Stadiums and venues provide a centralized and easily accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises and provide safe storage and shelter in times of need. As these events become more frequent, severe and costly, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and NFL Safety Chief Cathy Lanier announced today that FEMA and the NFL are launching a new strategy to build resiliency in communities through a program called NFL Stadiums and fields will be designated as operational venues that can be used in response and rescue operations. Through Mission Ready Venues, a public-private partnership, NFL stadiums are recognized for their ability to better ensure public safety and be a source of support for the communities they serve. The designation indicates how the stadium or venue could be used for response and recovery efforts during reported emergencies or disasters.

“During major emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes or tornadoes, we have seen how large music, sports and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new strategy we are rolling out with the NFL is a groundbreaking opportunity to help our partners leverage these venues for emergency response and recovery needs while keeping communities safe and making them more resilient. As we begin with the NFL, all venues are everywhere.” Sports organizations and leagues can be of benefit to their communities, and I encourage them to join this collective effort as we grapple with the impacts of the climate crisis.”

“Stadiums are valuable common assets that are frequently used in times of disaster,” said NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier. “This award reflects the role many stadiums play, not just on Sundays but particularly in times of need. We are proud to work with FEMA and first responders at the local and state levels to ensure disaster agencies have the information and tools they need. “We must help a community recover when a disaster strikes.”

According to the NYU School of Professional Studies and the US Conference of Mayors, stadiums and arenas can improve the public health and well-being of their communities – including the pandemic response during COVID-19. The first stadiums to receive awards include MetLife, home of the Jets and Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks in Seattle, Washington, Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Raymond James Stadium , home of the Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida. SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams and Chargers in Los Angeles, California, is currently under review.

Given the size, capacities and locations of large sporting venues, these existing community assets can serve the public in a variety of ways, including emergency shelters, staging areas, commodity distribution locations, evacuation pickup points, disaster recovery centers, mass vaccinations and testing. temporary hospitals and more. Recognizing this unique opportunity to collaborate, FEMA and the NFL are enlisting the support of venue owners, operators and tenants of these facilities to work with government officials in planning and preparing for emergency or disaster response and recovery efforts. To receive the official Mission Ready Venue designation, venues must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine the venue’s capabilities to support emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts. The award highlights the following characteristics of selected venues:

• Ensure safety: Stadiums tend to be centrally located, close to major roads and transport hubs, as well as important services such as hospitals. If used to respond to a disaster, the designation will save valuable time and resources and further improve coordination between the public and private sectors during disaster relief and recovery.
• Ensure accessibility: Stadiums also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and can accommodate people with disabilities and others with access or functional needs. Additionally, 73% of NFL venues are accessible by public transportation. This provides an opportunity to promote equitable care for underserved populations to access potentially vital life-saving/life-sustaining services following an event.
• Strengthening community resilience: Stadiums and arenas are a community focal point and help strengthen social networks by improving connections between residents with home team pride. These ready-to-use venues can boost morale in the midst of a disaster. By providing a more robust and resilient environment, these venues can strengthen social networks among survivors while providing numerous opportunities to network with the venue’s core tenants.
• Ensuring Consistency of Efforts: Coordinating stadium resources and services can support survivors and responders and help quickly stabilize an incident. Because stadiums are fixed locations, resources and services can be deployed quickly. This promotes the physical and economic recovery of the community.

Designation of Mission Ready venues occurs in five-year increments with an annual check-in to ensure the venue remains operational. Redesignation is required every five years and designation does not replace agreements with state, local or private entities.