Safety & Security
The safety & security of our customers has always been, and continues to be, our highest priority.
We are in constant liaison with officers from the government’s anti-terrorism unit to ensure that we are following Home Office guidelines and have up to date intelligence.
In addition to the venue's general security procedures detailed below specific measures may be put in place for the show you are attending - these will be listed on this web site on the page of the event you are attending. This information will be announced the week of the show. Please ensure you read this information as the procedures may be different than on your last visit to the venue.
Specifically following events in places where large numbers of public gather we are implementing heightened security procedures. However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details. We would ask that customers be patient and understanding where this might impact on queue times and / or the prohibition of items permitted on the premises. We will make every effort to communicate this information to customers as quickly and clearly as we can.
We would always recommend customers check our web site & facebook page before you travel & that you also arrive at the venue as early as you can to minimise possible delays in accessing the venue.
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a secure environment for all visitors, we are proud to introduce the Security on Your Side campaign, in collaboration with the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA). This initiative is designed to reassure our guests while deterring any potential threats through a combination of visible and discreet security measures.
What is Security on Your Side?
Security on Your Side is a Security Minded Communications (SMC) campaign that amplifies the protective measures we have in place at Utilita Arena Sheffield. The campaign's dual objectives are to reassure our visitors of their safety and to deter those with hostile intent by making them aware of our robust security protocols.
Visible and Invisible Security Measures
Our security strategy includes both visible and invisible measures. This dual approach ensures that while visitors feel secure, any potential threats are effectively neutralised.
1. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) - Our arena features barriers, bollards, and other street furniture designed to prevent vehicle attacks. These measures are strategically placed to blend into the environment while providing robust protection.
2. CCTV Surveillance - We have a network of CCTV cameras that are monitored 24/7. These cameras are connected to police security control rooms, ensuring a swift response to any suspicious activity.
3. Project SERVATOR - This policing tactic aims to disrupt criminal activity, including terrorism. It involves both visible elements, such as uniformed officers and detection dogs, and less visible components like plainclothes officers and CCTV operators. Project SERVATOR teams work with the community to build a network of vigilance and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
4. See, Check, and Notify (SCaN) Training - Our staff undergoes SCaN training to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour. This training helps to ensure that anyone seeking to cause harm is unable to gather the information they need to plan an attack.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Community
We work closely with law enforcement agencies and local partners to maintain a secure environment. This collaboration includes regular consultations and joint security exercises to ensure that our measures are up to date and effective.
Communication and Reassurance
To keep our visitors informed and reassured, we have implemented several communication strategies:
Security Messaging - Throughout the arena, you will find messaging that highlights our security measures, both visible and behind-the-scenes. This transparency is designed to provide peace of mind and reinforce our commitment to your safety.
Digital and Social Media Campaigns - We regularly update our digital platforms with information about our security measures and successes. This includes posts about our partnerships with law enforcement and other security successes.
On-Site Information - Information about our security measures is available on our website and throughout the venue, ensuring that visitors are always aware of the steps we are taking to keep them safe.
Customers may be searched or wanded before they are allowed access to the venue. If you or your bag aren't searched and/or wanded that doesn't mean the stewards are not doing their job - searchers are just one component of the security measures in place.
It is a criminal offence to bring smoke bombs, flares & fireworks into the venue - search dogs will be on site for many events - for a full list of prohibited items click here.
No rucksacks or any bags larger than an A3 size (approximately 40cm x 35cm x 19cm) will be permitted in the venue and there is no facility to store these items at the venue.
Please keep the number of personal belongings you bring with you to an absolute minimum - any items you bring to an event will be subject to additional searches and slow your entry to the venue & may, in some cases, prevent your entry.
The additional security procedures will slow entry to the venue and we advise that everyone arrives as close to the doors open time is possible.
On a show day there will be no access to the venue until 4pm - this includes no customer queueing as well as the Arena's on-site car parks for which you must have a valid car parking ticket or permit to access. Further info on purchasing parking tickets available here.
Anyone arranging to drop-off, meet or pick-up someone from an event must do so away from the venue and the car parks. We understand this can be inconvenient but is a necessary measure for the security of everyone coming to the venue. If any member of your party has mobility issues our car parking staff will make every effort to offer a suitable drop-off location but this is based on the traffic conditions at the time of your arrival and may not always be possible.
If you require medication with you when attending an event click here for our procedures.
We know that many Ice Hockey fans attending games at the Arena exchange birthday presents & gifts, particularly at Christmas, with fellow ice hockey supporters, but again, for reasons of security, we ask that these are exchanged away from the venue and not brought to the Arena as wrapped items cannot be allowed in.
Please never leave your items unattended and report any suspicious activity to a venue steward @ShowsecUK.
We thank you for your understanding & patience for the additional entry waiting time the above measures may lead to and ask that you forward these procedures on to other customers coming to an event at the Arena.
Above all be safe and enjoy your visit.
