Beyond Gates and Metal Detectors
Understanding Security for Professional Sports Facilities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18060/26908Keywords:
personnel security, cybersecurity, physical security, professional sportAbstract
Innovation is of vital importance in professional sport organizations, with various segments and departments catering to diverse managerial functions. While previous research has focused on ticketing, marketing, and event management, the critical aspect of security and intelligence in sports requires further exploration. With the safety of fans, players, coaches, staff, and the local community at stake, security and intelligence play a paramount role. The current research addresses the literature gap pertaining to cybersecurity through in-depth interviews involving 12 participants from major U.S. professional sports leagues and the cybersecurity industry, delving into physical security, personnel security, and cybersecurity domains.
The results of the study highlighted an overall awareness and success in physical and personnel security, but also revealed a concerning deficiency in the understanding of cybersecurity threats. This shortfall emphasizes the pressing need for innovative cybersecurity solutions in the sport industry to ensure the integrity and safety of professional sport organizations in a complex environment. Through such innovative approaches, professional sport organizations can enhance their ability to effectively combat cybersecurity challenges, safeguarding their operations and protecting all stakeholders involved.
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