Using smart security cameras to deliver the ultimate fan experience

The Internet of Things is growing all the time. Experts anticipate that globally more than twenty billion devices will be networked by 2020. In the process, end devices are becoming increasingly smart and versatile. A security camera, which would previously only have been able to supply video data, is now able to analyze that data as well. This enables stadium and sports managers to better understand the behavior of visitors and to control processes and resources at events. Security cameras in the IoT are therefore far more than just a security tool.

Small wonder that many stadium owners are planning to invest in the IoT in the near future. Nonetheless, a study by Cisco determined that three out of every four projects would fail. Many investments fall short of the mark, in our opinion, because IoT thinking is limited too much to one functional area – although cameras are being networked, their potential remains untapped from a visitor experience perspective.

The hidden potential of video surveillance in stadiums

1. Supporting visitors in parking

The search for a parking space in the vicinity of stadiums and sports facilities is often difficult and tedious for visitors. Leaving the car parks after an event is also a test of patience if a lot of visitors want to leave at the same time. Smart parking concepts are designed to make parking before and after events easier and safer.

Networked security cameras play an important role in this: they can detect free parking spaces and guide visitors there using a parking guidance system. They can also control the flow of traffic at peak times to prevent traffic jams and long waiting times at exits.

2. Reduce waiting times at checkouts and toilets

Similar to parking, visitor flows can also be analyzed and controlled in stadiums. Smart security cameras can analyze the behavior of visitors in real time and help forecast increased visitor numbers, for example, at cash registers or toilets.

Visitor flows can be diverted in time to less frequented locations in order to avoid traffic jams and waiting times. In this way, security cameras in the IoT help to improve processes in the building and increase visitor satisfaction and security.

3. Recognizing conspicuous behavior and dangers

Security cameras in the grandstand area of stadiums help to detect conspicuous or aggressive behavior of visitors, especially hooligans. Equipped with powerful processors, they continuously analyze video data and check for conspicuous features in visitors' movement patterns or clothing. Detected in time, measures for de-escalation can be taken quickly.

“Perhaps the most common and successful form of technology used at football grounds are CCTV cameras, used to catch instances of football hooliganism.“ - footballnetwork.org

Requirements for IoT technology in stadiums

IoT in the sports and entertainment continues to develop. End devices, platforms and software applications (apps) must grow with it. In our whitepaper, we show what to consider when selecting and integrating IoT technology. Here is a brief overview of the key requirements:

• • End devices: Security cameras should be able to analyze video data directly in their own processors. Here, high computing power, flexible app management and secure data processing are essential.
  • Platforms: IoT platforms establish the connection between networked devices and systems. Edge functionality should enable data to be processed both on the platform and directly in the networked cameras.
  • Applications (apps): Applications should be easy to install and update on security cameras, just like app stores for smartphones. Operating systems should be based on popular systems such as Android.
  • Security: In order to protect IoT systems from attacks and manipulation by third parties, applications for processing and exchanging data must meet high security standards.

Step-by-step development of IoT in sports and entertainment

Many IoT projects fail because managers want to achieve too much at once. Especially when you are new to the topic of IoT with security cameras, you should plan and implement in small, calculable steps.

Our recommendation: start with applications that deliver success quickly and with low risk. On this basis, you can gain initial experience and further develop your IoT. Use hardware, apps and platforms that meet current standards.

Rely on applications and systems that are flexible, expandable and grow with your requirements.