Behind the Scenes: Super Bowl Security

Behind the Scenes: Super Bowl Security

In just a few weeks, the Super Bowl will kick off after two years of planning the safety and security of the event.

The Super Bowl is arguably the largest sporting event in the United States. Thousands of people from all over the country will descend to the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota to watch two professional football teams duel it out to become the 52nd Super Bowl champion.

The size and popularity of the event justifies the amount of work the FBI, Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and other local agencies put into keeping the game safe and secure for attendees, athletes, coaching staffs and the employees of the facilities. The agencies start planning the security of the event nearly two years before game day, according to a press release from the FBI.

MPD is the lead agency for security at this year's Super Bowl, according to the FBI, but they are being supported by dozens of local police departments, public safety organizations, federal agencies and multiple components of the Department of Homeland Security.

“An event like this is about planning, about preparation, and about partnerships,” said Rick Thornton, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division in the press release. “Each organization brings its unique abilities to the table, but it requires tremendous teamwork and cooperation to pull everything together into a unified whole.”

With just a little over two weeks to go before the Big Game, agencies are meeting in Minneapolis to go over each and every scenario that might happen during the event and even at some of the festivities beforehand. The agencies are asked to simulate their responses to a variety of scenarios, including the weather, as the temperature drops into the teens in Minnesota.

In order to keep attendees and security personnel out of the bitter cold, fans attending the game will be pre-screened at indoor locations, such as the Mall of America, so they won't have to wait outside the stadium.

The security of the stadium itself, proved to be a challenge as it is located in the heart of downtown. The agencies established a secure perimeter around the U.S. Bank Stadium and on game day, they will strictly enforce road closures and place barriers to ensure vehicles do not drive in pedestrian-only areas.

The FBI's main responsibilities at the even include taking the lead on any kind of terrorist, cyber or major crime incident, and providing intelligence, from both a national and international perspective about bad actors who might seek to disrupt Super Bowl activities.

“We have planned for this to ensure that nothing happens,” assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division, Joe Rivers said. “But if something does happen, some kind of mass casualty incident or terrorism event, then there is a huge shift built into the program to continue to support the event but to transition to crisis response and investigation.”

The FBI has also taken the responsibility for credentialing thousands of public safety officers and volunteers who will need varying levels of access to Super Bowl venues. They are performing name and record checks for nearly 30,000 people.

“The goal is to have a safe event,” Rivers said. “We want all the fans in town to see the game and enjoy the events and festivities without ever having to know about all the time and effort and energy that went into getting us to this stage.”

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.