Ian Hardcastle

Director of Services at Coca-Cola Arena

Speaker

Ian Hardcastle is a dynamic and resilient venue Director with a remarkable record of leadership. With over 15 years of spearheading very large (700+) venue safety teams, crafting and executing innovative crowd management plans and policies for a diverse array of high-profile sporting and public events.

His extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, including crowd safety management, risk assessment, incident handling, security protocols, and personnel development.

Throughout his career, Ian has consistently demonstrated an innate ability to coordinate and engage stakeholders at all levels, fostering collaborative environments conducive to effective event management. His commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact is evident in his dedication to personnel development and the cultivation of enduring safety legacies within every venue he oversees.

Ian Hardcastle stands as a testament to unwavering professionalism, adeptly blending his 20-year Royal Navy background with civilian expertise to ensure the safety and security of all attendees at every event under his stewardship.

Ian Hardcastle's career is marked by a series of notable achievements and contributions in the realm of venue management and crowd safety.

Ian played a pivotal role in ensuring match day operations and European team security at Manchester United FC's legendary Old Trafford stadium.

During the London Olympics, Ian provided expertise across various venues including the Velodrome, Basketball Arena, Hockey Stadium, Aquatics Center, and Athletics Stadium, ensuring smooth operations and top-notch security.

At King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, KSA, Ian served as the Stadium and Arena Match Day Commander, overseeing safety protocols and operations.Similarly, at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, Ian held positions as Safety and Match Day Commander, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of attendees.

Ian's contributions extended to Expo 2020 Dubai, where he managed all visitor venues and spaces, guaranteeing a safe and memorable experience for visitors worldwide.In Dubai, Ian served as the Director of Services at the prestigious Coca-Cola Arena, overseeing operations and maintaining high standards of service delivery and safety protocols.

Ian has a First Class Honors Degree in Crowd Safety Management and in his field of expertise he is regarded as one of the highest qualified and most experienced professionals in the Middle East. Throughout his career, Ian's leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to safety have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority in venue management and crowd safety on a global scale.