The world’s attention is turning to Glasgow as it hosts the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena. This three-day event, held from 1st to 3rd March 2024, brings together over 650 competitors from more than 130 countries, competing in 26 events for coveted World Indoor titles. As the Emirates Arena buzzes with excitement, behind the scenes, Alternative Systems Protection has been ensuring a seamless and secure experience for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.

The Emirates Arena, situated in the heart of Glasgow and operated by Glasgow Life, stands as the centerpiece of the championship. This state-of-the-art venue, also known as the Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, boasts a rich history, having been built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. As part of Glasgow’s commitment to promoting sports and active lifestyles, the Emirates Arena serves as the headquarters of Scottish Cycling and has hosted various international sporting events over the years.

The Long-Standing Partnership:

For over 12 years, Glasgow Life has entrusted Alternative Systems Protection (ASP) with the responsibility of enhancing security measures and user experience across its venues. This enduring partnership has witnessed continuous innovation and improvement, with recent upgrades focusing on Access Control and an upgrade to entry/exit speed lanes at their venues.

Technological Advancements:

With the championship fast approaching, ASP implemented cutting-edge solutions to elevate the venue’s technological interface. By integrating new user-friendly touchscreens and RFID technology, Glasgow Life and ASP ensured that each interaction at the Emirates Arena was intuitive, efficient, and sophisticated. These advancements not only enhanced security but also enhanced the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Seamless Entry with Smart Turnstiles:

One of the key highlights of the partnership between Glasgow Life and ASP was the implementation of smart turnstiles at the Emirates Arena. Leveraging the latest technology, these turnstiles, including Integrated Design Limited’s Glassgate models, facilitated seamless entry for visitors while gathering valuable data at entry points. This data, ranging from attendance to visitor preferences, enabled Glasgow Life to gain insights into user behavior and preferences, paving the way for personalized experiences in the future.

Integration with Leisure Management Software:

To further streamline operations, Glasgow Life utilised leisure management software provided by Gladstone Software. This integration allowed for real-time monitoring of center usage and facilitated smooth coordination between access control systems and management software. Members and visitors alike could enjoy hassle-free access to facilities, with the touch of a wristband or access token, eliminating the need for traditional entry methods.

The successful collaboration between Glasgow Life and Alternative Systems Protection exemplifies the power of long-term partnerships in driving innovation and excellence. As Glasgow hosts the World Athletics Indoor Championships, the Emirates Arena stands as a beacon of technological prowess and seamless user experience, setting a new standard for venue security and management. Moving forward, Glasgow Life remains committed to leveraging technology to promote active lifestyles and deliver exceptional experiences to all who visit its venues.