Each year millions of people flock to MetLife Stadium to see their favorite teams and entertainers.
But in reality, the stadium is also watching them.
A mega-pixel camera system was installed in the stadium late last year, providing comprehensive video coverage throughout every part of the venue.
"You get unique situations with 80,000 people in your stadium," Daniel DeLorenzi, director of security and safety services at MetLife Stadium, told The Associated Press. "The diversity makes this system invaluable."
DeLorenzi added, "The idea is to see every seat in the bowl."
From a central command center, officials can watch nearly every "nook and cranny" thanks to the system that cost close to $1 million and has MetLife Stadium nominated for another security award, according to the AP report.
"We can validate people's accounts of any dispute, see what actually happened," DeLorenzi said. "We can simply call our command center, see on video exactly who was involved and what occurred.
"The video also has evidentiary value; it's been used to see if anyone should be arrested and who."
Meanwhile, the benefits go beyond security.
The system is also utilized to detect and pinpoint medical issues that arise as cameras have the ability to monitor concourses, escalators, and parking lots up to a quarter-mile away. Installation took nine months after choosing the camera design by Arecont Vision and management by Genetec Security Center.
The system is part of an effort to promote fan conduct, which has gained praise from the NFL. If someone is ejected from the stadium, that person is banned from all events until completing a re-admittance program, which includes an ejection report and an online course.
"The message is simply that what you do and how you behave is subject to scrutiny," DeLorenzi said. "And we have the means there to see what you did."
- Fans can report issues at MetLife Stadium directly to the security command center in the bowels of the building through texting to 78247 and typing "MLS," followed by a request for assistance and a location; by calling the stadium's Hotline at 201 559-1515; or by sending a tweet to @MLStadium.
