Unified security, operations and business intelligence solutions operator, Genetec Inc., was selected by the Chicago Cubs to modernize the security at the Wrigley Field ballpark.

Based on Genetec Security Center, Omnicast and Streamvault, the company says the new solution extends security to neighboring venues, parking lots and the Chicago Cubs Front Office.

Upgrading security

The security modernization effort followed a multi-year restoration of the ballpark – which is more than 100 years old – to preserve its historic features while modernizing amenities and improving experiences at the ballpark.

According to Genetec, the legacy security systems had been installed independently, working with multiple systems that slowed the security team’s investigations and response times considerably. Additionally, the aged storage server infrastructure limited the organization’s ability to remain compliant with Department of Homeland Safety requirements around video retention.

The Cubs’ security and technology departments teamed up on a physical security upgrade, seeking a scalable platform that would allow for expansion of coverage, a more proactive approach to security and a server infrastructure that would meet the requirements of their new Joint Operations Center (JOC).

A new platform

Choosing the Genetec Security Center with the Omnicast video management system (VMS) and Streamvault security infrastructure solution, the Cubs’ security team can now work 24/7 from the JOC, using Genetec Omnicast to manage many camera views of the ballpark and community. They also integrated an existing access control system within Security Center and deployed Genetec Streamvault appliances. With Security Center and Omnicast up on their monitors, the team now has an all-encompassing picture of the ballpark’s security.

“In the past, our security team would have a bunch of different platforms up concurrently. They’d have to know how to find information and piece it together quickly. On a busy game day, when we’re managing many different situations, that’s hard work. With Security Center, all that information is coming into one platform, so they see what’s happening and focus exclusively on the tasks at hand. We’re definitely seeing a higher level of efficiency across our team,” said Doug Lindsay, Vice President of Security at the Chicago Cubs.

Nest steps

The company says that the next phase of the project will include deploying Genetec solutions at Sloan Park, the Cub’s spring training facility in Mesa, Arizona and eventually at the Chicago Cubs Academy in the Dominican Republic, connecting those systems back to the Wrigley Field JOC to offer remote assistance as needed.

“We’re honored to work with the Cubs’ organization to help modernize security for an institution like Wrigley Field that is so beloved,” said Rick Taylor, National Director, Public Sector at Genetec. “Unifying their security systems on an open platform will help them keep fans, players and staff safe in the historic ballpark and benefit from innovation as it emerges.”