SEATTLE, Wash. – CenturyLink Field, home of the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer's Sounders FC, has received SAFETY Act Designation and Certification, the highest level of accreditation awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
First & Goal Inc., which operates the stadium, worked together with NFL Security and multiple local, state and federal agencies such as the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, FBI and DHS, to deploy antiterrorism technologies and best practices, including physical and electronic security equipment, as well as emergency planning processes, procedures and personnel trainings. The Certification applies to the entire stadium property including the seating bowl, suites, gates, loading dock, perimeters, field, lockers rooms, utility and mechanical systems, command center and parking areas.
"The safety and security of our guests, athletes, performers and staff at CenturyLink Field continue to be a top priority," said David Young, Senior Vice President of Operations and General Manager of CenturyLink Field. "This Certification exemplifies our commitment to continuous safety upgrades, technologies and process improvements at CenturyLink Field."
CenturyLink Field is now the first sports and entertainment venue on the West Coast to achieve both Safety Act Designation and Certification accreditations and the fifth NFL stadium to be certified. The four other certified NFL stadiums are: Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots), Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers), MetLife Stadium (New York Jets and New York Giants) and University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals). CenturyLink Field is the second MLS stadium (Gillette Stadium).
The Certification also applies to all non-NFL and non-MLS ticketed events, such as concerts.
The SAFETY Act Designation and Certification is the latest security enhancement for CenturyLink Field in their ongoing efforts for continuous improvement of security operations. In 2016, the stadium, in addition to the NFL's clear bag policy, added to their already comprehensive security operations plan with walk-through metal detectors and further enhancements to the video management (CCTV) and access control systems. Since 2013, the stadium continues to employ undercover law enforcement officers wearing opposing team jerseys on Seahawks game days in a league-wide security measure to further protect visiting team fans.
The Certification is valid through April 2023.
