RELEASE: To further improve the Rogers Place fan experience, new enhanced security
April 9, 2025
Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place, Edmonton’s premier sports and entertainment venue, is pleased to announce a series of new enhanced security measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of fans, athletes, performers, and all guests attending events at the arena. The introduction of these measures represents the next step in the venue’s commitment to providing an unparalleled experience that emphasizes safety, convenience, and the enjoyment of every event hosted at Rogers Place.
As part of the growing demands for more robust and seamless security solutions in public venues, Rogers Place has developed a comprehensive plan to elevate security while minimizing disruption to fans and enhancing their overall experience. With the safety of our patrons, staff, and the surrounding community at the forefront of these initiatives, the new security measures are designed to integrate with existing systems while introducing cutting-edge technologies that reflect global best practices.
A Vision for Enhanced Fan Experience
When Rogers Place opened its doors in 2016, it revolutionized the landscape of sports and entertainment in Edmonton. Since its opening, the venue has hosted millions of fans for events ranging from NHL games to concerts, trade shows, and community events. As a world-class venue, Rogers Place has continuously strived to remain at the forefront of fan experience, not only by offering top-tier amenities, but by ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.
“We recognize that safety is a cornerstone of the fan experience,” said John McCauley, General Manager of Rogers Place. “Our primary goal is to create an atmosphere where fans feel safe, secure, and excited to enjoy every event. We’ve listened to feedback from our patrons, worked closely with experts, and carefully evaluated the security trends at leading global venues. These new measures are an essential step in ensuring Rogers Place continues to lead as a fan-friendly, secure, and world-class destination.”
What’s New in Rogers Place Security?
Rogers Place’s enhanced security measures represent a multi-faceted approach to modern safety, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to privacy, convenience, and operational excellence. Key changes include the introduction of advanced screening processes, biometric technology, and an expansion of both physical and digital surveillance systems. These upgrades are designed not only to provide a higher level of safety but also to ensure that fans experience minimal disruption when entering and navigating the venue.
Here are the key updates that will be implemented across the venue:
1. Advanced Screening Technologies
One of the most significant changes to security at Rogers Place is the introduction of advanced screening technologies, including enhanced walk-through metal detectors, AI-powered threat detection, and 3D bag scanners. These systems will allow for quicker and more precise screening, reducing wait times and increasing safety.
The new metal detectors are non-intrusive and will be capable of detecting a wider range of potentially dangerous items while offering a more comfortable experience for guests. The 3D bag scanners use innovative technology to perform thorough scans without requiring patrons to open or remove items from their bags. This will help speed up the screening process while maintaining high levels of security.
2. Biometric Entry Systems
Rogers Place is adopting biometric entry systems, which will utilize facial recognition technology to streamline access for fans with digital tickets. This system is designed to offer a more efficient and secure way to verify identity and grant access to the venue. Fans can choose to opt-in to the biometric system, making their entrance faster and more seamless by linking their digital ticket to their biometric profile.
The implementation of facial recognition technology will help prevent fraudulent use of tickets, reducing scalping and ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry. Importantly, this system is designed with privacy as a priority, ensuring that data is securely encrypted and never stored or shared beyond the scope of the event.
3. Expanded Surveillance System
Rogers Place will increase the number of security cameras throughout the venue, utilizing high-definition, AI-powered surveillance equipment. The new cameras will provide enhanced monitoring capabilities, ensuring that every inch of the arena and its surrounding areas are covered. These cameras will be equipped with features such as automatic motion tracking, real-time image recognition, and advanced video analytics to identify potential security threats quickly.
This expansion will help enhance crowd control, improve the safety of both patrons and staff, and ensure that suspicious behavior or potential threats can be detected and addressed immediately. Additionally, the AI-powered system will allow security personnel to more efficiently monitor activity and react to situations as they arise.
4. Improved Crowd Management Systems
In addition to technological upgrades, Rogers Place is focusing on improving crowd management strategies to ensure that all patrons are kept safe in both normal conditions and during potential emergency situations. A key aspect of this initiative includes the use of new crowd monitoring tools and real-time data analytics.
Rogers Place will now be able to track crowd density and movement patterns through a combination of surveillance systems and sensors placed throughout the venue. By monitoring crowd flows in real time, security personnel will be able to detect areas of congestion, divert crowds away from high-risk locations, and ensure that emergency exits and evacuation routes are clear at all times.
5. Enhanced Security Personnel Training
Security personnel at Rogers Place will undergo regular and specialized training to stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and best practices. These programs will focus on proactive threat detection, emergency response procedures, and customer service training to ensure that security staff are not only effective in their duties but also approachable and helpful to fans.
Additionally, Rogers Place will collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency responders to conduct regular drills and safety exercises. This will ensure that all parties involved are familiar with the venue’s protocols and ready to respond quickly and efficiently in case of any incidents.
6. Expanded Digital Communication Channels
To enhance communication with fans and keep them informed about security protocols, Rogers Place will launch a new mobile app with real-time notifications. The app will provide updates on event-specific security measures, emergency procedures, and important venue information. Fans will also be able to receive alerts on wait times for entry, traffic conditions, and any last-minute changes to security policies, making their experience even more seamless.
The app will also include a dedicated “report a concern” feature, allowing patrons to quickly and anonymously alert security to any suspicious activity, ensuring that everyone has an active role in maintaining safety at the venue.
Why Are These Changes Necessary?
The introduction of these enhanced security measures is a direct response to the growing concerns around public safety in large venues. As part of a global trend, many major sports and entertainment venues are updating their security protocols to match the rising sophistication of potential threats while striving to maintain a welcoming environment for fans.
In an age where large gatherings are increasingly common, ensuring the safety of all attendees is of paramount importance. These new systems will enable Rogers Place to offer better protection without compromising the overall fan experience. It’s about providing a secure and comfortable space where fans can focus on enjoying the game, concert, or event without having to worry about their safety.
“Rogers Place has always been committed to enhancing the fan experience, and we understand that security plays a key role in that,” said McCauley. “While we are prioritizing new technologies, we are also committed to keeping the human element of our security team front and center. Our security personnel will remain a vital part of the experience and will continue to provide personalized attention to our guests, ensuring everyone feels safe and valued.”
How Will These Changes Impact Fans?
The new security measures will not only improve safety but also ensure that fans can enjoy a smooth and efficient entry process. By leveraging technology, Rogers Place is striving to minimize wait times at security checkpoints, creating a hassle-free experience from the moment fans arrive at the venue.
The biometric entry system and digital ticketing process are designed to significantly reduce the need for manual checks, allowing fans to get to their seats faster and with greater convenience. Enhanced screening processes, such as 3D bag scanners, mean fans can keep their personal belongings intact while ensuring thorough security checks.
For fans who are concerned about privacy, Rogers Place will offer clear, easy-to-understand privacy policies regarding biometric data, ensuring transparency and giving fans control over how their information is used.
Future Plans
Rogers Place is committed to staying at the forefront of security innovation. As new technologies and security practices evolve, the arena will continue to assess and update its protocols. In the coming years, fans can expect further improvements in both safety and convenience, ensuring that Rogers Place remains a world-class venue for sports, entertainment, and cultural events.
“We’re constantly innovating and evaluating how we can improve the experience for our fans,” said McCauley. “Our mission is to ensure Rogers Place remains one of the safest and most enjoyable places to visit in the world. These new security measures are just the beginning of an ongoing journey to provide fans with the best possible experience.”
As Rogers Place continues to be a cornerstone of Edmonton’s entertainment scene, the introduction of these enhanced security measures will play an integral role in maintaining its reputation as a world-class venue. By combining advanced technology with comprehensive staff training, the venue is making great strides to ensure that safety, security, and fan experience are always the top priority. The new systems will not only safeguard patrons but also provide them with a smoother, more enjoyable experience at every event.
Fans attending future events at Rogers Place can expect to see these upgrades implemented immediately, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to a more secure and enjoyable environment for all.
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RELEASE: To further improve the Rogers Place fan experience, new enhanced security
About Rogers Place
Rogers Place is a state-of-the-art arena located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Opened in 2016, the venue is home to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, trade shows, and other live performances. With a seating capacity of over 18,000 for hockey games and up to 20,000 for concerts, Rogers Place is a hub for world-class entertainment and a focal point of the city’s downtown core.
