Professional football and baseball stadiums have addressed venue security for hosting games on September 11.
This
Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York
and Washington, D.C., and National Football League and Major League
Baseball teams that are hosting games on that day have taken measures to
make their events as seamless as possible.
“The Arizona
Cardinals are honored to be hosting our regular season opener on
September 11,” said John Drum, vice president, stadium operations. “All
of our stadium stakeholders have been talking about this game since the
schedule was announced in April.”
Drum said that as the
team does with all games they will work with local law enforcement,
stadium management, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. “All
partners have been very helpful in providing the personnel needed for
this high-profile event,” said Drum.
Drum said that the
procedures for fans coming to the game will be the same as in past
seasons. Fans will be subject to a bag inspection and modified pat down
prior to entry. Drum added that all fans are made aware of a hotline
number and text message hotline to request help or report concerns.
In
St. Louis at the Edward Jones Dome, Nick Langella said that special
attention will be given to air intakes and water supply feeds. “We will
be working with the FBI as they have set up a special command post
onsite,” said Langella, senior vice president/general manager of
America’s Center.
Langella said that a number of heightened
security measures have been implemented for the game, including
enhancing vehicle security checkpoints and conducting inspections at
checkpoint prior to allowing access to restricted parking areas.
Mickey
Farrell, director of stadium operations at Raymond James Stadium in
Tampa, noted simply that “we are aware of the national implications and
taking appropriate action.”
At Rangers Ballpark in
Arlington, Rob Matwick, executive vice president, ballpark operations,
said that staffing levels will be consistent with the type of crowds the
team is expecting for baseball games this weekend. “We will bring a few
additional assets to bear and there will be an open line of
communication with local and regional law enforcement,” said Matwick.
Matwick
added that fans should not expect any changes from their normal
ballpark experience, except for “cooler weather,” something welcomed by
fans in Texas.
Drum summed up matters best. “It should be a great Sunday of football. God bless America.”