Evolv Technology has announced a collaboration with Sporting Kansas City, deploying its AI-based screening solution, Evolv Express, for weapons detection at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas.
The Major League Soccer club has implemented this advanced security system to screen over 20,000 fans attending games, replacing traditional metal detectors before the 2024 season kickoff.
Advanced sensor technology
The Evolv Express system employs advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to identify potential threats while ignoring common metal objects like keys and sunglasses. This technology enhances the entry experience for fans by allowing for quicker movement through stadium entrances, a notable difference compared to the conventional methods previously used by Sporting KC.
Dan Lolli, COO of Sporting KC, stated, “We saw across Major League Soccer how pleased fans are with the ingress process provided by Evolv. We are constantly working to improve the fan experience at Children’s Mercy Park, and Evolv is a key component in enhancing the very first interaction fans have with our property on a match day while also increasing their safety.”
Improving fan experience
The technology is utilised not only in sports facilities across the United States and globally
The decision to adopt this technology was influenced by Sporting KC's experience during the 2023 MLS Operations Meetings, where they observed the effectiveness of the Express system. Positive feedback from other organisations that have used the technology also contributed to their decision. Additionally, Evolv’s presence extends beyond sports teams to include numerous hospitals in the Kansas City area that have integrated Evolv’s weapons detection systems.
“There’s a championship vibe in Kansas City right now on the heels of the Super Bowl, and KC sports fans expect a preeminent experience from their teams on and off the field,” remarked John Baier, Evolv Technology’s vice president of sports. “Sporting KC is committed to the safety and security of all guests, and fans will be delighted with a speedy and seamless entry when attending home matches this season.”
Weapons detection experience
Since the introduction of Evolv Express in 2019, more than 1 billion individuals have been screened worldwide. The technology is utilised not only in sports facilities across the United States and globally—including 10 MLS teams and some venues scheduled for the 2026 World Cup—but also in theme parks, performing arts centers, casinos, schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
Evolv Technology, the security technology company pioneering AI-based screening to create safer experiences, today announced its partnership with Sporting Kansas City. The Major League Soccer team is using Evolv Express® for weapons detection at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
Sporting KC has Express systems screening all fans entering Children’s Mercy Park, which welcomes more than 20,000 fans for soccer games. The Express systems were installed in February ahead of the team’s 2024 home opener.
Advanced sensor technology
Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to differentiate between potential threats and the kinds of metal objects people commonly carry such as keys and sunglasses. It allows fans to move through the entrances more quickly than with traditional metal detectors, which Sporting KC used up until this year.
“We saw across Major League Soccer how pleased fans are with the ingress process provided by Evolv,” said Dan Lolli, chief operating officer for Sporting KC. “We are constantly working to improve the fan experience at Children’s Mercy Park, and Evolv is a key component in enhancing the very first interaction fans have with our property on a match day while also increasing their safety.”
Improving fan experience
Sporting KC hosted the 2023 MLS Operations Meetings, which provided an opportunity to see Express in action. Testimonials from peer organisations that use Express were also a factor in the team’s decision to purchase the technology. In addition to Evolv’s MLS presence, a number of hospitals in the Kansas City area have successfully partnered with Evolv for weapons detection.
“There’s a championship vibe in Kansas City right now on the heels of the Super Bowl, and KC sports fans expect a preeminent experience from their teams on and off the field,” said John Baier, vice president of sports for Evolv Technology. “Sporting KC is committed to the safety and security of all guests, and fans will be delighted with a speedy and seamless entry when attending home matches this season.”
Weapons detection experience
Since the launch of Evolv Express in 2019, Evolv has screened more than 1 billion people.
Sports facilities across the United States and around the world partner with Evolv for an improved weapons detection experience, including 10 MLS teams and several of the venues that will host World Cup games in 2026. In addition to stadiums and arenas, Evolv’s technology can be found in leading theme parks, performing arts centers, casinos, schools, hospitals and places of worship.
