Our Largest Ever Call for Event Security in Saginaw

From Memorial Day weekend through June 3rd, the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, MI was abuzz with the thrill of an international hockey tournament. Memorial Cup 2024, hosted by Dow, featured the best teams in the Canadian Hockey League in a grand season finale. The event was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of over 100 DK Security staff members that assisted with the call for event security in Saginaw. We’re extremely proud of the way our people committed themselves to the safety of fans, guests, players, and staff alike throughout the 10-day tournament. 

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DK Security operates year-round at Dow Event Center, providing security for concerts, sporting events, and more at Saginaw’s largest entertainment venue. While most events at the complex (which features a 7,600-capacity arena with adjacent event facilities) are single-day outings, Memorial Cup 2024 at Dow proved to be an exceptional undertaking. By tournament’s end, 6,000 total hours worked by 143 dedicated event team members made the cup DK Security’s largest ever call for event security in Saginaw. 

Thanks to the coordination of Dow Event Center, ASM Global, CHL organizers, and our own leadership team on the ground, we ensured the safety and smooth operation of the event from start to finish. Nick Goolsby, Account Director at DK Security, led those efforts on our end. “It was a major success,” he shared about the tournament security experience on LinkedIn. On another platform, he reflected on how “it was remarkable to be a part of history for the city of Saginaw.” 

Left to right: Christopher Lambert (DK), Daniel Verlin (DK), Nick Goolsby (DK), Reanna Kettle (Dow Event Center), Miranda Vasko (Dow Event Center)

Our presence at the event was picked up by multiple news outlets. Local Saginaw radio station, 94.5 The Moose, shouted us out for an “OUTSTANDING job,” going all-caps when recognizing DK’s ability to shift from Memorial Cup to a same-day Walker Hayes concert. 

One standout moment from the event was captured in a special highlight video graciously provided to us by the Drummondville Voltigeurs, who were visiting from Quebec. The video features DK event security guard Gilbert Bandy, whose consistent professionalism and hospitality were so impressive that he was invited by Voltigeurs staff to read off the starting lineup to the players in the locker room before one of their games. Gilbert made a quality impression with our Dow Event Center guests and was met with great energy when carrying out this honor. The Voltigeurs’ video aired on TSN (The Sports Network) and we couldn’t be more proud of Gilbert’s hard work that led to this special moment.  

On the sporting side, our congratulations go out to the Saginaw Spirit, who call Dow Event Center their home and walked away as the winners of Memorial Cup 2024. Not only was it the first time in the competition’s 104-year history that Michigan hosted the championship, but it was also the first time a Michigan-based team had lifted the trophy. The Spirit achieved something truly special with their cup run and DK was happy to extend security support for the team’s June 3rd victory parade.  

When it comes to event security in Saginaw, DK Security has always prioritized safety for all parties at public gatherings of all sizes. We’re grateful for every event security guard’s contribution to making Memorial Cup 2024 a safe and fun environment for hockey fans of all backgrounds and nationalities. Our thanks also go out to Dow Event Center, ASM Global, and the Canadian Hockey League for their partnerships that made this historical event possible.