Wicket's Facial Authentication for Enhanced Security at NFL Stadiums

Published Date: 30/07/2024

Wicket's facial recognition authentication system to ensure secure access for credentialed media, officials, staff, and guests at all 30 NFL stadiums starting August 8.

The National Football League (NFL) is set to roll out Wicket's facial authentication system for digital credentialing across all 30 stadiums, starting with preseason games on August 8. The Boston-based biometrics provider has scored a major touchdown with this league-wide deployment, following a successful pilot at select NFL venues last year.\n\nWicket CEO Jeff Boehm announced the expansion on LinkedIn, stating that all 32 teams will be using Wicket's face biometrics system to streamline and secure the credentialing program. The system aims to ensure that properly credentialed media, officials, staff, and guests can easily and safely access restricted areas, including the playing field, press box, or locker rooms.\n\nThe selfie-based face biometrics system runs in tandem with accreditation software from Accredit Solutions, which checks credentials at security checkpoints for complete identity access management (IAM). Users with registered credential badges can have them scanned and compared against a real-time selfie taken at the security checkpoint, triggering a green signal for go or a red signal prohibiting access.\n\nThe system brings additional security and protection against fake credentials, which are a growing problem in the sports industry. The explosion in online sports betting apps has contributed to the problem, as officials try to stamp out efforts to cheat or steal money to cover gambling debts.\n\nThe NFL's director of strategic security programs, Andrea Schultz, emphasized the importance of accountability in a successful face biometrics deployment. The league and teams need to know every single person who is being credentialed to work an NFL game, their access levels, and ensure accountability for those individuals.\n\nWicket's ownership group includes part-owners of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. The company has been successful in the biometric ticketing and IAM sector, and has also tested facial recognition for ticketing at the Australian Open.\n\nWith this deployment, the NFL is taking a significant step towards enhancing security and protecting against fraudulent activities. The use of facial authentication technology is becoming increasingly popular in various industries, and this move is expected to set a new standard for secure access control in stadiums.

FAQs:

"Q: What is the purpose of Wicket's facial authentication system in NFL stadiums?

A: The system aims to ensure that properly credentialed media, officials, staff, and guests can easily and safely access restricted areas, including the playing field, press box, or locker rooms.

Q: How does the selfie-based face biometrics system work?

A: Users with registered credential badges can have them scanned and compared against a real-time selfie taken at the security checkpoint, triggering a green signal for go or a red signal prohibiting access.

Q: What is the main security benefit of using facial authentication in NFL stadiums?

A: The system brings additional security and protection against fake credentials, which are a growing problem in the sports industry.

Q: Who is behind the deployment of Wicket's facial authentication system in NFL stadiums?

A: All 32 NFL teams will be using Wicket's face biometrics system to streamline and secure the credentialing program, as announced by Wicket CEO Jeff Boehm.

Q: What other industries or events have used facial recognition technology for authentication?

A: Wicket has tested facial recognition for ticketing at the Australian Open, and other industries such as transportation and healthcare are also exploring the use of facial authentication technology."

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