The Evolution of Access Control in Sporting Events

Sruthi Kolukuluri

29 July 2024

Entertainment

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The Olympic Games have officially begun in Paris, drawing a global crowd of fans eager to witness the games live. Amid all this excitement, there is a critical aspect of large-scale event management that often goes unnoticed but has a significant impact: access control.

From enhancing safety or optimizing crowd management to providing insights into attendee behavior, access control is crucial for creating secure and memorable event experiences. Whether it is a major international sporting event or a small concert, managing entry, keeping an eye on attendance, and reducing security risks all depend on efficient access control measures.

In this article, we delve into the evolution of access control systems and how technology is changing the way we manage large-scale sporting events.

The Early Days: Manual Access Control Methods

As sporting events have evolved over the years, so too have the methods of managing attendee access. In the early days, manual access control methods, such as paper tickets and manual ticket checks, were the norm. For instance, attendees would present their paper tickets at the entrance, where event staff would manually verify their validity before granting access. However, these traditional methods came with their own set of limitations, including long wait times and susceptibility to human error.

First, there is the convenience aspect, as attendees were frequently faced with lengthy lines, particularly during peak season. Besides testing the patience of attendees, complications like this made it difficult for event organizers to handle the influx of spectators logistically. Then, the reliance on manual ticket checks introduced the risk of human error, potentially resulting in unauthorized entry or delays in processing attendees.

These limitations highlighted the urgent need for more streamlined, efficient, and secure access control solutions in event management. Consequently, the demand for innovation in this area prompted the development of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing the overall event experience while prioritizing attendee safety and security.

The Role of Data Security in Access Control

Considering the multitude of factors that impact event management, digital access control plays a crucial role not only when it comes to streamlining the entry process but also to monitoring attendance and enhancing safety protocols. That being said, the transition from manual ticket checks to digital access control systems allows event organizers to accurately track and manage attendee numbers in real-time. On the surface, this makes crowd control easier, but in reality, it also makes it possible for event planners to react quickly to any unforeseen changes in attendance, guaranteeing safety throughout the entire event. Then, post-event analysis of attendee behavior enables organizers to adapt and improve their business strategies. For instance, if a specific type of attendee profile, such as families entering through a certain entrance, is identified, event planners can strategically place shops with merchandise for children or food and beverage vendors to cater to their needs and encourage purchases.

However, as access control becomes digital, data security becomes even more important. Events that attract large crowds, like sporting or entertainment events, also make them prime targets for cyberattacks and data breaches. Consequently, it is crucial for event planners to guarantee the privacy, accuracy, and accessibility of participant data. After all, any compromise in data security not only jeopardizes attendee privacy but also undermines the reputation of the event organizers.

In response to these challenges, modern access control solutions, such as EVENTORI Access Control, place a strong emphasis on data security measures. Sports teams can expedite attendee check-ins at stadiums while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of ticketing data with this integrated solution, which prioritizes data security measures. Furthermore, with EVENTORI access control, organizers have the possibility to define when tickets can be downloadable. This preventative measure ensures that too many tickets are not put into circulation too far in advance of the event, thus mitigating the risk of creating a black market and reducing the likelihood of ticket falsification.

Real-Time Monitoring and Crowd Management

For events, real-time monitoring and crowd management are essential components of access control systems, as they ensure the smooth flow of attendees and enhance the overall safety and security. With real-time monitoring, event organizers can track the movement of attendees in the venue and identify any potential bottlenecks or overcrowded areas. This enables them to take proactive measures, such as rerouting traffic or allocating more resources as necessary, to ensure a good attendance experience and avoid congestion.

In line with this,  EVENTORI Access Control offers event organizers a comprehensive solution for managing crowd flows and optimizing the attendee journey. By leveraging EVENTORI’s progressive web app on smartphones or PDAs, event organizers gain real-time insights into crowd flows through a monitoring dashboard. This enables them to effectively manage large venues with multiple checkpoints, ensuring smooth entry processes and enhancing overall event safety and satisfaction.

The potential impact of these advancements on access control systems and, consequently, on attendee experience is significant. By effectively managing crowd flow and minimizing congestion, real-time monitoring technology not only improves the efficiency of access control processes but also enhances attendee safety and satisfaction. Ultimately, attendees benefit from faster check-in times, more seamless admission procedures, and an all-around better experience. Event planners can also greatly benefit from real-time data analytics, which gives them the ability to continuously improve access control procedures and adjust to shifting attendance patterns or venue circumstances. Overall, real-time monitoring and crowd control technologies are essential for improving the efficiency of event access control systems, which in turn helps to ensure the event’s success.

A New Era of Access Control

The evolution from manual ticket checks to advanced digital systems represents a significant shift in the management of international sporting events. With advancements such as real-time monitoring and crowd management, event organizers now have tools at their disposal to streamline entry processes, monitor attendance in real-time, and enhance overall event safety and security.

Having an AI-powered RMS (Revenue Management System) can help forecast event attendance more accurately. This allows for smoother access control management, ensuring efficient scanning, staffing, and food and beverage services. By predicting the number of attendees, it’s easier to allocate resources more effectively, streamline entry processes, and optimize overall event operations.

Using these technologies is not just a choice in the world of event management; it is essential for organizers looking to offer attendees exceptional experiences.