The new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, in the US has become the first combined NBA basketball, NHL ice hockey and entertainment venue to secure ‘SAFETY Act Certification’ from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The certification, the highest level of protection awarded by the government body, was introduced as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY) encourages the creation and use of anti-terrorism technologies and practices.
Little Caesars Arena will now join nearby Comerica Park, home to Major League Baseball franchise the Detroit Tigers, as the only professional sports venues that operate under the same ownership group to receive SAFETY Act Certification for all ticketed events.
Managed and operated by Olympia Entertainment, Little Caesars Arena serves as the home to NHL outfit the Detroit Red Wings and NBA team the Detroit Pistons. The venue opened its doors in September this year and has a maximum capacity of 22,000 for live entertainment events.
The new SAFETY Act Certification will apply to Little Caesars Arena, the 100-foot perimeter around the venue, a parking deck, nearby office buildings, the Via and the Chevrolet Plaza. It covers the security design development process, supporting policies and procedures, and the implementation, management, and continuous oversight by employees, contractors, and consultants.
Richard Fenton, vice-president, corporate safety and security at Ilitch Holdings, which owns Olympia, said: “Our priority at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park is to create a safe environment for our fans, players, performers and guests.
“During the design and construction of Little Caesars Arena and its surrounding areas, we went through an extensive review process to assure we implemented the most comprehensive physical and electronic protective measures available by working with federal, state, county and local public safety experts.”
Little Caesars Arena ‘s designation and certification will expire on December 31, 2022.
Image: Coreyfein01
