“The Avigilon HD surveillance system almost acts like additional staff, providing greater coverage with fewer personnel on the ground and a more effective and efficient way to monitor the stands,” said University of Southern Mississippi Chief of Police Robert Hopkins. “Once you learn how to use the system—a much easier process than with our legacy analogue-based system—all you have to do is click the mouse to zoom, focus, and review for excellent forensic results.”

Security professionals manage the Avigilon HD surveillance system using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise network video management software (NVMS) with HD stream management (HDSM). M.M. Roberts Stadium installed Avigilon HD 16 MP security cameras at the 20, 50, and 20 yard lines on each sideline and Avigilon HD dome 5 MP security cameras to monitor entrances at the North and South end zones. The system runs 24x7 and is monitored live during football games and is used in forensic mode when other events, such as intramural sports, commencement ceremonies, and high school football games are being held. Avigilon network video recorders store 90 days of continuous surveillance footage.

Since installing the Avigilon HD surveillance system, the M.M. Roberts Stadium has been able to lower human resources costs by reducing the number of staff during games from 70 to 45 and was able to prevent a costly and time-consuming evacuation due to a suspicious looking backpack that was left on the sidelines. By installing the system using in-house IT resources, and requiring half as many security cameras as an analogue system, the Stadium saved significantly on installation costs. Southern Mississippi university has also achieved a 100 percent performance improvement in the University’s legacy system. The M.M. Roberts Stadium has hosted several national sports associations including NASCAR, the National Basketball Association, and other universities to showcase the power and performance of the Avigilon HD surveillance system.

“Faced with security risks ranging from crowd outbursts to fan disturbances, the M.M. Roberts Stadium needed a surveillance system that would monitor the facility’s most populated areas,” said Keith Marett, director of marketing and communications at Avigilon. “We have worked closely with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at Southern Mississippi to deploy an advanced, easy-to-use HD surveillance solution that not only improves spectator safety, but also reduces operational costs.”