The ACEF Journal, Volume 3, Issue 2, September 2013 Page: 34
43 p. : col. ill.View a full description of this periodical.
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Stadium Design Considerations
(ICS) can be practiced, revised, and improved through regular exercises and real-life
reinforcement. Holding tabletop exercises multiple times a year, in addition to practical, staged
scenarios which mimic a crisis, is the best way for all emergency response representatives to
learn how to work together. Such exercises will help conceptualize and solidify the plans in the
minds of everyone involved, as opposed to just being an assortment of words on paper. These
exercises can be held independently or concurrently with other events.
An opportunity to prepare and test established security protocol for an emergency
situation can occur at any venue's event. Testing security mobilization procedures, emergency
response systems, agency response times, chemical and biological detection technologies, and
backup utility or electrical sources during a full-scale event gives the best prediction of
performance during a real crisis. These run-throughs and practical examinations shed light to
any delinquencies in the current plan and allow responders to modify issues prior to an actual
emergency. Detection equipment, chemical suits, gas masks, temporary barricades, small
vehicles, etc., resources necessary to run test exercises, require storage bays. Functionally secure
storage bays need to be incorporated into the stadium design process at strategic locations both
around the perimeter and within the stadium. Stadium design should also incorporate advanced
devices capable of geographically-locating the origin of a chemical or biological element. Fixed-
location detection devices would be capable of detecting faint traces of chemicals in the
surrounding atmosphere and would alert authorities.
At any event, crowd egress poses a set of obstacles vastly different from the ingress
process. While devoting attention to each individual patron and utilizing choke points are good
strategies when getting people into the venue, allowing for their exit represents the opposite
mindset. Wide and unobstructed concourses, aisles, walkways, and ramps should make it quick
and easy for patrons to exit efficiently. Patrons should be directed away from choke points, and
doors leading to these areas should be closed and locked, if possible. In the case of a non-threat
egress, multiple methods of transporting people should be utilized (e.g., ramps, stairways,
elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, etc.). Clearly marking exit paths and allowing egress
from all gates is essential as well. Once the patrons exit the venue, these principles should
continue to hold true. These apron areas should be wide, accommodating, and allow for easy
dispersal of large crowds. Stadium security staff should be located along the route in areas that
are highly visible (e.g., raised platforms) in order to direct foot traffic.
Of paramount importance for stadium security is the education of patrons within the
venue. Before any event, it is imperative to publicize exit routes, evacuation procedures, and
basic crisis responses. By having wall posters and diagrams, as well as video presentations on
available video screens, venues can take proactive steps to ensuring safe egress.
Perhaps the most reoccurring theme from the film is the need to design, plan, and execute
for the future. Crowd capacity, command centers, media needs, and emergency preparedness are
all strands of venue safety and security. It is important for designers and architects to be active
in this process, and to create stadiums capable of evolving with the growing needs of future
occupants.
Part 3: Recommendations and Additional Best Practices
Recommendations from the Film
Due to the high-quality information expressed in the film, it is imperative this valuable
resource be mobilized into viable actions. Stadium managers, athletic directors, venue operationSeptember 2013 /ACEF
36
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American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities. The ACEF Journal, Volume 3, Issue 2, September 2013, periodical, September 2013; Stephenville, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth353216/m1/34/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Tarleton State University.