Research Impacts Practice December 2025

Professional Sport Venue Threats, Security Measures, and Technological Solutions

Allen, B., Holmgren, L., & Hall, S. Global Sport Business Journal

Several incidents involving large crowds have led venue security directors to adopt preventive strategies. Venue organizers should foster a safe and secure environment, which requires assessing risk levels, recruiting and training staff, exercising plans and protocols, and leveraging technology solutions. The purpose of this study is to explore professional sport venue threats, security measures, and technology utilization.

Variation in Location and Type of Property Calls for Service in New Orleans on NFL and NBA Gamedays

Bagwell, R., Leal, W.E., Kondrat, A., & Piquero, A.R. Journal of Criminal Justice

There is a growing body of research devoted to examining how sporting venues may alter patterns of crime in areas surrounding such facilities. Overall research indicates that sporting events may contribute to increases in crime rates, however, this varies based on several factors such as the type of crime, type of sporting event, and the location of the stadium/arena. The current study extends this line of research by implementing a time series analysis and using two clustering methods: hot spot analysis and multivariate clustering to examine property crime related calls for service on days the New Orleans Saints (NFL team) play home games at Caesar's Superdome and the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA team) play home games at Smoothie King Center over a four-year period. Results show that property calls for service increase on days with sporting events, although the effect is not statistically significant. Hot spots are stable across days, centered in tourist areas of the Central Business District and French Quarter, yet show event-specific variation. High theft clusters are located near Bourbon Street and are consistent across contexts, although clusters expand beyond Bourbon Street for both Saints and Pelicans home game days. The results illustrate how nodes, pathways, and edges contextualize the spatial clustering of property calls for service across two sporting venues. Implications and policy directions are highlighted.

Match Fixing and Sports Betting in Football: Empirical Evidence from the German Bundesliga

Deutscher, C., Dimant, E., Humphreys, B. R., & Nowak, A. Public Finance Review

Corrupt behavior by regulators occurs frequently and imposes costs on society. Corruption can take many forms and corrupt regulators try to hide their actions, making detection difficult. We use a unique data set to analyze variation in bet volume on Betfair, an online betting exchange, for evidence of abnormal patterns associated with specific regulators (referees) enforcing regulations in football matches. An analysis of betting on 1,251 Bundesliga 1 football matches over five seasons reveals evidence of systematically higher bet volume for two referees relative to matches officiated by all other referees, indirect evidence that corruption, in the form of match fixing, occurred. Results from a randomization experiment using Fischer exact p-values, a novel method for detecting corruption, confirm these results.

If You Build It, Will Crime Come? An Investigation of Major League Soccer Stadium Construction

Geibler, R. H., Bagwell, R., Riddell, J. R., Stan, K., & Hill, J. B. Journal of Criminal Justice (Under Review)

Prior research on commercial and stadium construction effects on crime has yielded mixed results. In particular, studies of the construction of major league sports stadiums have been narrow in focus and of one venue. The current study adds to the construction-crime research by investigating whether the building of five Major League Soccer (MLS) stadiums in five unique locations (Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Nashville, TN, St. Paul, MN, and Washington, D.C.)  disrupted pre-existing spatial and temporal crime patterns in the area surrounding new stadiums. To assess this, optimized hot spots analyses and time series analyses of official crime reports from pre-, during-, and post-construction were conducted for violent and property crime indexes, as well as the disaggregated burglary, larceny, and auto theft crime types. Results do not indicate stadium construction sites generated more crimes in the 2-mile area surrounding the new stadiums, nor did they displace pre-existing hot spots within the buffer area. While some changes in crime patterns were present throughout the study period, these were inconsistent and not directly attributable to the presence of the construction site or new stadium. These null findings provide a positive outlook for future stadium construction projects as more soccer franchises look to build venues in the U.S.

The Impact of Building the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Crime in Atlanta, GA

Geibler, R. H., Riddell, J. R., & Hill, J. B. Journal of Criminal Justice

We examine whether the construction of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, affected property and violent crime at and around the stadium construction site. Property and violent crime data from the Atlanta Open Data Portal for 2009–2019 were spatially aggregated to 331 census block groups categorized into adjacent, secondary adjacent, tertiary adjacent, and distant areas. Non-parametric spatial permutation tests were conducted to assess changes in aggregated daily average property and violent crime counts from before to during construction and from during construction to after the stadium opened. Interrupted time series models were estimated to test for changes in the trend of monthly property and violent crime.

Spectator Sports Safety and Security Survey Industry Research Report

Allen, B. & Hall, S. The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security

The purpose of this study is to gauge U.S. sport spectators’ perceptions of safety and security practices at sporting events they have attended, including their awareness of security measures, safety and security concerns while planning to attend an event, and their willingness to embrace technological solutions to mitigate threats. The survey consisted of 57 questions related to demographics, attendance habits, perceptions of safety and security measures, safety and security concerns, fan behavior, and the use of artificial intelligence in sport security. Participants included individuals 18 years or older (n=728) who attended a live professional or collegiate sporting event within the last year. 

Routledge Handbook of Sport Security

Hall, S. (Ed). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group

This book provides an in-depth analysis of security issues and concerns in contemporary sport. Featuring the work of 60 leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, it offers practical, evidence-based commentary and guidance in over 40 chapters. Drawing on the latest research evidence, the book examines the multiple stakeholders, agencies, and organizations involved in providing a safe space for spectators, participants, staff, organizations, communities, and sponsors. It considers the coordination of private and public entities in the sports security ecosystem, including facility management, event management, law enforcement, emergency management, emergency medical services, and state/federal government partners, as well as the private sector organizations providing support services.

NCS⁴ Research Affiliate contributors to the Handbook include: Gil Fried Securing Youth Sports Legal Considerations for Sport Venue Owners and Operators Kiernan Gordan Balancing Security and the Guest Experience at Sporting Events Brian Menaker Reframing Sport Venue Security: The Community-Driven Approach Derya Tekin Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) Application in Sports Hyunwoong Pyun             Sporting Events and Crime: A Meta-Analysis

Professional Sports Facility Construction Projects and Infant Health

Humphreys, B. R. & Ruseski, J. E. Journal of Sports Economics

Building subsidized new professional sports facilities represents a common local economic development policy. Little research focuses on negative local impacts generated by these projects. Linking data on the exact timing and location of new sports facility construction projects to birth data, we find that facility construction projects generate negative local externalities. Infants born during construction have lower birth weights than infants born in comparable areas where no new facility opened. Prenatal health visits also declined. Disproportionate negative impacts occurred in vulnerable populations. Mechanisms identified include local airborne particulate matter and reduced provision of government services affecting prenatal health.

Sport Facility and Event Management

Newland, B., Hall, S., & Aicher, T. Contemporary Sport Management

This chapter examines the current state of sport facility construction and the impact of the current economic climate on this segment of the sports industry, including the different types of facilities, issues surrounding public funding and privatization of facilities, and the role of facility and event management personnel. Event planning considerations and security planning factors are also highlighted.

Sport Facility Operations Management: A Global Perspective

Schwarz, E. C., Kellison, T., Martyn, J. B., Hall, S., & Shibli, S. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group

Sport Facility Operations Management goes beyond the basic theories of sport facility management to examine the practical realities connecting facilities, people, and technology. An essential textbook for any sport facilities course, it introduces the fundamentals of facility management and presents cutting-edge, evidence-based perspectives that show the reader how to become a more effective practitioner and deliver better results for their organization. Every chapter includes in-depth case studies to illustrate best practice, as well as ‘Technology Now,’ ‘Facility Focus,’ and ‘In the Field’ features to highlight key points. This new edition includes expanded coverage of important themes in contemporary sport facilities operations management, including cybersecurity, the use of AI, data analytics, sustainability, and the politics of event bidding and facility financing, as well as a brand-new chapter on how to build and develop a career in sport facilities management. This book is an invaluable course text for sport management educators and students, especially those studying facility management. It is also useful reading for industry professionals working in sport facility management, from grassroots and community complexes to global mega stadiums and arenas.  

Crisis, Kickoff, and Controversy: A Case Study of Social Media Discourse around Hurricane Helene

Stokowski, S., Beckner, R., Corr, C., Goldsmith, A., & Croft, C. International Journal of Sport Communication

This case study explores the public sentiment surrounding Clemson University’s decision to play a football game the day following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene to the state of South Carolina. Social media data featuring the terms “Hurricane Helene” or “Helene” and “Clemson” were gathered between September 21 and October 19, 2024. Of the 1,296 mentions across the social platform X during the period of analysis, 71% expressed negative reactions (i.e., criticism), with concerns centered around resource scarcity, traffic congestion, and a perceived disregard for the well-being of the local population. The findings suggest that X users perceived that Clemson University failed to adequately prioritize local needs during a time of crisis. By inviting thousands of visitors into a community grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster, the institution’s response reflects a broader issue in managing sporting events during crises. This case underscores the significance of organizational transparency when confronting crisis.

Analysis of Spectators’ Perceptions of Safety and Security Measures at Collegiate and Professional Sport Venues Allen, B. & Hall, S. Sport and Recreation Law Association   Addressing Inappropriate Fan Behavior: Challenges, Trends, and Best Practices for Professional Sports Venues Allen, B., Hall, S., & Holmgren, L. Global Sport Business Association   Analysis of Safety and Security Measures at Professional Sport Venues Allen, B., Holmgren, L., & Hall, S. College Sport Research Institute    Deployment of AI Technology for Intercollegiate Athletic Venue Safety: Trailblazing Opportunities for Immediate Implementation Franklin, T. & Zinn, D. College Sport Research Institute   Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Planning for College Sports Events Hall, S. & Allen, B. College Sport Research Institute   Security Planning and Risk Mitigation Framework for Sport Event Organizers Hall, S. & Allen, B. Sport and Recreation Law Association   Exploring Sport Spectators’ Perceptions of AI Security Technologies in Sports Venues Olukola, O., Olukola, O., Allen, B., Hall, S., & Fridley, A. Applied Sport Management Association   Field and Court Incursions: A Growing Concern in Collegiate Athletics Phillips, P., Allen, B., Fried, G., Menaker, B., Wilson, T., Zinn, D., & Levine, J. Sport and Recreation Law Association

Artificial Intelligence: Theoretical Framework and Events Industry Application in Sports Venues

Ms. Amy Dorey

This presentation translates academic research on artificial intelligence (AI) in sports venues into actionable strategies for industry practitioners seeking to enhance fan experience, operational efficiency, and event safety. Ms. Dorey shares practical insights into the responsible adoption of AI, including data transparency, ethical governance, and staff readiness. She also covers the importance of implementing scalable solutions that build consumer trust while driving innovation.  

Beyond Gates and Metal Detectors: Understanding Security for Professional Sports Facilities

Mr. Steven Watchers and Dr. Jimmy Smith

This presentation addresses the literature gap pertaining to cybersecurity through in-depth interviews involving participants from major U.S. professional sports leagues and the cybersecurity industry, delving into physical security, personnel security, and cybersecurity domains.