FC Dallas To Open 2024 MLS Regular Season With Evolv Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Evolv Technology partners with Major League Soccer's FC Dallas to implement AI-based screening technology for enhanced security at Toyota Stadium. The partnership aims to streamline fan and staff screening processes, replacing metal detectors with Evolv Express® systems to improve efficiency and safety. Toyota Stadium can now accommodate over 19,000 fans with faster entry times, enhancing overall fan experience.

Insights

Security Technology Analyst

The adoption of Evolv Technology's AI-based screening systems by FC Dallas represents a significant advancement in event security management. The system's ability to differentiate between weapons and non-threatening metal objects is a critical enhancement over traditional metal detectors. This technology reduces wait times and improves the overall fan experience, which is a key factor in customer satisfaction and retention for sports franchises. Additionally, the efficiency of the system can potentially lead to cost savings in the form of reduced staffing requirements at entry points.

From a security technology perspective, the integration of artificial intelligence in threat detection is a growing trend. The ability of AI to learn and adapt to new threats could provide a more dynamic and robust security environment. This could be especially relevant in a post-pandemic world where large gatherings are returning and safety is a top concern. However, the effectiveness of this technology must be continually assessed against evolving threats to maintain a high standard of security.

Sports Market Analyst

FC Dallas's implementation of Evolv's Express systems is indicative of broader trends in the sports industry where fan experience and safety are becoming increasingly intertwined. By streamlining the entry process, FC Dallas is likely to see positive effects on game day revenues, as fans may spend less time in lines and more time in the stadium consuming concessions and merchandise. Moreover, the positive publicity associated with enhanced security measures can attract a larger fan base, including families and individuals who prioritize safety in their entertainment choices.

While the immediate impact on Evolv Technology's stock is uncertain, the partnership with a prominent MLS team could serve as a proof of concept to other teams and venues, potentially leading to more contracts and increased market penetration. The long-term implications for Evolv's business growth and the sports security market could be substantial, provided the technology continues to meet expectations.

Risk Management Expert

From a risk management standpoint, the deployment of Evolv's Express systems at Toyota Stadium is a proactive measure that addresses both safety risks and operational inefficiencies. Reducing entry bottlenecks not only mitigates the risk of crowd-related incidents but also lowers the likelihood of missed threats due to human error or fatigue. The data collected by the AI system could be invaluable for risk assessment and management, offering insights into crowd patterns and security breach attempts.

However, it is essential to balance security with privacy concerns. The introduction of AI in public spaces raises questions about data handling and the potential for misuse. Clear policies and transparency regarding the use of such technologies are necessary to maintain public trust. Additionally, the reliance on AI systems for security emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent system compromises that could have severe safety implications.

Weapons Detection Tech Now Used By Texas MLS, MLB, NBA and NFL Teams

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leading security technology company pioneering AI-based screening to create safer experiences, today announced its partnership with Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas.

With the start of the FC Dallas regular season at Toyota Stadium this month, it will now use Evolv Express® systems to screen fans and staff at all of its entrances. Toyota Stadium can accommodate more than 19,000 fans, and Express allows fans to move through the entrances at pace. FC Dallas saw the success of Evolv at other facilities across MLS and switched to Express from metal detectors, which contributed to long lines and bottlenecks at entry.

Using sensor technology combined with artificial intelligence, Express can tell the difference between weapons and non-threatening metal objects people commonly carry. Toyota Stadium had the Express systems installed in December prior to hosting college football events including the Frisco Bowl and FCS National Championship.

“Increasingly, MLS decision makers – myself and my colleagues included - are strategizing about how to optimize the fan experience,” said Nick Shafer, vice president of stadium operations for FC Dallas and Toyota Stadium. “We had the opportunity to see the difference Evolv makes with the events in December, and we’re very excited to join other MLS and Texas teams that are using Express to enhance experience while upleveling safety.”

Since the launch of Express in 2019, Evolv has screened more than 1 billion people. Toyota Stadium is the latest in a rapidly growing list of MLS facilities using Evolv as part of their safety plans. FC Dallas joins St. Louis CITY SC, the New England Revolution, and the Columbus Crew, among others, using Express. In Texas, Evolv professional sports partners include the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Texans (NFL), and Houston Rockets (NBA).

“It is incredibly fulfilling to have another MLS team bring in Evolv,” said Jay Muelhoefer, chief commercial officer for Evolv Technology. “The fact that teams recognize how Evolv is transforming the fan experience at other stadiums in the league is a testament to how truly impactful the technology is. We’re excited to partner with FC Dallas and help create a safer, more fan-friendly environment for another Texas team.”

About Evolv Technology
Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for the world’s most iconic venues and companies as well as schools, hospitals, and public spaces, using industry leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection and analytics. Its mission is to transform security to create a safer world to work, learn, and play. Evolv has digitally transformed the gateways in places where people gather by enabling seamless integration combined with powerful analytics and insights. Evolv’s advanced systems have scanned more than a billion people since 2019. Evolv has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) as well as the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category. Evolv Technology®, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights®, Evolv Cortex AI®, and Evolv Visual Gun Detection™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, as may be updated in other filings we make with the SEC, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on September 30, 2023 that was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2023. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240222217682/en/

Media Contact:

Alexandra Smith Ozerkis

aozerkis@evolvtechnology.com

Investor Contact:

Brian Norris

bnorris@evolvtechnology.com

Source: Evolv Technology

FAQ

What technology is Evolv Technology implementing at Toyota Stadium?

Evolv Technology is implementing its Evolv Express® systems at Toyota Stadium.

How many fans can Toyota Stadium accommodate?

Toyota Stadium can accommodate more than 19,000 fans.

What is the goal of the partnership between Evolv Technology and FC Dallas?

The partnership aims to enhance security by replacing metal detectors with AI-based screening technology to streamline fan and staff screening processes at Toyota Stadium.

When were the Express systems installed at Toyota Stadium?

The Express systems were installed in December prior to hosting college football events including the Frisco Bowl and FCS National Championship.