Folk Presented with Milton E. Ahlerich Distinguished Leadership Award at National Conference


Jim Folk, Vice President of Ballpark Improvements for the Cleveland Guardians, will be presented with the Milton E. Ahlerich Distinguished Leadership Award during the 2023 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on June 27-29 in San Antonio. The event is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

The Milton E. Ahlerich Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a professional whose career includes multiple achievements and contributions to sport safety and security. The recipient’s service, commitment, ingenuity, and integrity must have elevated the profession to new levels to warrant this prestigious honor. The recipient is selected by a panel of subject matter experts on behalf of the NCS⁴ and awarded annually at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition.

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Newsletter: April 27, 2023


Latest news: National Conference information (including keynote speakers, agenda, and Golden Eagle Award recipient), Center news, course pilots held, request for feedback on current training needs, eLearning options, Sports Security Watch, and more. Read more

The NCS⁴ in partnership with SDM & Security Magazines Announce the 2023 Golden Eagle Award Recipient


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), along with SDM & Security Magazines have announced Rampart Mobile Medical Unit, CrowdRx as the 2023 Golden Eagle Award winner. The Golden Eagle Award recognizes excellence in system integration, architecture, engineering, and/or construction (A/E/C) specifically related to the safety and security of spectators, property, and facility infrastructure.
Applicants from leading systems integration, architecture, design, engineering, and consulting firms were invited to submit case studies from successful projects with safety and security front and center in planning and execution.

National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security Continues to Strengthen Foothold in Industry


Millions of spectators attend sports/entertainment events across the globe every year. And with that massive audience comes the ever-present threat of violence or terrorist acts. 

Since 2006, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) has established training and protocols to mitigate potential risks associated with high-attendance venues. Housed at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Miss., NCS⁴ remains the nation’s only academic center devoted to the study and practice of spectator sports safety and security.

NCS⁴ Executive Director Dr. Stacey Hall says that while the Center has experienced considerable growth over the past 17 years, the focus has not shifted.

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NCS⁴ Announces Keynote Speakers for National Conference


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) is set to host the 14th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition June 27-29 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, TX. The 2023 conference theme is Level-Up, challenging our industry friends and partners to strive for continuous improvement.

“The NCS4 team looks forward to hosting its 14th annual conference, an important event on our calendar where we connect with key stakeholders and share knowledge, tools, and solutions to improve the safety and security of sports and entertainment events,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS4 Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management at The University of Southern Mississippi. “We are also very excited to welcome USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle and nationally recognized speaker and author David Atkins. Our annual conference is an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from the best in the business.”

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Newsletter: March 28, 2023


Latest news: National Conference information (including agenda announcement, early-bird registration ending soon, and Young Professional Award recipients), staff news, CSSP special edition newsletter, CISA Pre-Ransomware notification initiative, eLearning options, Sports Security Watch, and more. Read more