The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a new guide aimed at helping venues beef up security ahead of a historic year of sports and entertainment events in 2026.
CISA said the new Venue Guide for Mitigating Dependency Disruptions is designed to strengthen the resilience of public gathering venues in the United States.
It is intended to help venues fortify operations, mitigate vulnerabilities and elevate emergency preparedness.
The guide provides stadium and arena owners and operators with baseline strategies to mitigate the consequences of potential disruptions to four critical lifeline sectors—including energy, water and wastewater systems, communications, and transportation.
CISA is the U.S. cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security. It leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.
The guide emphasizes the need for collaborative partnerships in event security. In a time when events can be increasingly challenging to secure, security leaders are encouraged to utilize resources and partnerships when defending events.
CISA developed the guide in close collaboration with government and industry experts from the four lifeline sectors as a concise, actionable resource for stadium and arena owners.
Tailored for major public gathering events- such as FIFA World Cup 2026, America 250, and 2028 Summer Olympics, the guide draws on lessons learned from recent disruptions at high-profile public gathering sports and entertainment facilities across the United States and internationally.
It equips critical infrastructure stakeholders with a clear understanding of threats to lifeline sectors and provides effective strategies to safeguard operations, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance preparedness.
CISA Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala said, “Today’s risk environment is rapidly evolving, posing serious threats and disruptions to U.S. critical infrastructure and public gathering venues.
“CISA is committed to working hand-in-hand with our government and industry partners to deliver actionable guidance that helps mitigate these risks.
“This guide empowers venue owners and operators to proactively assess vulnerabilities tied to dependent lifeline services and integrate those insights into contingency planning—ultimately reducing potential consequences and strengthening operational resilience.”
This guide assists critical infrastructure and public venue owners and operations with:
- Understanding the lifeline sector dependencies and interdependencies that their venues may rely on
- Assessing security risks and associated key components of a facility evaluation
- Focusing on continued information-sharing and relationship-building with key partners such as local services providers, first responders, and CISA Security Advisors.
CISA Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security Steve Casapulla said, “Robust partnerships are essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure and public gatherings. By sharing threat intelligence, risk mitigation strategies, and other vital information, we strengthen our collective ability to anticipate and respond to potential disruptions.
“CISA’s newly released guide empowers venue owners and operators to assess dependencies and implement targeted mitigation strategies.
“We deeply value the insights and collaboration from our government and industry partners across four lifeline sectors, which were instrumental in shaping this timely and practical resource. CISA urges all organizations that host events to review the guide and take proactive steps to enhance infrastructure security and resilience.”
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