Rogers Centre, Home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Deploys Avigilon Surveillance Technology

  • Jun 16, 2011

Avigilon recently announced that Rogers Centre, a 50,000 seat capacity multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue and home to the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Canada, has deployed the Avigilon HD Surveillance System to assist in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and entertaining spectator experience.

As one of North America’s only multi-purpose stadiums able to accommodate a variety of events suited for an arena, a domed stadium, and an open-air facility, Rogers Centre has deployed a security plan that is flexible and readily adaptable to meet the needs of any event -- ranging from 5,000 visitors at a tradeshow to 50,000 during a Blue Jays Major League Baseball game.

“Because we host a range of events with different configurations, we wanted a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective surveillance solution -- one that could give us access to information needed to make staffing decisions and review incidents more successfully to better serve our customers,” said Mario Coutinho, vice president of stadium operations and security at Rogers Centre. “The Avigilon HD Surveillance System provides us with superior clarity, maximum coverage, and ease of management—key features we needed to enhance our incident management capabilities at all events.”

With a fibre network infrastructure already in place, Rogers Centre was able to cost-effectively add the Avigilon HD Surveillance System as a key element of its surveillance solution. Nineteen Avigilon HD 16MP cameras cover the entire seating bowl while a mix of Avigilon HD 1MP, 2MP, 5MP, 11MP, and 16MP cameras monitor the building’s exterior. Using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise Network Video Management Software (NVMS) with HD Stream Management, security personnel in the command post monitor the areas live during events. Three Avigilon HD NVRs store continuous surveillance footage.

Rogers Centre leveraged its existing fibre network infrastructure to reduce installation and management costs and leveraged Avigilon’s use of JPEG2000 compression technology to reduce bandwidth requirements for additional efficiencies.

Further cost savings were achieved because the Avigilon HD Surveillance System delivers complete coverage with dramatically fewer cameras and less staff than would be required to operate a traditional analog-based PTZ solution.  In fact, Rogers Centre would have had to install hundreds of analog cameras to achieve the same coverage as 19 Avigilon HD 16MP cameras. Avigilon’s reliability, superior image clarity, and advanced management features facilitate investigations for quick and efficient resolution, dramatically improving the customer experience. The Avigilon HD Surveillance System also captures operational information that is used to make strategic business decisions regarding customer service delivery and risk management issues.

“Rogers Centre has a strong history of embracing technology to gain efficiencies and enhance the spectator experience,” said Keith Marett, director of marketing and communications at Avigilon. “By transitioning to Avigilon’s High Definition Surveillance System to improve spectator safety, boost operational efficiencies, and enhance customer service, Rogers Centre has set a new standard for stadium managers worldwide.”

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.