by Ann Withanee — June 15, 2011—Avigilon, a performance and value leader in high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance solutions, announces that the University of Southern Mississippi has successfully implemented the Avigilon HD Surveillance System to ensure spectator safety and reduce operational costs at its M.M. Roberts Stadium, a 40,000-seat outdoor stadium located in the heart of campus and home to the Golden Eagles football team.
The Avigilon HD Surveillance System almost acts like additional staff, providing greater coverage with fewer personnel on the ground and a more effective and efficient way to monitor the stands, according to the University. Security professionals manage the Avigilon HD Surveillance System using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise Network Video Management Software (NVMS) with HD Stream Management (HDSM).
M.M. Roberts Stadium installed Avigilon HD 16 MP cameras at the 20, 50, and 20 yard lines on each sideline and Avigilon HD Dome 5 MP cameras to monitor entrances at the North and South end zones. The system runs 24/7 and is monitored live during football games and used in forensic mode when other events, such as intramural sports, commencement ceremonies, and high school football games are being held. Avigilon Network Video Recorders store 90 days of continuous surveillance footage.
Since installing the Avigilon HD Surveillance System, the M.M. Roberts Stadium has been able to lower human resources costs by reducing the number of staff during games from 70 to 45 and was able to prevent a costly and time-consuming evacuation due to a suspicious-looking backpack that was left on the sidelines.
By installing the system using in-house IT resources, and requiring half as many cameras as an analog system, the Stadium saved significantly on installation costs. Southern Miss has also achieved a 100 percent performance improvement in the University’s legacy system. The M.M. Roberts Stadium has hosted several national sports associations including NASCAR, the National Basketball Association, and other universities, showcasing the performance of the Avigilon HD Surveillance System.
