SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Evolv Technology, an artificial intelligence-based weapons detection security screening company, entered into a multi-year partnership to bring Evolv’s threat detection technology to the venues’ entries. The company did not disclose financials of the agreement.
As part of the agreement, Evolv was named the “Official Weapons Detection Screening Systems Provider” for the venues, which are located at Hollywood Park, the 300-acre development being built in Inglewood by Los Angeles Rams owner and chairman Stan Kroenke.
Otto Benedict, senior vice president of facility and campus operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said the safety and experience of guests was a key driver to the partnership.
SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater employ Evolv Express systems, which use sensor technology with artificial intelligence to provide threat detection at high volume and speed. Fans walk through the sensors without always having to stop, making for shortened lines and the ability to move rapidly through each venues’ entries.
“When we were able to see a system that provided us a frictionless experience, one that allows our guests to efficiently and quickly move into our building as the main ticket check and security screening process, it was a no-brainer for us to really dive in and see how Evolv technology could become a main component of our building operations,” Benedict said. “We were utilizing traditional walkthrough metal detectors for our security-screening process. That is a very lengthy process. The way (it) functions, it’s going to look at a metal profile of an object and then make an alert for anything in your pocket, so your house keys, wallet, accessories, sunglasses, jewelry will set that walkthrough metal detector off and that creates a series of secondary screening opportunities that just take more and more time.”
Now, an employee watches a tablet showing a live image of an individual walking through the security system and a red box will identify if someone is carrying an item that is a security threat. Benedict said the challenge in integrating this new system has been educating guests and staff on the new walkthrough process.
“The speed at which people were able to come through the building felt a little overwhelming for our staff,” Benedict continued. “They were definitely concerned that they weren’t doing the right thing because the machine was not making any alerts. Because it is a smart-learning AI software, it wouldn’t alert on your phone or your keys, it’s designed not to do that. So as our staff was watching many people walk through and nothing happening, they had the feeling as if something was not working right and we’d reassure them and show through our training, this is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.”
Jason Gannon, the managing director of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said in a release, “Evolv is a leading innovator within venue security and the addition of their scanners has enhanced the guest experience at SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater. We’ve built our venues to accommodate the latest technology, and the Evolv technology allows our team to more efficiently keep guests safe and secure.”
Evolv security scanners can be found at each entry of SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams, and YouTube Theater, a 6,000-seat venue.