Before appearing at the first self-service grocery store in the early 20th century, turnstiles were a pair of crude wooden/metal gates used in farms to contain livestock. Today, they are the go-to solution for regulating access control in high-flow environments. Using turnstiles at large sporting events can help prevent overcrowding, discourage crime, check the number of patrons and save time and money.
Here are different types of turnstiles:
– Waist high – the best for checking tickets and passes. They come equipped with electronic movement sensors.
– Wall mount tripod – Installed on the walls of narrow entrance points where ground/floor installation is impossible.
– Optical – Use an infrared beam to count patrons and recognise unauthorised entry attempts.
– Drop arm – Come equipped with the safety of both arms and optical features.
– Full-height – similar to revolving doors and provide the highest level of access control.
– Below are ten good reasons why installing turnstiles at sports and concert events is a good idea:
1. Cost savings
2. Greater access control
3. Increased security
4. Smooth integration
5. Saves time
6. Efficiency
7. Aesthetics
8. Operational flexibility
9. Data collection
10. Crowd management
Cost Savings
Installing turnstiles with a ticket and pass scanner ensures that only patrons with valid credentials can access an event. Since turnstiles come with automated barriers that allow for only one person at a time to pass through, they prevent tailgating. This is where unauthorised attendees immediately follow authorised ones along with other forms of forced entry into a venue.
Furthermore, with turnstiles installed, you can cut down on the number of ticket takers and security personnel needed to run an entrance. Many turnstiles come with remote monitoring, which allows you to cut down on employees even further.
Access Control
Unlike automated gates and barrier gates, turnstiles are fully secured against all forced entry techniques. Because of advanced automation, turnstiles allow one person at a time with valid credentials to pass through. With such a system installed, you can track the precise number of people in an event and the precise time of entry
This is great at sporting events where overcrowding is a real problem. With turnstiles, event managers control how many people can enter the sports or concert venue and prevent overcrowding.
Increased Security
The fact that only one person at a time can pass through allows security personnel to check each patron and ensure that only attendees with valid credentials can access a venue. During non-business hours, locking the turnstiles will ensure that no one has access to the venue.
Full-height turnstiles prevent unauthorised persons from jumping over the security barrier at large sporting events. “Entrance-Only” and “Exit-Only” settings come in handy for keeping order at the entrance and exit points.
Smooth Integration
Turnstile access systems integrate seamlessly with CCTVs, alarms, automatic doors and other access control systems. If a security breach happens at the turnstiles, alarms get triggered, doors locked down, and CCTVs turned on to contain the threat.
Saves Time
Human personnel take time to check visitors’ credentials and record the necessary details, causing queues and overcrowding at entrance points. On the other hand, turnstiles can check up to 30 tickets per minute since everything is automated. Thus, they streamline the entry and exit process and save time for both visitors and event attendees.
Operational Flexibility
Turnstiles come equipped with several different settings. They can work both unidirectionally and bidirectionally. For example, the “Entry-Only” setting works great at the beginning of a game, while the “Exit-Only” set-up proves useful at the end of the game. In case of an emergency, the “Free-Pass” mode allows for free movement in and out of the event.
Efficiency
Turnstile access control systems can check all types of codes in all visibility conditions, both in paper format and in smartphones. The automatic sensor can check barcodes on:
– Paper tickets
-Print-at-home tickets
– Mobile/RFID tickets
Another benefit is the multi-venue system. A single interface can manage, in real-time, several interfaces placed in different venues in an area. Additionally, a Pass-System setting turns off the reading of tickets so that receptionists can use the turnstile solely for reading passes like press passes.
Aesthetics
Turnstiles have come a long way from the first crude metal bars. Modern turnstiles are as secure as possible while still being aesthetically appealing. Using see-through material and a clean customer interface, they blend right in with the entrance, unlike other access control features.
Data Collection
Turnstiles can provide crucial information on visitor profile and behaviour. You can easily measure peak and off-peak hours since the turnstile records the number of people allowed into an event. This information is useful for facility managers and can be used to improve the services offered.
Crowd Management
Crowds can turn dangerous when not managed properly; people can act violently within the anonymity and protection of a crowd. Destruction of property and hooliganism are common occurrences, especially at sporting events. Turnstiles reduce entrance queues, where people are most likely to get ticked off. Furthermore, capturing the details of attendees at the entrance will deter most violence.
Turnstiles are the Future
From the benefits above, it is clear that turnstile access control systems are the way to go for stadiums and large sporting venues. It is best to install several turnstile checks at the entrance of your event. From there, it will be easy to adjust the setting to enforce the level of security needed to make the entry process as seamless as possible. Regardless of the number of attendees in your event, turnstiles will help you manage large events with ease. Advance Access Ireland have experience installing turnstiles for sporting events, having put in the turnstiles for Ulster Rugby at their Ravenhill stadium. Advance Access Ireland have also installed turnstiles in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the home of Cork GAA. These turnstiles can be seen in the image at the top of this blog.
