HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Nov 1, 2003 12:00 PM

When Green Bay fans registered their overwhelming approval for the Packers to stay on the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field rather than move to a new stadium, the organization knew it was about to embark on one of sport's most interesting and dramatic undertakings — transforming a storied NFL legend into a modern, state-of-the-art football facility and Packers cultural center. One of the first considerations was how to incorporate advanced fire alarm and security systems into a major renovation project — without disrupting operations during the approaching NFL season.

Now in its 47th season of operation, Lambeau Field is the longest continuously occupied stadium in the NFL. Its history is linked with some of the sport's greatest memories. Just hearing the names Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke makes longtime pro football aficionados — whether Packer fans or not — recall the days of one of sports' greatest dynasties. The Packers' organization wanted that dedication to excellence translated to every aspect of the Lambeau renovation project.

SimplexGrinnell, Westminster, Mass., had already experienced the Packers' culture of excellence. The company's Green Bay district office, located in the shadows of Lambeau Field, had worked closely with Packers' management in the early 1980s to install the facility's original fire detection and alarm system, and then had provided a complete upgrade of the system in 1993. It was only fitting the company would once again play a major role in the redesign.

More than a Football Arena

A number of challenges were the impetus for the Lambeau project, including a need for additional seating capacity, updated private boxes and modern fan facilities and concession areas. The organization was committed to protecting 80 years of Packers' history while ensuring the club's continued financial viability.

Today, Lambeau has been transformed from a sports stadium used only 10 days a year during football season to a Packers cultural center and year-round fan and tourism destination. Lambeau has blended the tradition of its original seating bowl — where some of the league's all-time greats showed off their football prowess — with new, modern amenities. For example, opening in the fall of 2003, Lambeau Field Atrium has already accepted bookings for corporate meetings, community events, weddings, reunions and private parties. As a major component of the facility's $295 million redevelopment, the 5-story, 365,000-square-foot atrium will combine special events with an interactive Fan Zone, the Packers' Pro Shop and the Packers' Hall of Fame.

Exciting for Visitors, Safe for Employees

To start the project, more than 10,000 seats were added to the stadium, including 6,000 in the original Lambeau bowl area. The number of concession booths increased from 186 to 300, and restrooms nearly doubled from the original 600. Also, the main concourse was dramatically expanded, with a new upper concourse that helps fans move through the stadium. The Lambeau Field Atrium is being touted as Lambeau's internal entertainment district, which can seat up to 1,100 and is expected to attract fans throughout the year.

But if beauty is only skin deep, then the guts of a facility had better function perfectly and offer a safe work environment. That was the primary goal of the Packers organization when addressing the need for a highly reliable, advanced “people protection” system. The Packers and SimplexGrinnell, along with engineers, designed the new system to offer a high level of fire and security monitoring for administrative offices, player facilities and for designated media and coaches' access areas. Everything but the original bowl was wired. With nearly 3,000 contract personnel involved in the project — at least 2,000 on site most of the time — a high level of coordination and cooperation was needed to meet tight deadlines and keep the stadium operating during football season. More than 500 electricians were involved in the renovation, and the timing of SimplexGrinnell's work was critical as wiring was being pulled to mount fire detection devices and connect HVAC equipment. Coordination was also needed with door and lock manufacturers.

Security at Lambeau is a critical issue. Frequent access to specific areas needs to be strictly monitored and coordinated, with coaches and the media having card access to certain designated locations. Previously, electronic security was composed of 10 card readers and limited closed circuit television. The Packers and SimplexGrinnell implemented Lambeau's first advanced electronic security system — a comprehensive security management system that monitors and controls all security devices. Linked to the token ring network of the 4120 fire alarm system, the security system enables the Packers to control who goes where and when. Pre-programmed proximity cards from HID Corp., Irvine, Calif., provide the media, Green Bay staff and contractors still on site with access through areas controlled by more than 128 card readers. Door position switches are supplied by Sentrol, Tualatin, Ore., a unit of GE Interlogix.

The new CCTV system includes 60 Panasonic cameras using high-definition fiber-optic cables and digital recorders. Technology by Fiber Options is used to transmit the video and PTZ Control over the fiber. In fact, the Packers found the security system working so well, they doubled the size of the network during its first year of operation. The system allows the Green Bay coaching staff to gain access to designated areas, and provides preferential treatment for those who have to move quickly at halftime from their strategic positions in the skyboxes down to field level to consult with players and colleagues. Access control and cameras are also being used in the concession areas to ensure fan safety and for security of the many businesses operating in the area.

Throughout the planning and design phases of 2001/02, SimplexGrinnell ensured that the old fire alarm system continued to function — all through that season's football schedule. As major construction was taking place during the early winter and spring of 2002, SimplexGrinnell began installing its Simplex 4120 Voice Network. This quick-response fire alarm system enables the Packers to completely control operator responses by using step-by-step instructions, site and floor plans and touch screen or mouse operation.

Linked to the 4120, Simplex TrueAlarm analog sensors now protect the facility using early-warning fire detection technology. These addressable sensors detect hostile smoke in its incipient stage, without over-sensitivity that can generate false alarms. Each addressable sensor possesses a unique ID that identifies its location to the control center. TrueAlarm sensors feature photoelectric sensitivity that can be set as precisely as 0.2 percent (per foot of smoke obscuration).

At Lambeau, the 4120 Network includes two Graphic Command Centers (GCC) with consoles from Winsted Corp., Minneapolis. One is located in the security office and the other in the press box — used only on the day of each Green Bay Packers home game. The Windows-based GCCs provide access to network information and a simplified user interface for network monitoring and control. For example, customized, color-coded action messages for each condition provide instructions to ensure that proper procedures are followed. In addition, on-screen prompts simplify operator training.

Managing a sophisticated network of distributed fire alarm panels requires an efficient way to isolate and resolve abnormal conditions. With automatic, built-in diagnostics, the 4120 GCC makes it simple to manage extensive networks. The high-resolution, color-coded maps give immediate, visual indication of alarm location and are a convenient way to view adjoining areas. And the Packers' staff likes how easy it is to make changes to individual fire alarm panels on the network. With proprietary passwords, they can access point information and change smoke sensor sensitivity from their central monitoring site. The Packers even customized the system; the well-recognized voice of Wayne Larrivee, the popular Green Bay radio announcer heard throughout Wisconsin, is the same voice that is heard calmly issuing emergency warnings for the 4120 fire alarm panels.

Two-Minute Warning

Facility construction and fire/security system installation timeframes were critical, since a major objective during the renovation was to keep all scheduled Packer home games at Lambeau and not force Green Bay to play these games at another location. As the deadlines of spring/summer 2002 approached, strict coordination was required between contractors working on ceilings, escalators and HVAC, as well as construction people, electricians, painters and many more. During stretches, some contractors were working 90-hour weeks. The familiarity that SimplexGrinnell service engineers had with the Packers and Lambeau Field was an important advantage.

Everyone had their real sights set on August 26, 2002, when Green Bay would play the Cleveland Browns in that season's first Monday Night Football game, televised live from Lambeau Field. Every device — alarms, sensors and even the HVAC and elevators that the system was tied into — had to be functionally tested at a variety of times during the July-August installation phase. As it turned out, all systems tested and functioned perfectly and the network was a great success.

“Among Green Bay fans, there's always been a real pride of ownership regarding their beloved Packers,” says Ted Eisenreich, director of facility operations for the Packers. “We wanted to enhance that pride by holding onto the team's history and culture, while providing the highest level of fire protection and security available.”

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For the Record

About The Companies

For information, circle the Reader Service number (listed below) or visit securitysolutions.com

Fiber Options	4
HID Corp.	5
Panasonic	6
Sentrol	7
SimplexGrinnell	8
Winsted Corp.	9

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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