Stadium and Arena Event Staffing That Covers the Parking Lot Too
Gate screening, section patrols and parking lot coverage for games, tournaments and arena events.
Sports crowds bring rivalry, alcohol and thousands of cars into one place, and the risk does not end at the final whistle. In March 2011, Giants fan Bryan Stow was beaten in a Dodger Stadium parking lot after the season opener. In 2014 a Los Angeles jury found the Dodgers organization negligent in an $18 million verdict.
The case is a reminder that parking lots, walkways and exits are part of the venue's duty of care. California Fire Code also requires trained crowd managers for large assemblies, scaling with attendance. Blackout staffs gates and screening, section patrols, rival fan separation, field and locker access points, and parking lot patrols, with supervisors who coordinate with the venue's operations center and police on site. For smaller venues, high school stadiums and tournaments, we size the team to the crowd you actually expect.
What we protect against
- Fights between rival fans in stands, concourses and parking lots
- Weapons and prohibited items at gates
- Field and court intrusions
- Vehicle break ins and catalytic converter theft in event parking
- Ticket fraud and gate crashing
- Intoxicated fans and alcohol related disturbances
What we provide
- Gate operations with bag checks and handheld or walk through screening
- Section and concourse patrols with ejection procedures
- Field, court and locker room access control
- Parking lot patrols during arrival and post game egress
- Cash room and ticket office protection
- Radio coordination with venue operations, police and medical
- Post event incident and ejection reports
Rules and requirements
- California Fire Code Section 403.11.3 requires trained crowd managers where a facility or event gathers more than 500 people: at least two, plus one for every 250 people or portion thereof. Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 people are exempt, and the fire code official can reduce the number.
- Contract security guards must hold a BSIS security guard registration (guard card). Armed guards also need a BSIS firearms permit to carry an exposed firearm on duty.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for a 4,000 seat evening game: 10 unarmed guards on gates and bag checks from gates open to second half, 6 unarmed guards on section patrols and field access, 2 off duty officers supervising and posted near the visiting section, 1 armed officer on the ticket office and cash room, and 4 unarmed guards on parking lot patrol from the third quarter until the lot clears.
Questions we get
Do you staff youth and high school tournaments?
Yes. Smaller events often need a few officers on gates and parking. We size staffing to expected attendance and the facility layout.
Why include parking lot security?
Many serious incidents happen after the event as fans leave. Parking patrols through egress deter fights and vehicle crime and give fans a visible point of contact.
Can you work alongside venue staff and police?
Yes. We fit into the venue's security plan, take posts assigned by the operations center, and call police for any crime.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Primary
Unarmed guards fit gates, bag checks, section patrols, field access points and parking lot rovers.
Armed guards
Common
Armed officers fit cash rooms, ticket office and high risk parking areas after night games.
Off duty police officers
Common
Off duty or retired law enforcement fits supervisors, rival fan section posts, and liaison with on site police.
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Where we cover sports and arenas
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.