Itaka Arena brings next-generation security to Poland’s most modern stadium
Key outcomes
- Unifying 170+ cameras, powerful tools, and analytics in one platform helps the team spot issues and respond in minutes
- Sharing key information with local authorities helps the team speed up response when serious incidents occur, keeping 11,000+ fans safer
- Connecting new technologies and systems through an open security platform gives Itaka Arena the freedom to evolve as needs change
- Safeguarding sensitive data with built-in privacy protection strengthens resilience and supports GDPR compliance
The company
Itaka Arena is a new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue in Opole, Poland. Home to the football club Odra Opole, the stadium welcomes more than 11,000 spectators for events ranging from matches and concerts to conferences and business functions.
Itaka Arena stands out for its striking, curved architecture and strong focus on sustainability and modern technology. Thoughtful design ensures visitors flow seamlessly from parking to concessions to seats. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team keeps a close eye on security and operations, so guests can enjoy the main event without disruption.
The challenge
The best stadium security is invisible to guests. As thousands of fans and hundreds of employees move through the venue, Itaka Arena has to run a discreet, highly coordinated operation to keep everyone safe.
When construction of the new stadium got underway, the security team set the bar high. They were ready to move on from an aging security system with basic capabilities and limited system connections. They wanted a modern security platform they could trust to help operators see more, respond faster, and keep pace with the demands of a bustling, best-in-class venue.
“Itaka Arena takes a forward-thinking approach to everything, from renewable energy and rainwater collection to our stadium security. With thousands of people attending each event, Genetec Security Center helps us keep everyone protected and feeling safe. And it performs brilliantly both from a security and IT perspective.”
Wojciech Tracz, Development Coordinator at Itaka Arena
Why Itaka Arena chose Genetec
Itaka Arena was designed to set a new standard for stadiums across Poland, and the team wanted to adopt security technology that would do the same. Beyond that, they wanted a platform with built-in cybersecurity and an open architecture. They knew Genetec Security Center was the right choice when their contractor, Mirbud, proposed it.
“Security Center is an innovative, modern solution. That's confirmed by leading stadiums in Amsterdam, Auckland, and London. Our choice for Genetec was driven by the company’s solid reputation and the solution’s ability to meet the industry’s highest standards,” said Bogdan Piotrowski, Security Coordinator at Itaka Arena.
The solution
A modern platform designed for stadium security
Since installing Security Center through system integrator Arpol, the Itaka Arena security team has a clearer view across the entire stadium. With over 170 cameras installed, they can quickly spot issues, zoom in for a closer look, and act before incidents escalate. Real-time motion detection analytics alert the team to people or vehicles in sensitive areas. If needed, they can easily track suspects from camera to camera or lock a video feed to stay focused on a developing situation.
“The Genetec platform took our security operations to a new level. We now have a whole range of powerful capabilities that make securing the stadium easier,” said Piotrowski.
Resilience that stretches from perimeters to networks
Securing Itaka Arena involves more than protecting physical spaces. The team must also maintain cyber resilience across daily operations. Security Center is built for data and privacy protection, giving the team access to layers of cyber defenses, real-time system health monitoring, and timely updates. All these capabilities help them confidently safeguard fan and employee information, while staying compliant with regulatory requirements.
“The Genetec platform helps us secure video recordings, security data, and the subsequent transfer of information, all in line with the guidelines in Poland, such as GDPR,” said Tracz.
The freedom to evolve stadium security over time
The team at Itaka Arena is always thinking about what comes next. That’s why an open architecture was so important to them. Whether they want to reconfigure spaces or host new types of events, they can choose the best technologies and keep evolving their security without being locked into a single vendor. They’re also free to unify third-party solutions within Security Center as their needs change.
“We’ve built the entire stadium around the possibility of expanding and evolving. Since Security Center is an open platform, whenever we need to, we'll be able to adapt and make changes,” said Denis Kokot, Stadium Manager at Itaka Arena.
Faster, more coordinated response when it matters
No stadium operates in a vacuum, especially when thousands of people gather for a big sports match or event. Thanks to the Federation feature, Itaka Arena can grant city agencies access to specific cameras in case of emergency. This helps the team coordinate response with authorities and first responders in Opole. Everyone can quickly get on the same page, share critical information in real time, and work together to handle the situation safely.
“Genetec is the right partner for our stadium. We wanted the best possible solutions because Itaka Arena is one of the most modern stadiums in Poland. From the beginning, our goal was to create a venue that’s easy to use, easy to operate, eco-friendly, but most importantly, safe for our guests. And I think we’ve achieved that.”
Denis Kokot, Stadium Manager at Itaka Arena
Results
At Itaka Arena, Security Center shows its value in big and small moments. For example, the team was able to identify a perpetrator near the stadium perimeter and stop them in their tracks by coordinating a response with local authorities. They’ve also been able to pull evidence for accidents in their parking lots. In another case, they helped a visitor find out what happened to their missing laptop, which they had accidentally left on the roof of their car. Whatever the situation, the team knows they have what it takes to address it confidently.
“Security Center is extremely effective, reliable, and intuitive. From serious situations affecting stadium security to mundane things that matter to people personally, the platform helps us in our work. More importantly, we’re delivering a stronger sense of safety and security for our spectators. And at the end of a long day, the greatest satisfaction is seeing families leave the stadium together after an exciting match, already looking forward to coming back,” concluded Piotrowski.