Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium introduces facial recognition technology

With facial recognition technology having been introduced last year at Melbourne’s AAMI Park and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium, home of Adelaide United Football Club, has also now adopted the technology, as part of ongoing improvements to the Hindmarsh facility.

Coopers Stadium has introduced the facial recognition technology following last year’s successful FIFA Women’s World Cup games at the venue - which saw $53 million invested in upgrading the stadium and more than 65,000 supporters through the gates during the five sold-out games.

Effective from 1st March 2024, this new technology will enhance the stadium’s security and ability to identify any persons of interest.

The technology will be first employed for the upcoming A-League Pride Cup match between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory on Saturday 9 March.

Adelaide Venue Management (AVM), which manages and operates Coopers Stadium, has this week updated venue conditions of entry and signage at the stadium.

AVM Chief Executive Martin Radcliffe says the changes bring Coopers Stadium in line with other interstate venues, helping create a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees, players and staff.

Radcliffe noted “at Coopers Stadium, we are all about celebrating football and embracing the vibrant experience that fans love.

“We constantly review and update our match day operations and delivery – we want all fans, no matter who they support, to have a positive, fun and safe day out.”

Adelaide United Chief Executive Nathan Kosmina added “we welcome and are delighted that Coopers Stadium is implementing enhanced security measures this season. We frequently engage with our members and fans regarding stadium security to understand how we can best continue to provide a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone attending our A-League matches.

“This increased security investment, coupled with the State Government’s $53 million upgrades ahead of last year’s hugely successful FIFA Women’s World Cup, underscores AVM and Adelaide United’s commitment to ensuring the safety of fans as a priority, while fostering an electrifying atmosphere at what is the best football stadium in Australia.”

Image: Coopers Stadium. Credit: Adelaide Venue Management.