Work in safety planning and response at Canvas Stadium by CSU’s Police Department and Athletics Department was recently recognized by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security.
Colorado State University Police Department and Athletics Department received national recognition for their work in safety planning and response at Canvas Stadium. The recognition, from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, highlights Canvas Stadium as a facility that has performed above and beyond normal operations to demonstrate innovative approaches to enhancing spectator safety.
Colorado State University’s work on stadium security was highlighted along with eight other sporting venues for excellence, including National Football League, Major League Baseball and National Hockey League stadiums.
“From the outset, every individual associated with the Canvas Stadium project was dedicated to providing fans, players, coaches and the entire campus and community an unrivaled experience while doing so within the framework that assures safety for those in attendance,” said Doug Max, senior associate director of Athletics. “In the days, months and years leading up to the opening of Canvas Stadium, it was and remains the focus of anyone associated with supporting events both large and small.”
To manage game-day safety, CSUPD coordinated operations for their department and an additional 100 officers from 10 neighboring, partner agencies including Larimer County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Collins Police Services, and Loveland, Windsor, Estes Park, and Johnstown police departments. Canvas Stadium also features on-sight detox and medical facilities staffed with medical doctors and nurses; a state-of-the-art command post for all first responders and emergency managers at games, including police, fire, ambulance, and general game security staff; more than 150 high-definition security cameras and dedicated camera operators; and 62 walk through metal detectors.
“Game day and special event response at Canvas Stadium has been an exhaustive, collaborative effort that engaged nearly every department on campus and professionals who worked tirelessly to ensure a fun and safety game day experience for fans,” said Capt. Jason Meisner, CSUPD. “In addition, fans would encounter officers on horseback, bikes, and ATVs as they patrolled campus and the stadium, along with highly trained explosive detecting K-9 teams. Our entire Northern Colorado law enforcement and first responder community came together to provide an unprecedented level of collaboration and skill in ensuring the safety of our campus.”
“Game day and special event response at Canvas Stadium has been an exhaustive, collaborative effort that engaged nearly every department on campus and professionals who worked tirelessly to ensure a fun and safety game day experience for fans.”
— Capt. Jason Meisner, CSUPD
The award was given to the university on July 10 from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, which was created following 9/11 in response to the nation’s security needs. It is the only research center devoted to the study and practice of spectator sports safety and security in the United States.
In addition to the award, CSUPD Capt. Jason Meisner was recognized as one of 12 recipients earning certifications in 2019 as a sports security professional, also given by the center. The certificate focuses on advancing expertise in sports safety and security through specialized knowledge in creating procedures, policies, operating plans, training in programs and overseeing event personnel.
