All-Star Game Hopes to Hit Homerun with Security

All-Star Game Hopes to Hit Homerun with Security

  • By Ginger Hill
  • May 04, 2015

For all you baseball fans, the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be hosted by the Cincinnati Reds and played at the Great American Ball Park. This is the 86th edition and it’s sure to draw huge crowds; therefore, as the city actively prepares to take national spotlight, this will be one of the biggest security challenges Cincinnati has seen in a while.

For months now, city, state and federal agencies have been working on developing effective security plans for this event.

The security operation will stretch from the river to the bridges to the air space above the ballpark. Roaming the streets of downtown will be police and FBI agents while a command center in South Fairmont will use cameras and radio reports to keep an eye on the crowds. The command center is the heart of the whole security operation and includes a two-story video screen, state-of-the-art communications equipment and anti-terrorism gear. It’s up to federal officials to monitor the barge, rail and air traffic. And, as for drones, high-tech jamming equipment will be on hand to knock them down.

Additionally, dozens of local, state and federal agencies will keep an eye on all events, including the week-long festival consisting of a concert, street fair, home run derby and “legends” game as well as a 5K race with an expected 20,000 runners. If more security resources are needed, these agencies will bring them in.

For game day, police will handle crowd control as thousands of people pour into and out of the stadium. Firefighters will be available for emergencies and the FAA is in charge of regulating air traffic. The Coast Guard will protect the river, while the FBI will provide intelligence on potential threats.

Of course, safety is the top priority, but even people working in security don’t want to have an in-your-face presence toward baseball lovers.

“This city’s desire is that when people turn off their TVs or drive out of the city and look in their rearview mirror, what comes to their mind is ‘Wow!,’” said Mike Neville, Cincinnati Police Captain.

In total, Cincinnati expects to drop anywhere from $600,000 to $1 million on security for this huge event.

Image: photo.ua / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.