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LEGAL EASE
From training and documentation to newly established wellness protocols, sports venue operators must adapt their security practices or face the legal consequences. “YOU NEVER KNOW WHO’S WATCHING.” It’s a lesson that has long resonated with Bill Squires, the former venue manager at old Yankee Stadium, Giants Stadium (on two occasions), Cleveland Browns Stadium (now First Energy Stadium), and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Before starting his career in the world of sports facilities and event management, Squires was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. An active-duty naval aviator for 12 years, Squires was the Communications Officer onboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). In 1986, the “JFK” was scheduled to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which was close to the spring training home of Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) the New York Yankees. Squires, a lifelong Yankees fan, reached out to the Yankees about getting tickets for the ship’s crew. However, he was skeptical that Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, would be open to giving away hundreds of tickets that the Yankees prefer to sell. But he was reminded that it is unwise to underestimate the Yankees. “I was expecting to hear that they couldn’t help, but instead, I was told that Mr. Steinbrenner said that we could get anything we wanted,” recalls Squires. In this case, that meant 500 tickets. Squires also coordinated a tour of the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY for the members of the Yankees organization (ownership, coaches, players, front office staff, and their families) and was responsible for guiding Steinbrenner throughout the ship. One thing Squires didn’t realize at the time was that the Yankees owner was always watching him and observing how Squires handled himself. G A ME DA Y S E C UR IT Y | F A L L 2 0 21
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