Staying Safe at Concerts and Sporting Events
Every year, millions of Americans attend concerts and sporting events at arenas across the United States, including right here in Las Vegas. There is nothing quite like joining the crowd at a large venue to hear your favorite artist or cheer on your favorite team. For the most part, these events offer a safe, fun opportunity to cut loose and spend quality time with friends and family.
However, attending events at large arenas comes with unique risks. Several venues within the Las Vegas area can hold tens of thousands of people at a time. The MGM Grand Garden Arena, which hosts the Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and several other sports and music events can hold up to 17,000 at full capacity. The T-mobile Arena can hold 20,000. While crowds of that size certainly add to the atmosphere and excitement of an event, they also increase the risk of personal injury. If you or a loved one has been injured at a Las Vegas event, contact a personal injury attorney today at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC for a free case consultation.
Safety Tips for Your Next Big Event
Las Vegas thrives on hosting parties, concerts, and big events at its local arenas. Let’s be clear, no one is saying that those arena events are inherently dangerous or that anyone should think twice before attending one. Far from it. However, while having fun, you should also always stay smart about your safety.
Have Fun, but Not Too Much
There is nothing wrong with having a beer while you take in the game, or sipping a margarita at a show, as long as you do so responsibly. If you plan to drink, set a limit. Alcohol can reduce a person’s inhibitions and cause them to make potentially dangerous decisions. People under the influence of alcohol also tend to lose awareness of their surroundings. Unfortunately, but perhaps unsurprisingly, statistics show that crime increases with alcohol consumption.
Consider these facts:
- Approximately 15 percent of robberies occur when someone has used alcohol.
- Approximately 37 percent of sexual assaults happen when the offender is under the influence of alcohol.
- Over one-quarter of assaults involve alcohol use.
Have a Post-Event Plan
Make sure you have a plan for after the event. Find a place where everyone can gather afterward if you set separated.
Moreover, in just one year, 10,511 drunk driving deaths took place across the United States. That’s nearly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. If you plan on drinking, do not plan to drive or to get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Think ahead and arrange a ride don’t be the cause of a drunk driving accident. Be wary of accepting rides from strangers. Instead, use a well-established taxi service, or a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft.
Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
Unfortunately, high-density areas attract criminals. At an event attended by thousands of people, think proactively. Practice some of the same behaviors you would if you were traveling to a new destination, such as:
- Don’t bring too much cash. Only bring as much cash as you need. Better yet, do all purchases with a debit or credit card. If you do use cash, do not flash it around. The same logic goes for personal valuables, including your phone.
- Stay alert. Crowds can act unpredictably and sometimes lose control. Keep an eye out for people who have had too much to drink or act inappropriately or aggressively.
- Do not travel alone. It is always a good idea to attend large events with at least one other person. If you do go alone, exercise caution and consider carrying some form of personal protection, such as pepper spray.
Know Your Surroundings
Keep personal safety at the front of your mind whenever you attend a large arena event. Take note of the exits at the facility and develop a rough plan of which one you would head toward first, second, and third in an emergency. Giving just a few seconds thought to that exit plan could save your life. Also take note of how to identify event security staff and where they post themselves, in case you need to alert them to a dangerous person or situation.
Follow the Rules
Personal Injury Attorney, Dana Oswalt, Esq.
This one sounds simple, but every venue has rules its patrons need to follow to keep everyone safe. Some events allow alcohol, others do not. The same goes for smoking. Increasingly, concert venues and sports arenas are banning purses and other bags.
The last thing you want to do is get ejected from an event, or for security to turn you away at the gate, because you did not take time to learn about the basic rules. Unexpectedly finding yourself barred from the venue in itself could put you in a dangerous situation. If you or a friend gets removed from an event for any reason, have a plan for how you will reconnect and where you will meet after the event ends. And check the venue’s website ahead of time to make sure you don’t bring something that will preclude your entry.
Injuries at Large Events
While most arena events go off without a hitch, accidents and incidents still happen that leave guests injured. Arena owners and operators have a legal duty to ensure a safe environment for their patrons, and everyone at an event has a basic obligation not to put others in danger. If you sustain an injury at an arena concert or sporting event, then you may have the legal right to seek compensation from anyone whose decisions or actions put you in harm’s way.
Know What to Do in the Event of an Injury
People go to arena concerts and sporting events to cut loose and have fun. Most people never consider the possibility of getting hurt at a game or show. If the worst happens, however, and someone else’s dangerous actions or bad choices do you harm, you will need to know your rights.
An unexpected injury can have serious consequences for your health, well-being, and personal finances. Nevada law may entitle you to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. To learn more about your legal rights after an injury at a sporting event or concert, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Benson & Bingham
626 S 10th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-382-9797