Panomera security system featured in stadium project

Gazprom Arena, a host of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and upcoming Euro 2021, has utilised Dallmeier's Panomera security system.

Gazprom Arena, one of the host stadiums of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, upcoming 2021 European Football Championship and home of Zenit St. Petersburg, has utilised Dallmeier’s Panomera security system features. 

Hosting major events at the Gazprom Arena requires the stadium to meet strict security regulations of FIFA, UEFA and ESSMA. The solution came from German manufacturer Dallmeier, offering multifocal-sensor systems to stadia all over the world. 

The aim was to bring in video technology for the stadiums’ interior and exterior – entrance gate approaches, rooms below grandstands and the stands themselves in one of the largest stadium video security projects. 

A high-performance system had to be completed for the 60,000-capacity stadium and remain adaptable and flexible to different demands. 

One requirement of the stadium was to capture all areas of each grandstand constantly, where traceability of offenders could be achieved. For this to work, the Russian Interior Ministry opted for two key video security requirements. 

The entire grandstand area must be captured with a “minimum resolution density” of 250 pixels per metre (px/m), corresponding to the performance criterion defined and globally valid standard DIN EN 62676-4 for video security systems for purposes of enabling identification of an unknown person. The other objective is the image frequency must not fall below a frame rate of 25 frames per-second (fps). Because it is typically only the combination of the specified minimum resolution density and a fluid representation of events, that can solidify incontestable evidence that’s usable in a court of law. 

The patented Panomera multifocal-sensor system from Dallmeier can guarantee coverage of even the largest expanses with stipulated minimum resolution density and frame rate, offering greater coverage than typical megapixel or PTZ camera technologies. 

Panomera continously captures movement in full resolution and allows high-resolution zooms – both live and in recordings. Stadium operators can then track and reconstruct events at the time or after the fact. 

Another advantage of Panomera technology is the innovative 3D planning approach, where a reproduction of the Gazprom Arena was created. This makes it easy to fulfil the 250 px/m requirement and cover each area of the stadium and see where corrections might need to be made, which could be done by the stadium with less than 100 Panomera camera systems. This is not only effective in terms of resources, but saving on infrastructure costs too. 

Dallmeier’s 3D planning also includes the automatic generation of “CamCards” – showing exactly where each camera should be mounted, how high and at what angle. It not only saves time but gives planning reliability, delivering greater accuracy and minimises levels of uncertainty.  

Dallmeier has given unwavering assistance and support throughout the project, where testing by the state technical personnel in Russia was also successful in the subsequent project phases. The result of this was that the stadium operators were able to begin operating the video security system after the final project commissioning in good timing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Today, over 1,000 single-sensor cameras have been installed in the Gazprom Arena in addition to the Panomera® systems – these safeguard every part of the stadium and safeguards those both inside and outside the venue. 

There are a large amount of camera and has seen the total storage capacity for the video security system come to more than six petabytes (or 6,000 terabytes) worth of data.   

High-performance recording appliances from Dallmeier are used to process all the information, with authorised personnel from various departments and stakeholders able to access the system at 80 different workstations. 

The video security system from Dallmeier has been trusted as a reliable solution at the Gazprom Arena, where the seven matches held there for the 2018 FIFA World Cup demonstrated the strong performance and capabilities of Dallmeier in running the Panomera security system and building a more secure stadium for everyone involved.   

Of course we were delighted that the security managers of Zenit St. Petersburg also decided to rely on Dallmeier again for their new home, the Gazprom Arena,” Director Sales Eastern Europe/RUS/ GUS at DallmeierKarlheinz Biersack said. 

“This success in the largest stadium project we have ever undertaken shows once again that Dallmeier’s holistic security and solution approach – above all the patented Panomera technology and our unrivalled project and consulting services represent an immense benefit for our customers.” 

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Liam Watson is the Co-Founder & Publisher of Soccerscene. He reports widely on football policy, industry matters and technology.

A-Leagues and PFA strengthen commitment to stamping out social media abuse

A-Leagues. PFA and GoBubble

The A-Leagues and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) are continuing their collaboration with GoBubble Community to stop social media abuse towards Australia and New Zealand’s professional men’s and women’s footballers, through to at least 2027.

First established in April 2022, the use of GoBubble’s artificial intelligence is key to identifying and blocking abusive, derogatory, harmful or offensive content.

GoBubble has implemented an automated solution that picks up sentiment and is tailored to the needs of all organisations in real-time, for example if an ongoing issue presents itself.

The GoBubble partnership is one of the first in its kind when monitoring an entire sporting league. Since the A-League’s adoption, the English Premier League and German Bundesliga and other sports rights holders globally now use technology successfully.

Since April 2022, GoBubble’s technology has protected A-Leagues players and clubs’ social media accounts, with more than 13,000 abusive comments blocked.

The A-Leagues, PFA and GoBubble (through the new GoBubble Foundation launching in 2024) will be running community outreach projects to provide access to the cutting-edge technology for those who play the role in protecting young people in their digital lives.

A-Leagues Commissioner Nick Garcia reiterated that abuse in any form is not accepted:

”Our footballers and clubs provide great entertainment to their many fans across Australia and New Zealand, both on the field as well as through social media content.

“Just like we work to ensure our stadiums are safe for our players and fans, we are also, through GoBubble Community, focused on making social media a safe space for them.

“Online abuse is absolutely not acceptable in football or any walk of life, so we are thrilled to extend our vital partnership with GoBubble Community.”

PFA Co-Chief Executive Beau Busch praised the efforts of GoBubble so far:

“Our collective ambition is to make the A-Leagues the safest competition in world football for players and fans, and that extends to ensuring everyone’s experience online is the best it can possibly be.

“GoBubble has proven to be the most effective way for our players to add a layer of protection online, so that they can continue to engage with fans and grow our football community.”

GoBubble Founder Henry Platten commended the A-Leagues and PFA approach to abuse:

“The A-Leagues’ innovative approach in providing our sentiment artificial intelligence (AI) for all member clubs has positively impacted the digital lives of millions.

“Football is the beautiful game, and by working in partnership with the A-Leagues and PFA, our patent-pending technology is helping everyone enjoy it without the risk of suffering hate or abuse online.

“We care about respectful communication at scale and are proud, together with the A-Leagues and PFA, to deliver another world first in 2024 by providing access to our AI through the GoBubble Foundation to education and charitable organisations working with schools in Australia.”

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant shared the importance of sustaining this technology:

“It’s great to see this successful partnership being extended to ensure players and fans alike can continue to enjoy the sport they love without being subjected to harmful content.

“Online abuse is an insidious problem that affects all sporting codes from elite to community level, so it’s important that initiatives like this continue to receive support.

“While we might be disappointed with a particular call or play, that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to unleash a torrent of online abuse. Smart use of safety technologies is an important tool in every football club’s arsenal.

“eSafety has developed specialist resources with sporting organisations and integrity units to help deal with the issue. You can find these resources and report abuse at eSafety.gov.au/sport.

The research so far:

The issue of abusive behaviour on social media was examined closely by the Australian eSafety Commissioner in their Online Hate Speech report which indicated “around 1 In 7 (14%) adults aged 18–65 are estimated to have been the target of online hate speech.”

The Report also reflected on the negative impact of hateful social media content, finding that “58% (of people experiencing hate speech) report a negative impact from their experience, typically mental or emotional stress, relationship problems or reputational damage.”

Separately, the recent FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar was also examined through the FIFA/FIFPRO Social Media Protection Service Report: Qatar 2022 Analysis. It reported that “targeted individual racism was high volume with more than 300 players being targeted.”

The report indicated 286,895 abusive, discriminatory and threatening comments were detected targeting World Cup participant accounts with sexism, homophobia and racism among the most detected abusive messages.

As proud signatories of eSafety’s Commitment to Online Safety in Sport, A-Leagues and PFA see this extended partnership as a further step in helping to keep all Australians safe online, and a key prevention strategy for athletes and staff who are targets of online abuse.

Find out more about GoBubble Community on their website – gobubblehq.com.

HERO Hybrid Grass: Transforming stadiums for elite football events

HERO Hybrid Grass

In the world of sports, where passion and precision collide, the playing field holds a special significance.

When it comes to hosting elite, high-profile football events, one challenge has always stood out; Maintaining the highest-quality natural grass throughout the entirety of the tournament. This challenge led Hamish Sutherland and his team at HG Turf Group on a remarkable journey of innovation, resulting in the creation of the revolutionary HERO Hybrid Grass.

HERO Hybrid Grass is the result of a ground-breaking partnership between HG Turf Group, Sport Group, Polytan (a member of Sport Group), and GST Global. This consortium of expertise seamlessly blends German synthetic fibre technology, South Korean manufacturing proficiency, and Australian natural grass know-how. The outcome? A technological marvel that is transforming the game of football from the ground up.

Sport Group Fibre: The key ingredient

Central to this innovation is the Sport Group fibre, a pinnacle of German engineering. With a legacy of excellence in developing synthetic grass fibre, Sport Group’s contribution to HERO Hybrid Grass is pivotal. This partnership not only enriches the product’s performance but also propels the industry forward by delving into eco-friendly solutions. Sport Group’s venture into petroleum-free and CO₂ neutral fibres showcases a commitment to sustainability, aligning seamlessly with the changing environmental consciousness.

The hybrid advantage

Hybrid grass, the harmonious marriage of natural grass (95%) and synthetic grass (5%), has revolutionised elite football tournaments. The addition of synthetic fibres augments stability, durability, and consistency to the playing surface. As a result, players experience enhanced ball bounce, ball roll, and secure footing, redefining the dynamics of the game. Notably, this technical edge does not compromise the authentic feel of natural grass—a testament to the meticulous engineering behind HERO Hybrid Grass.

Making the beautiful game even more beautiful

Hybrid grass technology has opened new doors for football enthusiasts. Stadiums have become arenas of unparalleled performance, where players and teams can truly shine. The consistent playing surface ensures breath-taking plays, showcasing the sport at its pinnacle. Moreover, this innovation transcends players and teams, captivating spectators with an unmatched football experience. With HERO Hybrid Grass, fans are treated to impeccable playability, translating into unforgettable moments on the field.

Strong environmental performance

In an era where sustainability takes centre stage, HERO Hybrid Grass stands as a testament to responsible innovation. The partnership between HG Turf Group, Sport Group, GST Global, and Polytan underscores their collective commitment to environmental stewardship. At the end of its useful life, HERO Hybrid Grass is 100% recyclable, contributing to a circular economy. This dedication to reducing the environmental footprint aligns with the partners’ shared values, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

Pitches made better: By science and nature

The synergy between cutting-edge engineering and the beauty of natural grass is embodied in HERO Hybrid Grass. This remarkable collaboration redefines the playing field and sets new standards for football pitch technology. With installations at prestigious stadiums hosting the Women’s World Cup at venues – such as Stadium Australia, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Perth Rectangular Stadium, Eden Park, and Wellington Regional Stadium – the impact of this partnership reverberates across the globe.

In an ever-evolving world where innovation is paramount, the HERO Hybrid Grass story is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise from around the world converges with a shared vision. As the football world looks forward to more elite events, it’s clear that the hero of the field isn’t just the player – it’s the ground they stand on.

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