The University of Alabama has installed metal detectors at the entrances to its Bryant-Denny Stadium ahead of the new season, it has announced.
The 164 walk-through detectors are intended to “enhance safety procedures”, the university said in a statement. A further 16 secondary detectors will be available for those who require additional screening.
Alabama is encouraging fans to arrive half an hour earlier than usual, with gates now opening two and a half hours before kick-off. The university confirmed that its existing clear bag policy will remain in place.
Metal detectors are already mandatory at NFL and MLB stadia, and are in use at a number of other college grounds in the USA. The Birmingham, Alabama-based Southeastern Conference athletic conference has also mandated that all stadia in the conference are to use metal detectors by 2020. This includes the universities of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Missouri.
August 31, 2018
By Tara Craig
