Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, has recently adopted Evolv Technology’s AI-driven Evolv Express® screening system at its Curb Event Center Arena.
Launched late last year, this partnership marks Belmont as the first university in the state to implement the advanced weapons detection system. The system seamlessly blends sensor technology with artificial intelligence to discern potential threats from benign everyday metal objects, screening the diverse crowd attending sports events, concerts, and other activities in the 5,000-seat multipurpose arena.
Enhancing Safety and Experience
The adoption of Evolv Express at Belmont University's arena adds it to the roster of Nashville venues prioritizing safety and guest experiences. The system has also been employed by the Tennessee Titans over the past three seasons and at Bridgestone Arena, the first professional hockey facility to partner with Evolv. Additionally, the renowned Opry Entertainment Group utilized Evolv at the celebrated Grande Ole Opry with success.
The system has also been employed by the Tennessee Titans over the past three seasons
Andrea Runner, senior director of business operations and special projects at Belmont University, highlighted the collaborative nature of venue management professionals. “Venue management professionals are a tight-knit community, and we share what works and what doesn’t with one another,” Runner noted. “There’s a buzz about Evolv across the city, and as Nashvillians, we’ve experienced Evolv first-hand at a number of venues locally. We needed our weapons detection partner to be on par with the university in terms of being innovative while also providing a seamless customer experience, and Express fits the bill.”
Educational Safety Solutions
Although Belmont stands as the sole Nashville university employing Evolv Express, multiple Tennessee school districts and over 800 school buildings nationwide integrate Evolv’s solutions to manage the security of approximately 600,000 students daily.
Jay Muelhoefer, chief commercial officer for Evolv Technology, emphasized Nashville's role as a model for metropolitan areas embracing widespread use of Evolv systems. “Nashville is an example of a city – similar to a number of other major metros like Boston, Denver and Houston – where Evolv is now an expectation because it’s used so widely,” Muelhoefer remarked. Belmont University serves as a leading example for other higher education institutions by using cutting-edge technology to safeguard students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
