The Denver Performing Arts Complex has replaced its walk-through and hand-held metal detectors with Evolv Express systems, Evolv Cortex AI, and Evolv Insights. This has resulted in better guest experiences, enhanced security, and less stress for staff and patrons as they enter the complex’s popular entertainment venues.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is home to the Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Opera Colorado. Each year, the Arts Complex attracts over one million guests attending upwards of 15 shows per week. Security at the venues previously consisted of staff monitoring the walk-through metal detectors and using hand-held detectors as each guest arrived. Along with guests voicing concerns that the process was intrusive, they also noted the time it required as they stood in line for 10 to 15 minutes to be screened. For others, the wait time was even longer as many guests don’t arrive at the entrance for security screenings until the last 15 minutes before the start of the show, creating queues with close to 1,000 people. This led to stress for patrons and security staff, especially when metal detectors signaled false positives, requiring additional security checks on individuals as they emptied their pockets and opened their bags.

In its search for a more current and sophisticated approach to security, the Arts Complex conducted side-by-side comparisons of weapons detection security screening systems, resulting in the selection of Evolv Technology’s innovative solutions.

“Metal detectors produce a lot of anxiety for security staff and guests. Not to mention they have a large footprint. Evolv Express’s smaller footprint and artificial intelligence make it possible for guests to easily walk through the screening lanes while the system identifies potential threats, reducing the number of false positives previously created by metal detectors,” said Aaron Eubanks, director of events security, Denver Performing Arts Complex. “This results in better guest experiences through shorter lines with higher quality security and less intrusive screenings.”

As an integral part of the Evolv Express systems, Evolv Cortex AI software continuously improves security at the Arts Complex by detecting the latest weapon designs — a feature not possible with metal detectors. The Arts Complex’s security team also uses Evolv Insights analytics to conduct a deep dive into each ingress point, down to a detailed level of every minute and event. Through the Evolv Insights heat map, security can analyze where and when threats arose. This insight informs staffing to support spikes in visitor flow and potential security threats.

“Entertainment venues have waited years to return to full capacity and are now welcoming guests back to sold-out events. Yet as gun violence continues to rise in this country, we believe the venues need to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of every patron and staff member,” said Peter George, CEO, Evolv Technology. “The Denver Performing Arts Complex exemplifies a successful venue that has taken a proactive approach to security while improving the overall experience for everybody entering its theaters.”