Assa Abloy Programmable Bluetooth Digital Keys Protect Staff and Fans at German Stadium
Regular and constantly changing major events, both matches and concerts, at the Merkur Spiel Arena present an ever-evolving security and access challenge. Only a digital locking system would meet it.
With a capacity of 66,500 spectators, the Merkur Spiel Arena is the largest multi-purpose venue in Düsseldorf and home to the city’s main football team, Fortuna. Regular and constantly changing major events, both matches and concerts, present an ever-evolving security and access challenge. Stadium managers D.LIVE sought a secure, reliable replacement for their mechanical master key system; comprehensive, flexible security which would no longer create the problems and inconvenience of mechanical keys.
Due to frequently changing event formats and service providers, keys were often lost, causing considerable administrative work and financial expense. With the large number and size of the areas to be secured, it became clear that only a digital locking system would combine the required performance features in a convenient solution. Another critical requirement was for robust devices that did not protrude from doors: football and music events can sometimes be a little rough.
The technology installed needed to be tough and reliable enough to withstand the odd kick, and the solution would also need to simplify the management and rental of multiple private spaces inside the building including the Promenade, Merkur Business Club and boxes in the east wing. These offer additional space for a total of almost 7,000 people for meetings, press conferences or product presentations. One of the key requirements for the new system was therefore the ability to grant and revoke access authorizations individually, especially for external event organizers and operators.
Based on these requirements and their experience with other local venues, D.LIVE chose the eCliq programmable-key locking solution, part of a suite of digital access solutions from Assa Abloy that scores highly on security, reliability and convenience. The new key-operated digital access solution has approximately 2,500 wireless cylinders, and around 1,150 programmable eCliq Connect keys have been issued. Every authorized keyholder now carries their own key, which can be programmed with user-specific access authorization. For added security, access rights can be individually revoked at any time and lost keys can be blocked.
Powerful, intuitive software makes it easy for stadium managers to issue temporary authorization to contractors, cleaning staff and external event service providers, which streamlines site maintenance and management. As an additional layer of security, their eCliq Connect keys have to be validated on site by entering a PIN code in the smartphone app.
The power supply and communication with each cylinder take place via the battery-powered key. There is no need to visit every door or device to replace its battery. No wiring is required for the very low-maintenance cylinder, which is fitted flush to the door and offers no attack surface for vandalism. Cable-free installation at the stadium was also simple and quick: only two weeks, when no events were taking place in the stadium, were available for the conversion of all doors.
