The King Power Stadium is home to the Leicester City Football Club (LCFC). Since moving to the ground 11 years ago, City has had an analogue CCTV system; it has looked to update. While it did work, the legacy system was inflexible and ultimately unsustainable, according to installer ADT. It meant that part of ADT’s consulting process was analysing the type of system that would address these issues and remain scalable for stadium upgrades. The network manager for LCFC was convinced that an IP system would be the correct option. First, ADT and LCFC had to understand the operational requirements and the way the systems needed to operate. ADT consulted with the various departments tasked with using the system. This consultative approach to the system design had the aim of providing a system that meets club needs. The installer demonstrate a range of solutions during live matches, giving LCFC a feeling for how each option would work before settling on an the most appropriate.
One challenge was the prohibitive cost of replacing some of the cable runs for the new IP CCTV. To overcome this, ADT converted some of the existing coaxial cable runs to Ethernet, thus allowing for HD CCTV. This makes it intuitive for the operators to track suspects around the stadium and outside. The system can also offer secure remote access if required. This allows the operational staff to deal with incidents in a timely matter and gives the ability to look back at any of the incidents as and when required.
After over a year from initial meetings, the entire solution was installed in six weeks pointing to the planning and the installation ease of IP CCTV. LCFC have a complete IP system with HD megapixel cameras. Future-proofed and flexible, this stadium solution is amongst the most up to date in the UK. The HD function means that the cameras can capture images in fine detail as well as being able to digitally zoom in to aid investigation.
The indoor seating and pitch are covered by 10 megapixel cameras relaying detailed images from the ground. There are also Full HD cameras in the ground and surrounds making it possible to track activity around the stadium area. Cameras can be recorded on motion only most of the time and switch to higher frame rate before, during and after a match. The footage from each game is then saved to a long term archive, giving LCFC access to all the home game footage should the need arise during the season.
Ian Hodgson, Regional Managing Director – North of ADT, said: “Our aim from the outset was to propose and implement a solution that was tailored to the needs of LCFC whilst remaining cost effective and straightforward to install. The end result is a product of effective collaboration between ADT’s security experts and LCFC’s insider knowledge, and the results speak for themselves.”
An eye on the ball
The system had a positive impact from day one, resulting in five arrests during the first game alone, making LCFC’s position clear – misconduct will not be tolerated and they have the means of enforcing this.
Such a system has also provided benefits in terms of insurance and health and safety. Local authority licensing laws are enforced to ensure crowd safety and a system like this enables the essential coverage required to comply with laws.
LCFC hopes other stadiums will follow its example. Statistics from the last year show that 51 per cent
About ADT
ADT Fire & Security, a Tyco business, designs, installs and services fire and electronic security systems for residential, business and government customers. In the UK and Ireland, ADT’s portfolio includes intruder alarms, video surveillance, access control, electronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification, fire detection, integrated solutions and monitoring. For more information visit www.adt.co.uk
