London in the autumn again hosted American Football, when St Louis Rams faced the New England Patriots. For the sixth year, London-based Integrated Security Consultants (ISC, www.iscltd.net) was contracted for the safety and security of the visit. The company managed a close protection operation for cheerleaders of both teams, NFL officials and VIPs. ISC also provided event security management for a fan rally in Trafalgar Square before the match.
The rally, pictured, which ran from 10am to 5pm the day before the main game, attracted an estimated 10,000 fans and saw cheer-leading performances by both teams as well as the cheerleaders of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will be playing ‘home’ games at Wembley from 2013-16. Other entertainment included awards presentations to key American Football stars and music from Soul Symphony, Tricksters and D-Line.
ISC was required to safeguard performers and secure areas including the Main Stage, a Hall of Fame, VIP and sponsors’ enclosures, as well as various interactive entertainments. Its staff were also guarding the Vince Lombardi Trophy, held by the Super Bowl victor, and on display for British NFL fans.
Sam Peters, Security Operations Manager at ISC, says: “Ensuring smooth and safe access for the teams, the cheerleaders and the entertainers in one of London’s busiest public squares required a great deal of logistical planning. We managed the capacity of the event by the use of dedicated entry and exit gates at the four corners of the square, which permitted control of the crowd flow and allowed for security checks. Our team supervisor, Sabrina Bluck, and I were in close communication with the NFL event organisers, the NFL teams’ management and their security personnel to ensure the safety of our patrons.”
ISC were deployed at all key areas of the event and included dog handlers searching for explosives. “The NFL and ISC have developed a good working relationship,” says Peters. “With major events being held in various locations around London, communication is key. We are always clear and concise, which is why our relationship works and why we have been able to deliver their requirements. Together, we have worked hard to make this event a great success.”
Meanwhile, ISC’s close protection team, headed by the company’s Close Protection Manager, Mark Nwosu, oversaw the safety of the three cheer-leading teams plus the Rams’ mascot, ‘Rampage’, media staff and choreographers as they travelled around London.
“With thorough planning we were able to ensure the complex requirements of the assignment and the NFL’s needs were met and exceeded,” says Nwosu. “The nature of this work means there are always changes, so as well as being proactive in planning we have to be reactive, flexible and capable of thinking on our feet.”
ISC Managing Director, Pat Carr says: “The operation went well and we are proud to have once again played a part in a project which brought so much fun and excitement to so many people. We very much look forward to welcoming the NFL back next year for both of their UK games.” The Patriots won 45-7 against the Rams.
