The MCG has undergone a major security upgrade ahead of the 2024 AFL season that will see fans required to walk through AI-powered body scanners when entering the venue.
Using technology already active at several major stadiums in the USA, the security upgrades sees the MCG become the first sporting venue the first in the southern hemisphere to use the new AI-powered full body weapon detectors.
The technology replaces the need for security personnel to use metal detectors and speeds up entry for patrons who no longer need to remove personal items such as keys, phones or bags.
The artificial intelligence scanners have been trialled at the MCG at major events in recent months, including the 2023 Boxing Day Test Taylor Swift concerts, and are now in place outside every entry gate.
Introducing the changes, Stuart Fox, Chief Executive of MCG operator the Melbourne Cricket Club, told the Herald Sun “we want everyone to have the best experience possible when they come to the 'G, so we are always looking at new innovation to help elevate this.
“We have invested in some incredible cutting-edge technology that will set a new standard for security, efficiency and convenience.”
The AI-powered screening, developed by Evolv, was first launched in 2013 and uses cameras, sensors and AI to scan for prohibited items, before sending findings to security staff.
If an item is flagged, security will do a secondary search of the patron’s bag or with a hand wand.
The touchless screening system can scan up to 3,600 people per hour, which is significantly faster than the traditional manual method.
MCG Venue and Events Manager, Josh Eltringham noted “the technology has now caught up with our expectations on how efficiently we can move 100,000 people through the gates and into the stadium.”
Emphasising that there are no health risks walking through the new gates, while any fans who have concerns can use the traditional metal detectors which are still in place at the venue, Fox added “introducing the Evolv system is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the safest environment possible for everyone attending events at this stadium while also enhancing their overall experience, beginning with a more efficient entry process.”
Tap-on NFC technology has also been installed at every turnstile, meaning barcodes are no longer required when entering the stadium, while a new food and drink service allows fans to purchase items without having to line up to pay using checkout-free technology.
Carlton plays Richmond in the traditional round one opener in the MCG’s first match of the 2024 AFL season tonight, with a crowd of around 85,000 expected to be in attendance.
Image: Richmond and Carlton clash at the MCG in 2021.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions
Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…
Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…
ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world.
For over three decades, ProSlide…
The P.A. People is a specialist integrator and contractor in sound reinforcement, audio visual systems, performance lighting and production communications. Over its almost 50 year history the company…
Fluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category.
Public…
We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…
Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
TO READ OUR UNIQUE DELIVERY OF NEWS COVERING
ALL SECTORS OF THE LEISURE INDUSTRY YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP.
You will be able to access more than 50,000 news items along with a
growing selection of additional features to help you be better informed in your work.
