by Brianna Crandall — January 6, 2017 — Network video provider Axis Communications recently announced that Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field selected Axis’ high-resolution network video cameras to upgrade the field’s security system. Axis partnered with Convergint Technologies and Genetec to create an ideal solution to protect the venue that hosts the National Football League (NFL) Chicago Bears and many other events throughout the year.
With a capacity of over 63,000 fans and personnel, Soldier Field will maintain high security standards with the use of Axis network video cameras.
Equipped with an enterprise system of both Axis fixed and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) network video cameras on a Genetec VMS platform, Soldier Field maintains coverage of their facility on an ongoing basis, needing security 365 days of the year with a full schedule including football season. Soldier Field takes advantage of the PTZ capabilities by relying on cameras installed high up with a wide spectrum of coverage.
In implementing the upgraded Internet protocol (IP) camera system, Soldier Field required a lot of cameras be deployed while keeping the aesthetic look of the building. The iconic lakefront venue, originally constructed in 1924, contains many new features and modern improvements but maintains the original visual appeal of the facility and its history.
Security staff at Soldier Field is responsible for the entire seating bowl of the stadium along with unrestricted concourses and over an acre of parkland, both of which are open and accessible to the public year-round. There are also ticket booths, offices and sensitive areas not open to the general public but in need of camera coverage. Varying weather conditions of Chicago, especially in the winter, provide additional challenges to oversee the safety of patrons when sheltering from storms and other elements.
Axis worked with Convergint on this project to select and deploy the most efficient security system for the environment, utilizing Genetec software and a Brocade switch system on a fiber network to keep processes well-organized and effective.
More information on how Soldier Field utilizes an Axis network video camera solution to address its security needs is available in an online video.
