Posted on: Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Stadium security to tighten for Pro Bowl
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
Security will be increased at Aloha Stadium for the NFL Pro Bowl on Feb. 9, but officials say they are listening to comments and criticisms from fans as they formulate stadium rules for the big game.
"It will definitely be tighter, no doubt about it," said James Steeg, NFL senior vice president of special events. "But we have read mail and letters to the editor from fans, and we'll try to take their suggestions into account."
Many fans have angrily grumbled that some rules enacted at Aloha Stadium after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks appeared to make little sense or have not been enforced consistently. The stadium now bans coolers, backpacks and large bags, and small bags are subject to searches.
Steeg said some new policies, such as the cooler ban, are the norm at all 30 stadiums where the NFL plays and would definitely remain in place for the Pro Bowl. Other rules will be developed in consultation with the Aloha Stadium Authority and Honolulu public safety officials over the next few weeks, he said.
"The final decision rests with the people who have the power, and we've given them our advice and counsel," Steeg said. "We want to make it as safe as we can and as comfortable as possible for the fans."
The NFL recommended that one particular suggestion from fans be strongly considered, he said: That those carrying no bags or other items be allowed to enter the 50,000-seat stadium through an "express lane" instead of waiting in line behind others whose bags must be searched.
NFL players from teams around the country compete in the Pro Bowl, which pits stars from the American Football Conference against top players from National Football Conference. The games draw a unique crowd, and often present special security challenges, Steeg said.
"More people jump on the field at the Pro Bowl than almost any other game I can think of," he said.
After revising security and crowd control policies in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, many stadiums are making their rules even stricter following some ugly incidents at games.
Last month, rowdy fans in Cleveland and New Orleans tossed partially filled plastic beer bottles onto the field to protest unpopular calls by game officials. Since then, such bottles have been banned at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Giants Stadium in New Jersey and other venues.
Fans have been allowed to bring plastic bottles to Aloha Stadium if the caps are removed. Steeg said there had been no decision yet regarding plastic bottles at the Pro Bowl.
Aloha Stadium officials did not immediately return calls.
NFL fans, players and coaches all help decide who will compete in the Pro Bowl, and the two 43-man teams are to be announced tomorrow.
Among fans, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was the top vote-getter for the NFC All-Star Team, while Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon was the top choice of fans for the AFC team.
More than 43 million fans cast ballots through the NFL's Web site and at Blockbuster stores, the most votes ever in Pro Bowl balloting, the NFL said.
The Sept. 11 attacks forced the NFL to postpone a week of games, which in turn delayed the playoffs, the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl.
The Super Bowl had been scheduled for Jan. 27 but will now be played on Feb. 3. The Pro Bowl had been scheduled for Feb. 3 but was bumped back to Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
