Dallmeier's video technology protects the stadium and Rangers Football Club fans

Those responsible for this Scottish team have replaced the analog security system of the Ibrox Stadium with a comprehensive network solution from the German manufacturer.

The football club Rangers Football Club, founded in 1873, is part of the elite of football; since throughout its 145 years of history has won more than a hundred trophies, which also makes it the most successful in Scotland.

With the aim of protecting the assets of this Glasgow sports institution, in addition to ensuring the safety and security of fans who come to Ibrox Stadium, its managers have decided to replace its analog video surveillance system, already quite obsolete.

After comparing network video surveillance systems from different providers, the choice to undertake this project has been that of the German expert in video security Dallmeier.

Complex security situation

In addition to football matches, the large stadiums also host concerts and other types of events that usually attract crowds of people.. With the increase in the number of visitors, the risk of dangerous situations also increases, when, For example, objects are thrown onto the playing field or flares are lit.

Uncontrolled crowds of people or fights between fans are the most feared scenarios by security personnel. A sophisticated video security system can provide the necessary overview to nip this type of escalation in the bud and ensure the safety of fans and players..

Roland Meier, head of Panomera Multifocal Sensor Systems at Dallmeier, explains that so that the safety of the visitors of the stadium is always guaranteed, "it is necessary to equip the stadiums with video information systems that allow, both operators and authorities, clearly and unequivocally identify any individual within a group of people, either on large surfaces or over long distances, and follow him".

Technological improvement

The existing system at Rangers Football Club, that until now was managed with cameras from different manufacturers, had to be upgraded and technically upgraded to a complete Full IP HD solution from Dallmeier, although previously it was necessary to modify the technical infrastructure.

To ensure system performance and the provision of additional capabilities for critical situations, a new fiber optic ring network was put in place around the stadium.. Systechnica Limited, Dallmeier partner in Scotland and expert in the installation and maintenance of all systems of the German manufacturer, has been the company responsible for executing this entire project.

As Brian McNeill points out, systechnica manager, "The installation work at the Rangers FC headquarters went smoothly, and the image quality provided by the system is excellent. The front-end is intuitive, and the club has the possibility to adapt or expand the system according to the changes in risks and demands that arise".

After completing the required network infrastructure, those responsible for the club determined, together with dallmeier experts, what cameras had to be mounted to get an overview of the stadium. It was important to fully cover those areas that, by management and security personnel, were considered to be especially critical in terms of security.

The centerpiece of this solution is the patented multifocal sensor system (MFS) Panomera by Dallmeier, developed for complete surveillance of large areas, as in this case, with the installation of numerous units in strategic positions inside and outside the stadium, since it is. With MFS technology, a vast area can be monitored from one place, with the addition that the resolution is scalable almost at will, according to customer needs.

As part of the project, PTZ cameras have also been installed, fixed domes of the type DDF5400 and the discreet Picodome of the manufacturer alemás. Existing recording devices have also been changed, by high-performance IPS servers 2400 and IPS 10000, and the video management system has been updated to Dallmeier's VideoIP Smavia server and client software, enabling particularly intuitive recording and evaluation of IP-based audio and video data.

Rangers FC's Chief Operating Officer, Robin Howe, who is also responsible for security at UEFA and FIFA, and that is why he travels around the world to different facilities to check the possibility of holding matches safely, has been involved in the entire system upgrade process at Ibrox Stadium and has noted that "Dallmeier's new system clearly surpasses most of the video surveillance systems he has seen on his travels.".

Integration possibilities

The surveillance of a stadium is very complex and the maximum benefit and guarantees are obtained when all the systems are intertwined and linked. Each Dallmeier CCTV/IP solution is designed in such a way that it can serve as an open platform for the integration of third-party systems..

From network cameras to recording systems (Recorders, Servers, IP video appliances), up to video management, all products of the German manufacturer can be integrated into any type of third-party systems (access controls, fire detection, Etc.). Also, it is possible to integrate third-party systems or individual components into existing Dallmeier solutions.

Integration is done using both standard or custom communication protocols, called Open Platform Tools, as well as through tools developed specifically for the client. In this way, security systems can be adapted or extended at any time and offer investment protection for the future.

Guarantee of the future

Ibrox Stadium is probably one of the most iconic football facilities in the world. Ensuring the safety and security of players and fans obviously has top priority for Rangers FC managers. Additionally, in this sports facility the internationally agreed standards for the technical equipment of stadiums around the world apply, to obtain licences from UEFA and FIFA to host first-class matches.

David Martin, club security officer, fully trusts in the new technology: "Rangers FC can be more than satisfied with their latest investment.. With a system that has already proven its reliability and that is one of the most technically advanced among those of the country's football stadiums, we look calmly to the future. The degree of coverage of the system, as well as the range of integrated functions will be a considerable support for those responsible for the protection and operation of the stadium".

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