Implement a mobile surveillance solution in your events parking lot
• Install motion-sensored lighting across your parking lot
• Add signage to communicate the legal consequences of auto theft

Find Out 9 Ways to Improve Your Parking Lots Safety

Minor Disturbances and Disruption

Many spectators in attendance will be there to enjoy the event and get involved with the spirit of the game, however, in some instances individuals and groups may not have that same outlook.

Unfortunately, this can lead to minor disturbances and disruption both within the stadium and outside of it. Types of incidents can vary from underage drinking and littering to illegal ticket selling and small disagreements.

Individually, minor incidents do not tend to impact events of this size, however, collectively these can cause larger scale issues that can become difficult to manage.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Implement a monitoring service such as, a mobile surveillance system or security guards
• Utilize signage to communicate the impact of non-compliance to attendees
• Ensure you have written procedures on deescalating disturbances and disruptions

Alcohol-Related Incidents

Types of alcohol-related incidents at the Super Bowl tend to include drunk driving and other alcohol-related traffic fatalities, as well as alcohol-fuelled fights. 

In fact, nearly half of all Super Bowl traffic deaths involve alcohol.

Post-event security is just as important as the security provided during the event itself, and you could be held liable for any incidents that occur, especially any that take place within the stadium or parking lot. 

Top Prevention Tips:

• Monitor the stadium during the event and implement external security systems such as, our Surveillance Trailers in your parking lot for pre and post-event
• Ensure your bartenders follow any alcohol laws and ID individuals as needed
• Have Law Enforcement present before and after the event

Cyberattacks 

Cyberattacks on sporting events have been a growing issue across the US as criminals are well-versed in the value of particular networks.

In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers reported a ransomware attack on Superbowl Sunday where the hackers stole team documents including a list of 2020 invoices, according to ESPN.

Most individuals will link physical, in-person security threats to sporting events, however, with such a high-volume of spectators, staff, and teams utilizing networks, this provides plenty of opportunity for criminals to take advantage of.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Ensure you are using an established network
• Employ cybersecurity specialists to manage the event’s networks
• Complete a risk management assessment prior to the event

Adverse Weather Conditions

The impact of adverse weather conditions such as, heavy rain, storms, and severe wind cannot only disrupt the game’s schedule, but also the safety of those attending the event.

Although the stadiums are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, there is still risk of both internal and external objects that could cause physical damage. 

Items such as bins, personal property, and equipment are all vulnerable to bad weather conditions and could become hazardous to any individuals nearby. 

Other issues such as flooding can create safety risks with the stadium and for any motor vehicles on site.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Ensure you have procedures and policies in place beforehand, in case of any adverse weather
• Prepare flood defenses if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted
• Carry out a risk assessment to understand where hazards are

Fire Hazards

The Super Bowl has numerous fire hazards, both within the stadium and in the parking lot. 

Electrical equipment, rubbish, and a high volume of vehicles all create an element of risk to attendees’ safety. Also, due to the varied number of fire hazards, if a fire does break out, the risk of it escalating quickly is higher than other event types.

Vehicles in particular present additional risk to sporting events as most attendees will travel to the event, meaning there could be thousands of cars within one parking lot, all of which pose a fire risk.

Top Prevention Tips:

• Ensure Fire procedure is in place prior to the event
• Work with Firefighters and ensure they are present at the event 
• Provide training to your staff regarding fire safety

Car Accidents 

Previous data has shown that road injuries can increase by as much as 41% after the Super Bowl, with the first hour of leaving being the most dangerous for traffic incidents.

Due to the number of vehicles within a stadium’s parking lot, there is a heightened risk of car accidents. In fact, 20% of car accidents in the US occur in a parking lot resulting in around 60,000 injuries annually.

For owners, you could be held liable for such accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to duty of care for those utilizing your services if poor traffic control is in place or if the correct security measures are not in place. 

Top Prevention Tips:

• Plan an entry and exit route for attendees to follow within your parking lot
• Implement signage to guide drivers and provide warnings
• Utilize Law Enforcement to support with traffic control

LotGuard: The Solution to Securing Your Event’s Parking Lot

Each of the unique security challenges faced by the Super Bowl and other sporting stadiums can be tackled by various security measures, however, the LotGuard PRO Surveillance Trailer offers an all-round parking lot solution.

As much as a blended approach overall is best for such large events, for parking lot security, our LotGuard products are backed by remote monitoring services that allow threats to be assessed, managed, and responded to quickly, whilst remaining cost-effective in comparison to security guards.

It also ensures 24/7, infrared PTZ advanced camera technology with a near 360 degree view, so that vast spaces such as events’ parking lots are kept secure across without fear of poor perimeter coverage.

With over 20-years of expertise in security solutions, we understand the true consequences of poor parking lot surveillance, especially with events where security management is difficult in general. Our LotGuard PRO was specifically designed to support these needs and keep attendees as safe as they enter and exit your event.

Speak with one of our Surveillance Trailer experts Today