CASE STUDY 

A League United: The NFL’s Game-Changing Leadership Approach to Efficient Game-Day Security with Accredit Solutions 

Executive Summary 
Partnering with Accredit Solutions, the NFL implemented an ambitious centralized, biometric-driven credentialing platform across all 32 clubs and 30 stadiums. This transformation reduced credentialing time, integrated seamlessly with existing stadium systems, and enabled real-time security monitoring - setting a new global standard for sports security. 

The Solution 
Accredit Solutions developed a centralized, fully digital credentialing platform featuring biometric authentication and real-time access control integrations. The implementation occurred strategically in two phases: 

Pilot Phase (2023/24 Season – 6 Clubs, NFL League Office, Media Rights Holders)   
Pilot clubs (Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders) tested and refined the solution. 

• Digitized Credentials: Replaced generic passes with encrypted, trackable digital credentials.   

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaged NFL security, media rights holders (Paramount, NBC, Fox, Disney), owners, vendors, and game-day assistants.   

• Systems Integration: Deployed seamlessly with Wicket Biometric Authentication, Fortress, Alvarado, Axess, and SkiData. 

Phase 2: Full League-Wide Rollout (2024/25 Season) 
After a successful pilot, the NFL mandated the rollout league-wide: 

• Biometric Access Control: Wicket facial authentication at critical zones (Field of Play, Locker Rooms, Press Boxes).   

• Automated Access Updates: Real-time credential adjustments based on security intelligence.   

• Compliance Enforcement: Centralized credentialing processes adopted across all clubs. 

The Results 

Key Performance Metrics (2024/25): 

• Total Individuals Processed: 552,501 unique individuals processed throughout the 2024-25 season. 
• Credential Applications: Resulting in 2,074,718 total applications processed league-wide. 
• Badges and Wristbands: generated 729,893 secure badges and wristbands, nearly all printed in-house by the 32 clubs. 
• Biometric Integration: 295,559 biometric scans successfully completed across all stadiums during the season. 
• Access Control Tracking: 4,456,142 access control decisions made across the season. 

 Security Impact   

• Pathway to Zero Credential Fraud: Secure, photo-linked credentials directly tied to the backend system prevent impersonation.   
• Real-Time Monitoring: Immediate detection and response to suspicious activity.   
• Secure Critical Areas: Biometric verification ensures only vetted personnel gain entry. 

Operational Efficiency   

• Credentialing streamlined: reducing ingress times 

• Automated Security Decisions: Minimizing human error in access decisions.   
• Seamless Venue Integration: Consistent security enforcement across every stadium. 

Seamless Game-Day Experience   

• Faster Stadium Entry: Biometric authentication reduces delays for personnel, VIPs, and media.   

• Automated Verification: Instant credential approvals improve operational flow.   

• Improved Security Confidence: Security teams focus on genuine threats, not manual verification. 

 
Final Takeaway: A Blueprint for Sports Security – the movement starts here… 

The NFL and Accredit Solutions delivered a first-of-its-kind biometric and digital credentialing transformation, establishing a global benchmark for sports security. By proactively addressing critical vulnerabilities, the NFL has set the standard for modern, secure, and operationally efficient, access control integrated stadium credentialing. 

This isn’t just an NFL and Accredit Solutions success: it's a playbook for the future of global sports security. 

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