The Glendale Fire Department will no longer provide first aid and medical services at University of Phoenix Stadium.
The department’s firefighters will work events through mid-April, which includes the men’s NCAA national championship, known as the Final Four, according to stadium management.
Providing first aid and medical services cost the city more than it was recouping under its current contract with SMG, which manages the stadium, Glendale spokesperson Sue Breding explained.
“The city is fully supportive of SMG’s business decision and it is certainly no reflection on the relationship between the parties or the satisfaction of the services provided,” Breding said in an email statement.
SMG will hire an outside vendor to provide medical services under an agreement that will begin mid-April, said Andy Gorchov, SMG’s general manager for the stadium.
Gorchov declined to name the new vendor.
“From the guest perspective…the safety and security of the event has always been, and will always be, our top priority,” Gorchov said. “That's not going to change.”
Gorchov said a number of factors went into the decision, which is not a cost-saving move. He added that the move was not because of any concern with the fire department’s service.
The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority owns the stadium.
Glendale firefighters would still respond to a fire or similar emergency at the stadium.
