Without effective security there can be no major sports events and the threat is ever-present and changing. Andy Stevens considers the different strategies for identifying and combating security threats being employed by the organisers of EURO 2008 and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The security of sports venues and events is once again being tested during this summer's UEFA EURO 2008 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. But while there has been much focus and investment on the protection of these mega events, the sports industry has been given a reminder that security and safety is not just about terrorism or even what happens in and around the venue on event day.
Terrorism is an ever-present and the most potent threat to the sports industry, and therefore remains at forefront of security management. However, the protests during the Olympic flame relay in London, Paris, San Francisco and Nagano, and the disturbances in Manchester city centre during the UEFA Cup Final, emphasise the long-term damage that can that can be caused from disruptive activities and hooliganism.
Reference: Stevens, Andy (2008) Securing the future. Sport Business International. Issue 136, July, pp 55-56. London: SportBusiness Group.
