Texas Rangers To Be Honored at National Sports Safety and Security Conference

The National Center for Spectator Sports and Safety will honor the Texas Rangers during the 2012 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition tonight in New Orleans.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will receive the Facility of Merit Award. This award is given to a facility that has performed above and beyond normal operations, has demonstrated an innovative approach to enhancing safety and security, or has resolved a significant safety/security issue or incident.

In addition, Rangers Executive Vice President of Ballpark and Event Operations Rob Matwick will receive the Professional of the Year Award. This award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety/security issues while setting an example for others to follow.

Major League Baseball nominated the Rangers for the two awards for the organization’s response and approach in the aftermath of the tragedy on July 7, 2011, when Brownwood, Texas firefighter Shannon Stone passed away from injuries sustained in a fall at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, located at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, is a world-wide interdisciplinary Center specifically focused on research, education, and outreach efforts in sports event security.