The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recently published a comprehensive guide aimed at improving the operational durability of large-scale public venues. By focusing on the four primary lifeline sectors of energy, water, communications, and transportation, the agency provides owners and operators with a framework to handle unexpected service outages. This initiative ensures that stadiums and arenas remain functional and safe even when the external infrastructure they rely on experiences a significant failure.
This resource was created through a partnership between government officials and industry specialists to ensure the advice remains practical and relevant for modern facilities. The guide specifically targets organizers of upcoming global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. By analyzing previous disruptions at major sporting and entertainment sites, the agency has developed a set of best practices that help stakeholders identify specific threats and implement protective measures.
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Leadership at the agency emphasized that the current threat landscape is shifting, requiring more proactive measures for public safety. Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala noted that the guide is intended to help venue managers integrate dependency assessments directly into their emergency planning. The goal is to move beyond reactive fixes and instead build a foundation of resilience where potential consequences are minimized before an incident even occurs.
The guide encourages facility managers to conduct thorough evaluations of how their venues rely on interconnected utility systems. Beyond technical assessments, it promotes a culture of information sharing and highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local service providers and first responders. By understanding these interdependencies, operators can better anticipate how a failure in one sector, such as a power grid, might ripple through their own communication or security protocols.
To ensure the guide’s effectiveness, officials are urging all organizations that host large crowds to review the material and update their security strategies accordingly. Executive Assistant Director Steve Casapulla highlighted that the collaboration between the public and private sectors was vital in shaping these recommendations. Ultimately, the agency aims to create a unified front against infrastructure vulnerabilities, ensuring that public events can continue safely despite an increasingly complex risk environment.
Source: CISA Issues New Guide To Strengthen Emergency Preparedness At Stadiums And Arenas