07May2021

Stadium operations software: making quick decisions with real-time information

Aiming to increase safety and efficiency, more and more stadiums are using stadium operations software. With this in mind, ESSMA created its Stadium Operations Software Report including results from our survey amongst 29 members and insights from 8 expert interviews, aiming to inform the industry about the current landscape, elements, and benefits of stadium operations software (SOS).

What is the most valuable element of SOS?

Most stadium operations software can be controlled from any device with an internet connection. According to stadium managers, this is the most valuable element of the software, as it allows them to make quick decisions with real-time information that can be analysed in seconds.

“I would say that it has become impossible to operate complex venues like our stadium without a stadium operations software.” Ricardo Carvalho - Stadium Manager at FC Porto

Real-time awareness ranks second amongst the most valuable elements of stadium operations software, with 88% of stadium operators indicating that they believe it could help them improve stadium operations.

They indicate that it would help them with:

  • Direct communication of safety-related issues

  • Getting the staff in the right position faster

  • Faster response times for cleaning and building maintenance

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Importance of direct communication 

Making matchdays safer is by far the most important goal stadium operators want to achieve through the introduction of stadium operations software. Direct communication plays an important role in this, as 82% of stadium operators indicate that security staff is the most important group to have direct contact with.

“A crucial part of communication on matchdays is to have as little delay as possible.” Matthias Neumann - Head of Security at Borussia Mönchengladbach

The most important messages that they want to communicate include:

  • Emergency alerts

  • Safety & security issues

  • Key moments such as gates opening, teams arriving, doors closing, etc.

  • Changes to the matchday briefing

  • Reminders about responsibilities & tasks

Read the full report