Xtract One Technologies has announced its SmartGateway patron screening solution was selected by Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, a 58,000-capacity stadium in Memphis, Tenn., to secure entrances for its live events.
The property is owned by the City of Memphis and is managed by global sports and entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG), which announced a strategic partnership with Xtract One in October 2022. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is home to the Memphis Showboats, a team in the United States Football League (USFL).
“As we began preparations for the start of the USFL season, we wanted to optimise our security screening technology,” says Thomas Carrier, Oak View Group’s general manager at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
“At the stadium and across Oak View Group, we prioritise fan safety, while simultaneously leveraging innovation to enhance the fan experience. The kickoff of the new USFL season was a logical starting point to introduce Xtract One’s SmartGateway screening solutions. It is one of many prevention strategies coming to the venue for the safety and security of fans, teams, talent and staff, which we will continue using throughout the year, including during Memphis Tigers games and for the Southern Heritage Classic and AutoZone Liberty Bowl.”
Xtract One notes that its SmartGateway system was designed for large, ticketed venues to enable high throughput, but with customizability based on the customer’s individual needs and security requirements: “SmartGateway delivers fast, reliable, and accurate patron screening, replacing intimidating metal detectors. This solution unobtrusively scans patrons for guns, knives, and other prohibited items as they enter the facility, using AI-powered sensors to detect threats without invading patrons’ sense of privacy and comfort.”
“It is important for community and commercial enterprises to work on collaborative solutions that allow guests to focus on fun and togetherness and cheering on their teams,” says Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. The City of Memphis, Oak View Group and Xtract One are together enhancing the safety of the fans and our community.”
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will deploy SmartGateways in two phases. Phase one, beginning April 15, will leverage SmartGateways for games of the Memphis Showboats .
“We are thrilled to have been chosen by Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Oak View Group, and the City of Memphis to implement our SmartGateway technology for the safety and security of their patrons. This partnership showcases our commitment to revolutionising the security landscape, enhancing fan experiences, and streamlining entry processes for large-scale venues,” says Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We look forward to continuing our work with Oak View Group, and providing advanced, unobtrusive security solutions for their growing portfolio of world-class venues.”
