From sporting events and shows to parties and concerts, whatever happens at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, up to 12,700 spectators can be on hand to cheer on their idols. The venue is extremely popular with spectators and event organisers alike, not only because of the great variety of events on offer but also because of its size and central location in the Ruhr area.
To ensure that event-goers continue to benefit from the highest standards of safety and security, the arena’s technology was recently updated with a team of experts from Bosch Building Technologies playing a key role.
The project involved upgrading the fire alarm, intrusion detection, public address, and voice alarm solution that Bosch originally installed when the arena was built in 1996. What’s more, this time round, the venue operators also opted to install a networked video security and access control solution from Bosch.
The new video solution can monitor all areas of the multi-purpose arena, both inside and outside. These areas are monitored by over 30 IP cameras, including high-performance HD dome cameras that can be remotely controlled.
4K cameras are pointing at the entrances to certain areas, and public circulation areas are also monitored. Several cameras are equipped with intelligent video analysis technology that makes it easy to immediately spot unusual details, such as an unattended rucksack. What’s more, a forensic search function can be used to analyse the video data retrospectively, so that video evidence can be found more quickly for the police, for example.
“The introduction of this video security system was really important to us,” says Mirco Markfort, General Manager of the Rudolf Weber-Arena. “Before we had this technology to provide us with a complete and dependable overview, we had to rely solely on feedback from our security staff in and around the arena. Now, we can work directly from the control centre.”
To control the access of suppliers and day visitors through the backstage entrance, Bosch implemented a state-of-the-art visitor management system. Visitors are registered using a tablet, after which staff automatically issue access badges. This solution also makes it possible to keep track of who is on the premises at any given time. If the building needs to be evacuated, it can be verified that everyone has left the arena.
Fire alarm, voice alarm, video security, intrusion detection, and access control are all integrated into one easy-to-use management system from Bosch. As a result, control centre staff can operate and manage all safety and security systems easily and comprehensively from a single workstation.
A floor plan of the building, showing all levels, is displayed on the screen. By clicking on individual cameras on the plan, for example, staff can call up the relevant video feed.
Those responsible for the arena in Oberhausen also rely on Bosch when it comes to servicing and maintaining the overall solution.
As an event venue, which is at its busiest in the evenings and weekends, the arena relies on the 24/7 availability of the service team, which can be on-site quickly if required or access the systems remotely without delay.
