UT’s Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium receives Facility of Merit award
AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas’ Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium has been recognized as a Facility of Merit for demonstrating an innovative approach to safety and security, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) announced.
Texas Athletics has instituted a number of safety and security initiatives surrounding the gameday experience at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in the last year. The addition of a Mobile Vehicle Barrier (MVB), a Rescue Task Force (RTF) and health guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have made Texas Football gamedays safer than ever.
“At UT Austin our number one priority is the safety of our student athletes, staff, fans and stakeholders,” said David Allison, Texas Athletics Director of Safety and Security. “Our supportive senior executive leadership, dedicated athletics department, law enforcement and health and safety partners make it possible to create an environment of safety and security where our guest can relax and enjoy the festivities.”
Allison joined Texas Athletics in 2016 after a distinguished career in government service, including as a Secret Service agent protecting dignitaries at home and abroad. His experiences also included working with security professionals during the Olympics, NBA Finals and NFL Events.
The Mobile Vehicle Barrier (MVB) initiative was instituted to reduce the risk of a possible assault with a vehicle incident for the 100,000 guests attending events.
Additionally the University of Texas Police Department implemented the “Hercules Protocol,” developed by NYPD for Times Square safety, utilizing a visible deterrent from a possible armed or deliberate assault. UT also added a Rescue Task Force (RTF) to game day operations. The RTF works in conjunction with and supports the Hercules teams.
The Facility of Merit award recognizes a facility that has performed above and beyond normal operations to demonstrate an innovative approach to enhancing safety and security. The chosen facility may also have resolved a significant safety/security issue or incident.
Established in 2006, The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) is the world’s leading academic research institution focused on addressing sports venue and event risks and threats.
