Safety and Security Recent Incidents: August 26

A roundup of recent safety and security headlines in the athletics industry.

Metal Detectors at Denver Broncos Games to Increase Flow of Fans

New metal detectors installed at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, will replace the wand and pat down systems employed by other stadiums around the country. 

Unlike airport security, the metal detectors at Mile High won't require fans to remove belts, shoes or wallets. 

In addition to providing the stadium with additional security, officials hope to increase the flow of traffic moving through the building.

"The reason that we’re really going to this technology is … one, to increase the security of the building and the safety of our fans when they’re here. And the second reason is to increase the flow of people being able to come through the building,” Stadium Management Company Assistant General Manager Scott Bliek said.

[CBS-4 Denver]

Security Team at Georgia Dome Practices Chasing On-Field Fans

Security officials staged a mock-fan field invasion prior to the Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. 

A "fan" ran onto the field, where he was captured and carried off the field by security personnel. 

The incident was captured on Twitter by Titans Online writer Jim Wyatt.

First time I've seen this: Security officials at Georgia Dome are practicing corralling a fan storming the field pic.twitter.com/ut8Ltm4Eye

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 14, 2015

[CBS Local Atlanta]

Related: Hundreds of Bears Fans Not Grasping NFL Purse Rule

Yankee Stadium Becomes Third MLB Stadium to Use Fingerprint Scanning Security Tech

Clear, a business that provides fingerprint scanning technology, is in the early stages of implementation at Yankee Stadium. 

Rather than using standard security checks, Clear uses biometrics, (a fingerprint) to recognize your identity and your information. This practice allows fans a faster entrance to the stadium, and works much like fast passes at theme parks, or TSA pre-check at airports. 

It's already being used by security officials for the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies.

[Fortune]

Related: Foul Ball Injury Revives Spectator-Safety Concerns

University of Michigan Prohibits Selfie Sticks at Football Games

The University of Michigan has officially banned selfie sticks from Michigan Stadium, in an update to their security policy.

The university also added a clause that bans drones from the stadium and surrounding areas. Violators of that policy could face criminal charges. 

[Detroit Free Press]

Fitness Center Evacuated After Police Dog Detects Suspicious Smell

A standard security sweep prior to a Women's Equality Day event at the Fort Wainwright Physical Fitness Center in Alaska led to a brief evacuation Tuesday after a police dog detected a suspicious smell in a locker room. 

A follow-up search revealed nothing suspicious, and the building was cleared and declared safe. 

The event was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

[News Examiner]