Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Clarence Williamson

Abstract

According to recent studies, there has been increasing concern of terrorist threats to U.S. stadiums. The research problem is that existing U.S. stadium policies, procedures, and plans do not adequately address evacuation of special populations in the event of a terrorist threat. There is a particular concern regarding the adequacy of existing stadium evacuation plans for patrons with special needs. In the current study there were three research questions examining the organizational deficiencies and best practices of stadium evacuation plans currently in place to respond to terrorist threats How situational crime prevention (SCP) can help in the identification of deficiencies and best practices and what strategic deficiencies exist in current practices regarding the evacuation of special populations procedures at major sporting venues. Using a general qualitative design, interviews were conducted with 20 stadium operators, consultants, security managers, or stadium security staff members. The SCP approach was used to explore identification of deficiencies and best practices in stadium evacuation plans in the event of a terrorist attack. The results indicated that existing U.S. stadiums need to improve training, communication, and planning for evacuation of all patrons, including patrons with special needs. The results also indicated best practices that align with the SCP strategy of increased risk, the SCP technique that includes hard interventions, and SCP Pillar 2, Weapons. Ineffective stadium evacuation can result in unnecessary injury and loss of life. Implications for positive social change include improved stadium evacuation plans to assure patron safety in the event of a terrorist attack.

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