Spring Training Stadium Announces Metal Detectors

All spring training fans will be greeted by metal detectors at Roger Dean Stadium when spring training games start Feb. 25.

"We want to make sure no guns or knives or long poles get through," said Mike Bauer, general manager of the 7,000-seat stadium in Abacoa. "This is a directive from Major League Baseball to all spring training facilities in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues. We want a safer environment."

Fans should arrive about 15 minutes earlier than usual to make sure they get into the park on time, Bauer said.

Bags held by fans were searched in previous years at entry gates at the stadium, spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals.

All fans this year will be asked to remove cellphones and other items from their pockets and place them in a container on a conveyor belt that will pass through the metal detector.

Team personnel will use metal-detecting wands on fans who set off alarms when they walk in, Bauer said.

It's the same system used at the Palm Beach County Courthouse and other professional sports facilities, Bauer said.

Stadium officials paid about $50,000 for the 10 machines, he said.

"Most people are used to the drill. Fans should come a little bit early to get through the lines," Bauer said.

The directive from Major League Baseball was a result of the June 2016 shootings in Orlando and other incidents. The new Ballpark of the Palm Beaches will use hand-held devices on selected guests.

The detectors are not a response to weapons being brought into Roger Dean Stadium, Bauer said.

"We haven't had any issues here at Roger Dean Stadium. But we are in a different world today," he said.

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what's allowed, what's not

Guests are welcome to bring the following items into Roger Dean Stadium:

One clear, soft-sided, factory-sealed water bottle 20 ounces in size or smaller per person.

Bags no larger than 16-by-16-by-8 inches in size. All bags are subject to inspection; clear bags are preferred.

The following items will NOT be permitted inside Roger Dean Stadium:

Glass bottles, metal cans.

Alcohol or illegal substances.

Soft drinks or sports/energy drinks.

Brooms, poles, selfie sticks.

Weapons (firearms, knives) regardless of permit.

Pets (except service animals or during specific promotions).

Noise-making devices (e.g. air horns, cowbells, musical instruments, etc.).

Personal recreational vehicles (skateboards, in-line skates, wheeled footwear, bicycles, hoverboards, razor boards, Segways, etc.).

Baseball bats other than the miniature souvenir bats purchased at the team store.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

For information, visit RogerDeanStadium.com

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