Inaugural AFL Women’s match reaches full capacity
The history-making, season opener game COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON at IKON PARK on Friday 3rd February was at full capacity, hosting 25,000 fans. Only 12,000 people were anticipated by the AFL to attend on Friday. The MC Security team had their hands full as the Victorian Police insisted that the gates be closed after quarter time.
“We’ve got experienced guys in charge of security, they made a call with the police to shut the gates during the first quarter – locked out about 1000 people but that was for safety reasons and the right call.” League general manager of game development Simon Lethlean said.
MC Security had security Officers, senior management, team leaders and administration officers operational on the day. They were responsible for public safety and customer service during this historic event, this included preventing arena access to unauthorised persons, general admittance and players gates, while also coordinating player, coach and umpire escorts. VIP function and media escorting was also a high priority during the event, and continually liaising with Carlton Football club and AFLW staff regarding any challenges throughout the event.
The folio of services provided by MC Security included but not limited to:
- Car Park access
- VIP function and seating
- Escorting of Coaches, players and umpires
- Players entry to the ground
- Entry/exit gate greeting
- Media area restricted access
- OB (outside broadcasting) area for Foxtel & Channel 7
- Players and umpire change room access control
- Carlton AFLW car parking which was off site before and after the event.
- Securing ALL access points to the ground when the decision was made to lock the gates due to capacity
“During any event we make decisions in the best interest of safety to the public, while also ensuring that all main stake holders are satisfied with the outcome. With unprecedented crowd numbers for the event the MC Security team maintained safety for everyone and managed all stake holder requests/demands with the highest professional standards that will see MC Security grow into one a preferred supplier for Security services not only in Victoria but across Australia.” says Neil Davey – Operations Manager, MC Security.
It was an incredible effort by the MC Security team containing the crowd who were attempting to jump the gates in the attempt to gain their admittance to their slice of history.