Barclays Center in New York has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered security screening system from SeeTrue, aiming to reduce queues at entry points while enhancing the detection of prohibited items. The arena, home to major sports and entertainment events, will deploy the technology across its checkpoints to improve both safety and the visitor experience.
Screening large crowds within tight timeframes has long been a challenge for stadiums and arenas. With tens of thousands of fans arriving before a game or concert, security teams must balance efficiency with vigilance. Traditional screening methods can create bottlenecks, often leading to long queues and frustration. Barclays Center’s adoption of SeeTrue’s AI-driven software is designed to address these pressures by increasing throughput without compromising detection standards.
The system analyses X-ray images in real time, identifying a wide range of prohibited items and contraband with greater speed and consistency than manual checks. By reducing reliance on human operators for first-line detection, the software helps streamline the process at bag check and entry points. The result is shorter wait times and a less intrusive experience for guests, while security teams retain oversight of flagged alerts.
Keia Cole, Chief Digital Officer at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, which manages Barclays Center, said the move reflects the arena’s focus on visitor experience, “We want guests to spend less time waiting outside and more time inside enjoying the event. Working with SeeTrue allows us to make our entry process both faster and safer.”
For SeeTrue, the installation demonstrates how AI screening is expanding beyond the aviation sector into other urban security environments. Assaf Frenkel, Co-Founder and CEO of the company, noted, “Security screening is no longer just about airports. Our technology is being applied in arenas, courthouses, correctional facilities, and other high-security venues. Collaborating with Barclays allowed us to refine our system for the unique demands of large-scale entertainment spaces.”
Since opening in 2012, Barclays Center has established itself as a high-profile venue, welcoming millions of visitors each year for NBA basketball, concerts, and other events. The decision to deploy SeeTrue’s solution underlines its commitment to using technology to maintain a secure and efficient environment for fans.
SeeTrue, headquartered in Israel with a growing international presence, has built its reputation on AI-based detection software that supports aviation, customs, and public venue operators. Its technology is designed to integrate with existing screening infrastructure, offering scalability and consistency while reducing operational strain.
The partnership between Barclays Center and SeeTrue highlights how venues are rethinking security strategies in response to both rising visitor expectations and evolving threats. By investing in AI-powered detection, the arena is seeking to set a benchmark for how large-scale events can be kept secure without compromising on convenience.