Chicago-based Monterrey Security won a three-year contract to help make sure fans and visitors are safe at events in U.S. Bank Stadium, according to an announcement Friday.
Chicago firm selected to protect fans at U.S. Bank Stadium
Chicago-based Monterrey Security was chosen for its pro-sports background and minority ownership.
March 12, 2016 at 2:42AM
The news release from stadium manager SMG, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Vikings didn't detail the monetary value of the contract, saying the terms depended on the number of events and hours worked by Monterrey.
The firm, chosen after competitive bidding, already provides security for some of Minnesota's biggest professional sports rivals, including the NFL's Chicago Bears and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. The company runs security for the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Marathon, soccer games and concerts from the Grateful Dead to Kenny Chesney.
Monterrey, founded in 1999, has 3,500 employees and is the largest Latino-based security firm in the Midwest and one of the fastest-growing minority-owned security firms in the country, the news release said. Women and minorities make up two-thirds of Monterrey's workforce.
President and CEO Juan Gaytán Jr. said the company is excited and dedicated to providing a safe experience at every event. "We also know the importance of creating opportunities for local residents — we don't just want to give them a job, we want to help them build a career," Gaytán said.
Monterrey is expected to help with crowd management and 24-hour security of the $1.1 billion stadium opening this summer.
According to the company's website, Monterrey was founded to provide cutting edge, high-tech security in the Midwest and around the world.
Employees are required to have thorough training and obtain certifications in occupational safety and health, construction safety, hazardous materials handling, crowd control and evacuation planning. Monterrey also employs off-duty police and firefighters.
Patrick Talty, general manager for SMG at the stadium, said, "We are excited about their passion and drive for excellence."
MSFA Chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen said having a major contract held by a minority firm "keeps our equity focus on the stadium's operations."
Vikings COO Kevin Warren said Monterrey "shares the same ideals for fan safety and fan experience" as the NFL team does.
Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747
Twitter: @rochelleolson
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