Genetec Inc. has helped the Chicago Cubs’ security and technology departments undertake a massive upgrade to modernize security at the iconic Wrigley Field ballpark. Based on Genetec Security Center, Omnicast and Streamvault, the new solution extends security to neighboring venues, parking lots and the Chicago Cubs Front Office, keeping people safe across multiple locations.

The security modernization effort followed a multi-year restoration of the over 100-year-old ballpark to preserve its beauty, charm and historic features while modernizing amenities and improving the ballpark experience. The project also expanded its footprint and the surrounding campus. As the legacy security systems had been installed independently, working with multiple systems 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 massive 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). They chose Genetec Security Center with the Omnicast video management system (VMS) and Streamvault security infrastructure solution. 

Today, the Cubs’ security team works 24/7 from the JOC, using Genetec Omnicast to manage more than 1,100 camera views of the ballpark and community. They also integrated an existing access control system within Security Center and deployed 22 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.

Doug Lindsay, VP of security at the Chicago Cubs, said, “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.”

The next phase of the project will include deploying Genetec solutions at Sloan Park, the Cub’s spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz., 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. And they plan to collaborate more closely with Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) by using the Genetec Federation feature to enable the OEMC to access some of their cameras and expand visibility across the city. They are also exploring deployment of video analytics built into Security Center with the Kiwivision Intrusion Detector, People Counter and Crowd Estimation features to continue improving security efficiency and the guest experience.

“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.”

For more information, visit: genetec.com.