Increased security planned for Saturday's Pro Bowl
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By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
Thought Aloha Stadium's "no bag" rule was strict?
Associated Press
Yesterday's Super Bowl at the Superdome took stadium security to another level.
NFL's senior director of security Reuben Bradford said he wants all football stadiums to be safe.
The National Football League spent millions of dollars and employed thousands of workers to make America's biggest football game the safest in history.
And these thorough security checks and lengthy lists of prohibited items that followed Sept. 11 may become commonplace in stadiums around the country.
"We're looking at putting (stricter security procedures) in place permanently," said Reuben Bradford, the NFL's senior director of security, in town for the Pro Bowl on Saturday.
Aloha Stadium, the venue for Saturday's annual game featuring the league's best athletes, will enforce similar security procedures "with the sole purpose to provide a safe environment for fans, players and everyone associated with the game," Bradford said.
On the list of items prohibited from the stadium are the obvious (weapons and explosives) and the not-so-obvious (whistles and umbrellas).
Fans will have to leave their foam fingers, laser pointers, beach balls and bullhorns at home. Strollers are not allowed, but diaper bags, if accompanied by a baby, are OK. Folding chairs, no; seat cushions, yes. And you'll have to figure out a way to stuff everything you need for the game into a fanny pack. Coolers, backpacks, duffel bags and purses are not allowed.
Everyone and all possessions will be subjected to inspection. Security officials encourage people to arrive early — gates open at 9 a.m. — to avoid any backups due to increased security.
There will be an express lane for those who have nothing but tickets.
And tailgating is fine, even encouraged.
These changes may affect the season ticketholder, the die-hard fan, the stadium regular. But so far they haven't affected games, or the athletes who play them.
"It's not something I worry about," said Jeremiah Trotter, a linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles in town for his second Pro Bowl. "It definitely has been stepped up. It's great the security staff in the NFL are keeping the players safe and the fans safe. It's the least of my worries."
