Organizing high-impact events, such as sports tournaments, festivals, and concerts, presents substantial social, economic, and transportation challenges. These events can have a significant impact on transportation infrastructure, security protocols, and public services, particularly in regions that are already congested and economically vital, such as the New York-New Jersey (NYNJ) area, which attracts large, diverse crowds from across state lines and around the world. A prime example of this challenge is the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, where the NYNJ region will host the Final and seven other matches at MetLife Stadium. This event is projected to bring over 1 million visitors to the area (Newyorkjets, 2024), creating unprecedented traffic demands on the region's infrastructure and services.
As the impacts of these man-made events grow increasingly unpredictable, it is crucial to develop inclusive advanced technology solutions that not only manage immediate disruptions but also enhance long-term resilience. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), which oversees the Meadowlands Sports Complex—including MetLife Stadium, the Meadowlands Arena, the Meadowlands Racetrack, and the American Dream complex—stands at the forefront of this challenge. The complex is the home to the New York Giants and New York Jets and has a rich history of hosting world-class events, from Super Bowl XLVIII to WrestleMania 29, World Cup Soccer, a Papal Mass, and concerts by globally acclaimed artists (NJSEA, 2024). However, with each event, the need for robust and adaptable infrastructure becomes more evident. Traditional management approaches, especially for transportation access, may no longer be sufficient. Emerging technologies offer promising solutions, but there is a need for rigorous research and testing to understand how best to integrate these innovations into existing systems.
In line with SEMPACT's priority of Inclusive Advanced Technology Innovations, this research proposes a partnership with the NJSEA, the Meadowlands Sports Complex, and our industry partner AIWaysion to leverage the preparation and planning of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as a case study for pioneering smart transportation planning and management for high-impact events for the Sports Complex. This project aims to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based computer vision tools with Digital Twin technology to enhance crowd detection (e.g., identifying clusters of visitors) and improve traffic incident and emergency response management. These systems will be designed for real-time operations with predictive capabilities to identify and mitigate risks associated with disruptions. Additionally, the project will pilot smart cameras with Edge AI computing capabilities.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of local and regional needs, the project seeks to create solutions that are not only effective but also ensure that all visitors and communities benefit from enhanced transportation. The insights and practical solutions gained from this research can be applied to similar events worldwide and will contribute to broader efforts to fortify urban infrastructure against the impacts of mega-events, while also enhancing cities' ability to host high-impact events safely.