The Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field ballpark is working to update its security measures. The venue will use Genetec to secure the ballpark, nearby venues, parking lots and the front office. The security modernization effort followed a multi-year restoration of the 100+ -year-old ballpark to preserve historic features while modernizing amenities. The project also expanded its footprint and the surrounding campus.
As the existing security systems had been installed independently, working with multiple systems slowed the security team’s investigations and response times considerably. Additionally, the aged storage server infrastructure limited the organization’s ability to remain compliant with Department of Homeland Safety requirements around video retention.
The Cubs’ security and technology departments teamed up on a physical security upgrade, seeking a scalable platform and a server infrastructure that would meet the requirements of their new Joint Operations Center (JOC).
The Cubs’ security team works 24/7 from the JOC, managing more than 1100 camera views of the ballpark and community. They also integrated an existing access control system. The next phase of the project will include Sloan Park, the Cub’s spring training facility in Mesa, Arizona, and eventually at the Chicago Cubs Academy in the Dominican Republic, connecting those systems back to the Wrigley Field JOC to offer remote assistance as needed.