Modernizing security at America’s most beloved ballpark

As a public venue accommodating millions of visitors annually, Fenway Park presents considerable security challenges across its many zones—from entry points to seating areas to restricted spaces—all requiring effective monitoring and oversight. Additionally, with 95% of US venue security directors reporting staffing shortages, facilities increasingly depend on reliable, automated technology solutions to maintain security standards with limited personnel.

As with many historic venues, Fenway’s security infrastructure required upgrading to meet current operational standards and reduce the need for frequent on-site maintenance interventions. Without proactive monitoring, issues weren’t identified until they caused operational disruptions. Installing modern technology (cameras, access control systems, cabling) in a 114-year-old stadium brings forward a unique challenge: finding ways to install cameras and run cabling without affecting the building’s structural integrity or compromising its historic character.

Frequent truck rolls drove unpredictable maintenance costs and extended system downtime. Research shows legacy infrastructure can cost 30-40% more to maintain than systems with proactive lifecycle management. Fenway needed a solution that would drastically reduce these costs while improving system reliability.

Johnson Controls designed a comprehensive security solution that addresses Fenway’s unique combination of security needs, operational efficiency goals and historical preservation requirements. The implementation centers on the Connected Security Services, full infrastructure upgrades and a collaborative maintenance partnership.

Connected Security Services

Fenway Park is among the first sports and entertainment venues to integrate video surveillance and access control systems on the Connected Security Services. The cloud-based system provides 24/7 visibility into security device health with real-time alerts for device outages and performance degradation – enabling remote diagnostics and issue resolution capabilities, allowing the Johnson Controls team to identify and resolve problems before they impact operations. This integrated approach enables Fenway’s security team to manage surveillance and access control through a single interface.

Infrastructure upgrades

The full facility upgrade includes a combination of integrated Kantech access control, American Dynamics video surveillance and Illustra camera solutions. 49 access control devices (IP links and controllers) with dedicated Kantech controllers per door, are strategically prioritized based on traffic patterns and operational importance, ensuring the most critical access points receive upgrades first. The system also features 429 Illustra cameras integrated into American Dynamics NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems, including three Illustra 32-megapixel cameras covering the bleacher areas with minimal visual impact.

Proactive maintenance partnership

Moving from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance, Fenway signed a comprehensive maintenance agreement with Johnson Controls that includes regular system audits, optimization and quarterly feedback sessions—a collaborative cadence that ensures continuous improvement and allows both teams to address challenges quickly.

Fenway particularly values Johnson Controls local team that can physically go to the stadium and work with them on-site when needed, combining the efficiency of remote monitoring with the responsiveness of local support.

In the first six months following Connected Security Services implementation (June-November 2025), Fenway Park achieved:

• A 95% remote resolution rate: Of 62 total security issues identified and addressed, 59 were resolved remotely without requiring on-site technician dispatch.
• Reduced truck rolls by more than 50%: By resolving the majority of system alerts through remote diagnostics and issue identification, Fenway significantly decreased service vehicle dispatches.
• System performance breakdown: CCTV systems accounted for 54 of 59 remote resolutions (92%), while access control systems represented 5 of 59 remote resolutions (8%). All systems were restored within 24 business hours or less, with many issues resolved significantly faster through remote troubleshooting and targeted remediation.

Qualitative results

• Enhanced operational efficiency: The security team receives precise issue identification and troubleshooting guidance, spending less time managing vendors and gaining greater confidence in system reliability during critical events.
• Historical preservation success: Modern security infrastructure was successfully installed without compromising the ballpark’s structural integrity. Thoughtful camera placement demonstrates that cutting-edge technology and historic building preservation can coexist.
• Foundation for future growth: The infrastructure is ready to support Fenway’s campus expansion plans as the area evolves with restaurants, shopping and apartments. The security foundation is scalable to accommodate this growth.

The Connected Security Services has transformed Fenway’s security operations, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, cost savings and system reliability while preserving the ballpark’s historic character.

“The relationship with Johnson Controls has grown stronger over the years because we trust them as a true partner,” said Ryan Kozul, Senior Director of Ballpark Operations at Fenway Park. “When managing a historic ballpark like Fenway, you need technology that works seamlessly and a partner who understands what this place means to our fans and baseball history. Connected Security Services has fundamentally changed how we operate. We’re catching issues before they become problems and doing it while preserving what makes Fenway special. Handling most issues remotely means our team can focus on creating a safe, secure experience for 3 million annual visitors.”

Whether retrofitting existing infrastructure or designing new construction, facilities face mounting pressure to enhance security, control costs and operate efficiently with limited staff. Johnson Controls has been a trusted partner to Fenway Park for over a decade, collaborating on security solutions that ensure a safe, secure fan experience. Through the Connected Security Services and collaborative implementation, venues of any age or complexity can achieve operational excellence, enhanced safety and a foundation for future growth.