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Venue managers assess security after Paris terror attacks

Venue managers assess security after Paris terror attacks
November 16, 2015

As the world reacts to the terrorist attacks in Paris over the weekend, venue managers are assessing the need for more security at live events.

The largest death toll from the Islamic State attacks in Paris occurred inside concert hall Le Bataclan during an Eagles of Death Metal performance, with as many as 89 deaths in and around the venue.

In addition, up to four people are believed dead after a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Stade de France in the suburb of St Denis having been denied access to the 81,000 capacity venue.

An attacker apparently tried to enter the stadium during a football friendly between France and Germany but security officers found he was wearing an explosive vest when they frisked him at the gate.

The attacker, who had a ticket to the game, tried to enter about 15 minutes after it had started and detonated his vest while attempting to get away from security officials.

After this, security reportedly prevented fans from leaving the venue while the event was in progress although French President Francois Hollande was whisked away by his security detail.

At the end of the game, many fans entered the field of play, uncertain about their safety if they left the venue.

French and German players slept in the Stadium rather than return to their hotels.

As Paris and other global cities recover from the tragedy, venue managers around the world are assessing implications for public venues, sporting events and live performances.

Currently, all public spaces, including concert halls, public performance spaces, museums, libraries and landmarks in Paris are closed, with US publication Billboard reporting that venues will remain closed until at least Thursday.

Major acts U2, Motorhead, Coldplay and Foo Fighters cancel concerts gigs in Paris in the wake of the attacks.

U2, who had been due to perform in Paris on Saturday, instead spent the evening laying flowers near the Le Bataclan.

Lead singer Bono told Ireland's RTE Radio "it's very upsetting.

“These are our people (and) this is the first direct hit on music that we've had in this so-called war on terror, or whatever it's called."

Foo Fighters, who were due to perform in Paris tonight (Monday 16th November), have called off the remaining dates of their European tour "in light of this senseless violence".

Motorhead, who had been scheduled to perform in the French capital on Sunday, will now play there in January.

Coldplay, meanwhile, called off a live stream of a concert "out of respect for the terrible events in Paris".

Commenting on the implications of the tragic events for Australia, an ANZ Stadium spokesman stated “stadium management works closely with the NSW Police Force to identify any risks relating to the staging of major events.

“The Stadium is constantly reviewing its security procedures and is having ongoing dialogue with police.”

Last September, in the wake of the Australian Government's decision to raise the terror alert level to high, security was tightened at major sporting events and public gatherings.

At the time, fears were raised that major sporting events such as the AFL and NRL grand finals and the AFC Asian Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup could be targeted by terrorists.

Attorney-General George Brandis said that raising the national alert level would mean a much greater presence of police at major events, telling ABC radio "one would expect there to be additional measures, additional policing at events where there are large numbers of the public gathered for example."

In the USA, Billboard reported extra security and police outside Justin Bieber’s weekend concerts at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

In a statement, Staples Centre President Lee Zeidman, who also runs the Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE, advised "insuring the safest and most secure environment for our guests and staff is our top priority.

 "We are in constant communication with local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies along with intelligence authorities and other consultants to ensure our security is continually taking proactive measures.”

Friday's attacks also hit restaurants and bars. In total, 129 people have been killed.

Image: The Stade de France (top). Lower image courtesy of Red Dawn.

15th November 2015 - VENUES ACROSS THE WORLD SHINE BLUE, WHITE AND RED TO SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH FRANCE

14th February 2015 - ICSS CALLS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF SPORT SAFETY AND SECURITY PROFESSIONALS

13th September 2014 - RAISED TERROR ALERT LEADS TO INCREASED EVENT SECURITY

23rd March 2013 - IMPROVING RISK MANAGEMENT FOR MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

9th July 2009 - PARIS STADIUM SPECTACULARS FOR SYDNEY


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