Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium introduces facial recognition technology

March 8, 2024

With facial recognition technology having been introduced last year at Melbourne’s AAMI Park and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, home of Adelaide United Football Club, has also now adopted the technology, as part of ongoing improvements to the Hindmarsh facility.

Coopers Stadium has introduced the facial recognition technology following last year’s successful FIFA Women’s World Cup games at the venue - which saw $53 million invested in upgrading the stadium and more than 65,000 supporters through the gates during the five sold-out games.

Effective from 1st March 2024, this new technology will enhance the stadium’s security and ability to identify any persons of interest.

The technology will be first employed for the upcoming A-League Pride Cup match between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory on Saturday 9 March.

Adelaide Venue Management (AVM), which manages and operates Coopers Stadium, has this week updated venue conditions of entry and signage at the stadium.

AVM Chief Executive Martin Radcliffe says the changes bring Coopers Stadium in line with other interstate venues, helping create a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees, players and staff.

Radcliffe noted “at Coopers Stadium, we are all about celebrating football and embracing the vibrant experience that fans love.

“We constantly review and update our match day operations and delivery – we want all fans, no matter who they support, to have a positive, fun and safe day out.”

Adelaide United Chief Executive Nathan Kosmina added “we welcome and are delighted that Coopers Stadium is implementing enhanced security measures this season. We frequently engage with our members and fans regarding stadium security to understand how we can best continue to provide a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone attending our A-League matches.

“This increased security investment, coupled with the State Government’s $53 million upgrades ahead of last year’s hugely successful FIFA Women’s World Cup, underscores AVM and Adelaide United’s commitment to ensuring the safety of fans as a priority, while fostering an electrifying atmosphere at what is the best football stadium in Australia.”

Image: Coopers Stadium. Credit: Adelaide Venue Management.

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20th December 2023 - Adelaide Venue Management confirms Martin Radcliffe’s role as Chief Executive

20th October 2023 - Adelaide United extends Coopers Stadium agreement with Adelaide Venue Management

16th October 2023 - Adelaide Convention Centre announced as world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck Master certification

29th September 2023 - Adelaide Venue Management sacks Chief Executive Anthony Kirchner over Melbourne Victory fan ban

29th September 2023 - Melbourne’s AAMI Park to deploy facial recognition during A-League season

28th August 2023 - Adelaide Venue Management Chief Executive Anthony Kirchner stood down over Coopers Stadium ban on Melbourne Victory fans

24th August 2023 - Coopers Stadium bans Melbourne Victory fans for A-League Men games

6th July 2023 - Consumer group expresses concern about use of facial recognition technology at major Australian stadia

7th January 2023 - Upgraded Coopers Stadium ready for Adelaide’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures

6th October 2022 - New Eastern Stand at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium set for 2022/23 A-League season

12th January 2022 - First stage of $53 million upgrade to Coopers Stadium now complete

11th August 2021 - Work commences on overhaul of Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium

5th July 2021 - Upgrades to Coopers Stadium set to commence ahead of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

26th November 2020 - Centaman introduces new facial recognition solution for Australian and New Zealand aquatic, fitness and sport centres

15th October 2019 - Adelaide Venue Management Corporation warns fans over unofficial Coopers Stadium website

23rd August 2019 - England’s Manchester City warned against using facial recognition on fans

5th June 2019 - Privacy Commissioner questions use of facial recognition technology at Queensland stadiums

14th December 2018 - Facial recognition software used to detect security risks at Taylor Swift Los Angeles concert

7th August 2018 - Tokyo Olympics organisers confirm use of facial recognition technology for 2020 Games

2nd August 2018 - Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba to install facial recognition security cameras

13th November 2017 - Facial recognition to drive new sporting revenues

9th June 2017 - Facial recognition being considered for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games access

13th October 2014 - Coopers extends Adelaide stadium sponsorship deal

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