About the workshop
Day 1 – Insights & Interaction at the Pro League
The workshop kicked off at the Pro League’s headquarters in Diegem, setting the tone with a series of highly practical and experience-based presentations. Delegates heard from:
- The Pro League, who showcased their identity-based ticketing system and phased implementation of digital KYC protocols.
- The Danish League, which introduced their use of facial recognition to target banned individuals while protecting the matchday experience for regular fans.
- Juventus, who explained how technology is fully embedded in their safety operations—from CCTV and accreditation to real-time ticket checks.
- Ferencváros, who shared a candid case study on managing matchday incidents during a challenging European away fixture.
- Stadion Feijenoord, who reflected on the balance between fan atmosphere and safety in the wake of a pyrotechnic-related incident during the Dutch Cup Final.
- RCS Charleroi, who offered insights into managing persistent supporter excesses and the legal and organisational tools they are using to respond.
The day concluded with an interactive group discussion, inviting all participants to contribute ideas, reflections, and solutions in response to the themes explored. This was followed by networking drinks and an evening dinner, providing ample opportunity for deeper exchange in a more informal setting.
Day 2 – From Theory to Practice in Leuven
On the second day, attendees gathered in Leuven for a stadium tour of OHL’s King Power at Den DreefStadium, where participants had the chance to explore the venue’s facilities and matchday operations up close.
This was followed by a panel discussion on pyrotechnics, which sparked strong debate around enforcement, fan culture, and realistic safety interventions. The morning continued with a keynote presentation from John Beattie, former Arsenal Stadium & Facilities Director and ESSMA President, who shared a comprehensive operational framework for delivering safe and seamless matchdays.
Finally, Bjorn Van Goethem (Signify) demonstrated how immersive 360° lighting systems can offer clubs a compelling and safe alternative to illegal pyro, showing how entertainment and safety can reinforce one another. The workshop concluded with a networking lunch, allowing attendees to consolidate connections and reflect on the many insights gained.
🔑 Five Main Takeaways from the Workshop
- Preparation is Everything
From steward training to access control and crisis protocols, safety begins long before kick-off. Well-structured pre-match planning remains the cornerstone of secure stadium operations. - Technology Is a Tool, Not a Cure-All
Whether biometric entry, digital ticketing, or intelligent CCTV—technology must be embedded into a broader strategy of human leadership, legal clarity, and operational integration. - Trust and Responsibility Go Together
Clubs that proactively engage their supporters—and involve them in planning and accountability—tend to strike a more sustainable balance between atmosphere and control. - Clubs Need Greater Enforcement Power
A recurring theme was the imbalance between clubs’ legal responsibilities and their actual authority. Stronger legislation and police collaboration are essential to address this. - Safety Enhances the Fan Experience
Safety is an investment, not a cost—it strengthens security, improves service, and creates a more enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere for all stadium visitors.
The ESSMA Safety & Operations Workshop 2025 showcased not only the innovative tools now available to stadium professionals, but also the shared commitment across Europe to safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking matchday experiences.
For more information or to revisit the presentations, check out our publications (only accessible for ESSMA members).
Or relive the workshop through the photos on our Flickr.
