By Mary Tiffin, Crisis Management Analyst, WTW
This is taking a departure from the sudden, planned acts of violence usually associated with major events, such as the New Years Day attack in New Orleans that occurred parallel to the college football quarterfinal. The current threat comes from the very enthusiasm that surrounds sports.
A global surge in celebratory violence
Recent incidents highlight how victories can ignite disorder. For example, after the New York Knicks’ playoff win against the Celtics in May, the streets outside the stadium were overwhelmed by fans. What should have been a city-wide celebration took a dangerous turn later in the playoffs when New York faced Indiana.
Viral videos showed Pacers fans being harassed, with one supporter being violently attacked for wearing opposing gear. In a more serious incident, a Pacers fan was arrested and charged with stabbing two Knicks fans during a post-game confrontation at a Manhattan brewery.
Earlier this year, Philadelphia faced its own version of ‘celebratory unrest’ following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. While authorities had preemptively greased the city’s iconic street poles to prevent climbing, it wasn’t enough to contain the surge of passionate fans. People flooded the streets, vandalizing sanitation trucks and public property among other incidents which led to dozens of arrests.
In February 2024, a deadly shooting occurred at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City, which is currently facing lawsuits over inadequate security. Now, the trend has gone global.
In Paris, PSG supporters turned the streets into chaos after their team clinched the 2025 Champions League title. Riots erupted not just in the capital, but across multiple French cities. By night’s end, over 500 people had been arrested, almost 200 injured and two declared dead. Cars were torched, businesses looted, and the nation watched as celebrations became the latest in a series of civil eruptions.
The cost to businesses
This rise of violence is more than just a public safety concern. Companies located near event venues, fan zones, or public squares are increasingly exposed to a wide range of risks. Physical property damage from vandalism or arson is only the beginning.
Business interruptions from street closures or police curfews can halt operations for days. Legal liability may arise if customers or employees are injured on-site during disturbances. Even supply chains can be affected if transportation routes are disrupted. And in today’s era of viral content and online reputational risk, association with riots can erode customer trust.
Protecting against unrest
Traditional property policies often fall short when it comes to these types of risks. While some coverage may exist, many policies exclude losses tied to strikes, riots, civil commotion (SRCC), or malicious damage. In light of recent events, this is a hazardous oversight.
Businesses — particularly those in sports, entertainment, retail, and hospitality — are increasingly turning to specialized insurance solutions that address this rising threat. SRCC coverage can be tailored to specific events or provide year-round protection.
This flexibility is crucial for city governments, stadium operators, and event organizers looking to insulate themselves from the fallout of civil unrest. Including broader triggers for malicious damage or active assailant scenarios will make sure your risk management strategy includes a more comprehensive safety net.
Looking ahead
With global marquee events on the horizon, including the FIFA World Cup in North America and the Winter Olympics in Italy next year, the stakes are only getting higher. Cities and companies alike must now navigate the delicate balance between encouraging passionate fan engagement and ensuring safety, stability, and business continuity.
The Crisis Management team at Willis, a WTW business, can help organizations stay ahead of the threat with enhanced analytics, 24/7 crisis response resources, and expert advisory services. To learn more about how new analytic models can predict riots and civil unrest to enhance risk management strategies, read this insight article and reach out to your local Willis office for more information.
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