At large public events such as the Super Bowl and other large gatherings, snipers are on hand to prevent security risks from emerging. These highly trained law enforcement personnel can respond swiftly and effectively while simultaneously offering an aerial perspective of the stadium and field.
Sniper teams have long been used at high-profile events and public gatherings, such as concerts. According to TMZ, snipers were present at this year’s Coachella arts and music festival and Luke Bryan’s Farm tour last year – both equipped with high-powered rifles mounted on tripods to monitor any potential threats.
Snipers must remain composed and stay calm to complete their missions successfully, which often involve being outnumbered and operating under tight deadlines. Their training can be intensive and demanding – they must learn how to shoot precisely while covering themselves from enemy fire, while taking cover when required by cover rules or taking cover during enemy attack – it demands exceptional individuals! Sniper training also combines combat readiness and marksmanship competition, creating a unique set of abilities.
Chris Bourgeois, an expert sniper and retired Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Marksman explains that competition among snipers is crucial to their motivation, which can sometimes be difficult. You want to be the best in both arenas: combat readiness provides instruction on engaging threats while high-power competition provides training on becoming better shooters.
Bourgeois applauds military snipers’ fierce competition as an asset, noting how Carlos Hathcock distinguished himself both as a Marine Corps sniper and shooting champion, being considered among the top shooters worldwide at both. To do this takes great effort and practice – “becoming both an excellent battlefield sniper and competitive shooter takes time,” according to Bourgeois.
At a recent event at Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Washington Redskins – snipers were deployed throughout. Protecting themselves with ballistic barriers from KF Armory, these snipers positioned themselves strategically around the venue in case any bullets or ricochets came flying their way.
Snipers on-site were from Scottsdale Police Department’s SRT Arizona team, providing overwatch and quick reaction force (QRF) support at large public events. Positioned inside and around the stadium as well as stands, catwalks, and parking lot using TacFlow Academy sniper platforms that specialize in multi-day Police Sniper Response to Public Venue (PSRPV) courses, they were strategically deployed across these venues to monitor events with swift precision.
These platforms utilize tri- and quad mounts from HOG Saddle and Really Right Stuff, along with a special sling system designed for rapid sniper repositioning in seconds. The PSRPV course covers identification of threats, coordination with air assets, covert hides and overt positions placement and final firing position (FFP) selection – with each FFP needing to allow MOA repeatability while still being accessible within seconds for disengagement or relocation if needed.
