Securing Major Global Sporting Events

Blog authored by International Safety & Security Consultant & Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Patrol & Tactical Officers Committee, Kevin Cresswell

The upcoming high-profile soccer matches are set to be a landmark event, not just because it’s the first tournament hosted by three nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – but also because of its scale. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches over six weeks, the logistical and security challenges are immense.

As these cities across North America prepare to welcome millions of fans, the question on everyone’s mind is: How do you ensure the safety of such a massive event? With expanded stadium capacities, some games will draw over 70,000 fans, underscoring the need for robust safety planning.

Sporting events of this nature present unique challenges in international coordination, demanding seamless logistical security and operational cooperation across the host nations. The influx of foreign visitors, including political leaders and celebrities, could elevate the profile of US stadiums and surrounding businesses as potential targets for terror attacks. Additionally, challenges such as maintaining fan segregation and the diverse policing strategies required will further complicate security efforts.

Security response will be a blend of meticulous planning, international collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. For over a year, the planning committee has been working closely with North American governments and security stakeholders to create a security framework that can handle the sheer scale of the games. They’ve drawn heavily from the expertise of the UK Home Office, which has set the gold standard for event security in Europe and previous international events.

Preparations are of the utmost importance. With 16 host cities, including major hubs like Seattle and East Rutherford, New Jersey, the influx of fans, VIPs, and teams will be unlike anything North America has seen before. The key to managing this safely? Using advanced technologies such as those offered by LiveU.

LiveU’s role in this complex security web is crucial. Modeled after the UK’s National Football Information Point (NFIP), LiveU’s Situational Awareness Solution enables seamless communication across diverse jurisdictions, ensuring that video feeds from drones, mobile units, and fixed cameras can be transmitted in real-time to central command centers. This isn’t just about having eyes everywhere, it’s about creating a unified, responsive system that allows security teams to act quickly and efficiently.

What sets LiveU apart is its seamless integration with other critical security measures. For instance, LiveU’s technology can integrate with drones to provide security personnel with a bird’s-eye view of crowds and potential hotspots. By using drones as first responders, teams gain a comprehensive aerial view of large crowds and potential hotspots, enhancing situational awareness and enabling rapid, informed decision-making. This capability is especially crucial for a global event, where the scale and complexity demand a coordinated, technology-driven approach.

On the ground, LiveU supports evidence-gathering teams, allowing them to monitor and document incidents in real time. Additionally, LiveU’s technology bolsters sophisticated weapons screening systems at venue entry points, ensuring that fans can enter stadiums quickly and securely.

LiveU’s Situational Awareness Solution, including the company’s public safety go-to encoder – the compact, LU-REQON1, is built to meet the demands of modern public safety operations, integrating seamlessly with UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial Systems).

But the impact of LiveU’s Situational Awareness Solution goes beyond. The lessons learned and the systems put in place for this preeminent tournament will have lasting benefits for cities hosting other large-scale events. Whether it’s a major music festival, a political rally, or a city-wide celebration, the need for robust, reliable security solutions is universal. LiveU offers a scalable, adaptable platform that can meet the demands of any large event, helping to keep people safe, while allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that technology like LiveU’s will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success major sporting events in 2026 and beyond. And for cities around the world, the innovations developed for this event will provide a blueprint for securing their own major events in the future.

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