Milestone Xprotect IP video management software (VMS) has been deployed throughout Safeco Field for its ease of integration and ability to efficiently network current and future camera installations. Milestone Mobile is deployed with its video push technology for the security manager and director of security to have access on the go.

All of the stadium’s 222 cameras are now connected and controlled via the IP network for high-quality, efficient digital video viewing live and recorded, in playback, and used for forensic analysis. Older analogue cameras are digitised through Axis and Sony video encoders. The Mariners continue to upgrade their network of cameras to provide additional coverage throughout the ballpark.

Whether hosting a Major League Baseball game or other event, protecting the safety of the occupants of the venue and mitigating liability litigation are key requirements in the Safeco Field security team’s role. Incidents at the ballpark that are criminal in nature which are captured on the surveillance network can be exported as needed for investigation and prosecution.

The Milestone solution is open architecture so it can be integrated with additional security features in the stadium, and management is considering connecting with access control, burglar alarms and panic buttons, among others. The options are endless with the Milestone open platform technology.

Centerplate, the Mariners hospitality partner at Safeco Field, also upgraded and integrated their analogue camera solution into Safeco Field’s Milestone solution. This integration saved Centerplate money by merging their video system into the stadium’s security network which gives Safeco Field security full visibility into secured areas where they had no access before. With cameras in the stock locations, outside kitchens and cash handling areas, the stadium security and concessions teams are able to work together to tie all cameras into one efficient Milestone-managed system.

“Before Milestone, looking for one or two people in a crowd of 47,000 was like finding a needle in a haystack,” said Christopher Ellis, Director of Safety & Security, Seattle Mariners. “Today, rather than searching laboriously through game footage of the crowd, we can find and export our video in minutes and find that ‘needle’ efficiently, keeping the ballpark’s guests and assets safe. I’m very happy with Milestone and look forward to successful seasons, on and off the field!”