KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The opening of KC Current’s new soccer stadium is nearing.
The world’s first stadium dedicated to women’s sports will be fitted with high-tech flair when it opens in March for the 2024 season. The Current hopes to save time for fans and security staff by using artificial intelligence to assist the club’s security team.
The new CPKC Stadium will use AI security measures at the two entrances and exits of the stadium. High-tech sensors will be used to detect weapons and they will not be allowed indoors.
Tech company Extract One Technologies says the concept is already being used in other stadiums and arenas, including the University of Texas’ basketball arena in Austin.
Fans don’t have to stop and empty their pockets. Instead, it continues walking while being scanned and does not have to stop unless a weapon is detected.
Extract One officials say this allows up to 30 people to enter the stadium gates per minute, much faster than traditional metal detectors or human power would allow. .
“The technology has changed. It’s a frictionless fan experience,” said KC Current Stadium Operations Manager Scott Jenkins. “It’s efficient for us because it doesn’t require as much manpower. From a staffing standpoint, it’s a win. From a fan experience standpoint, it’s a win. It’s a safety win.”
Modern stadiums, including this one, have fans much closer to the playing field. Peter Evans, head of Xtract One, highlights what he calls one of the many reasons security needs to be strengthened.
“Alerts you if you have a weapon such as a knife or a gun.” Our company is uniquely known in the industry for being the most effective at detecting all types of weapons, from knives to small penknives. “We’re working hard,” Evans told FOX4.
Evans said the AI platform can also be applied to advise fans about special ticket prices, faster ways to get in and out of the stadium, and other messages to keep fans safe while rooting for KC Current.