The messaging app, Crowd Angel has announced a new partnership with Bedford Blues this week in an effort to boost safety and security at Goldington Road with the introduction of Martyn’s Law on the horizon.
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill, is due to be introduced this Summer and was created as part of the response to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed at the Ariana Grande concert and this new legislation named in his honour will now require entertainment and sporting venues to take more steps to increase their preparedness for similar incidents in the future.
As one of the premises in the ‘Enhanced Tier’ of the new legislation, Goldington Road is one of the venues that will be required to introduce further steps to ensure fan safety, with the Crowd Angel platform playing a key role in keeping fans of the Blues informed.
Using state-of-the-art geo-fencing technology, trained staff at Goldington Road will be able to send tailored, location-aware text messages and alerts to fans as well as re-assigning stewards to busy areas and monitor overcrowding.
It will also allow Goldington Road operational staff to store and report on their responses to unfolding incidents; a key compliance requirement under Martyn’s Law.
What is geo-fencing?
Geo-fencing allows a user, (in this instance, Goldington Road), to set up triggers so that when a device such as an internet-connected smartphone or tablet enters a defined boundary – or is already in the specified boundary – the user gets an alert.
“We are very pleased to have found a partner in Crowd Angel as we move towards new legislation around keeping crowds safe here at Goldington Road”, said Dawn Brittain, Operations Manager at Bedford Blues.
“With their situational messaging technology, we can also enhance our fan communication and enjoyment every time they come to watch the Blues playing on home turf.”
Putting fan safety first
“Bedford Blues are the perfect launch partner for us as they are community-driven, put their fans’ safety first and are always looking to improve the fan experience for anyone who attends their home games at Goldington Road”, said Paul Tindley, CEO at Crowd Angel.
“We are extremely proud of the opportunity to support the club in making its games and venues secure and compliant with the upcoming Martyn’s Law.”
The technology will be implemented in time for the beginning of the 2024/25 season at Goldington Road.
