How BEST Ensured Seamless Event Security at a Record-Breaking WNBA Event
The recent WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever was more than just a thrilling match; it marked a significant achievement in crowd attendance for women's professional sports. The game, relocated from Michelob Ultra Arena to the larger T-Mobile Arena, accommodated a record-breaking attendance of 20,366 fans - and BEST was proud to be a part of the historic moment, successfully provide event security services.
As WNBA and women’s professional sporting events continue to rise in popularity, let’s explore key factors that contributed to successful crowd management at this event:
EXTENSIVE LAS VEGAS EVENT SECURITY EMPLOYEE BASE
Our broad employee base in Las Vegas, combined with the diverse event experience of our crowd management professionals, ensures our team is always ready for any challenge. Our team is accustomed to keeping Las Vegas Aces' games secure, while also having considerable experience working at T-Mobile Arena and other venues around Las Vegas, including Dolby Live Theater and MGM properties. This vast venue and event experience is crucial for effectively managing large and dynamic crowds.
EFFECTIVE EVENT PLANNING AND DEPLOYMENT
To ensure smooth operations of the event, our management team deployed a total of 122 event security professionals on-site. Of these, 108 were specifically tasked with managing access control and entry screening, while 14 team members assisted with back-of-house event security services. In comparison, a typical staffing call for Las Vegas Aces games at Michelob Ultra Arena requires about 50 event security personnel and 93 guest services professionals, highlighting the scale of the operation at T-Mobile Arena. BEST was able to do more for the event with less personnel by implementing effective planning.
ADAPTING TO VENUE DIFFERENCES
Despite the close proximity of the venues, there were significant differences in entry screening at T-Mobile Arena compared to Michelob Ultra Arena. These included stricter bag restrictions (9x5x2 inches at T-Mobile Arena versus 12x12x6 inches at Michelob Ultra Arena) and the prohibition of outside food and drinks. Our event security team provided clear communication upfront at entry points to manage these differences. Despite some minor but expected guest frustration, the team maintained a smooth intake process, engaging with guests and ensuring compliance without significant delays.
LEVERAGING BEST EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
Stori Rivera, who has extensive experience with the Las Vegas Aces from her time formerly serving as Account Manager at Michelob Ultra Arena, played a crucial role in the event’s success. Her deep understanding of the Aces and WNBA policies, combined with her strong relationships with several key WNBA security leaders, ensured a seamless transition to T-Mobile Arena and an overall successful game day.
As the popularity of women’s professional sports continues to grow, our commitment to providing top-tier event security remains unwavering – to ensure that every game is secure and enjoyable for all attendees. BEST is proud to provide crowd management services to various women's professional sports, including our recent client addition, CPKC Stadium, Home to the NWSL's KC Current.
Learn more about our Clients & Partners or speak to an event security expert to get a quote from BEST!