Notre Dame is stepping up its defense this year, announcing Thursday that it will begin using metal detectors at all ticketed events.
“We’ll have it for all ticketed events in athletics, but there also will be events on campus that will require metal detectors as well," said Dennis Brown, Notre Dame chief spokesperson. "For example, the Garth Brooks concert last fall.”
According to the South Bend CBS affiliate, fans will have bags checked, pass through the metal detectors, and then have tickets scanned before entering.
“It won’t be as strict a process as it might be going through an airport metal detector,” said Brown.
Notre Dame released the following statement on the new security measures:
As part of the University of Notre Dame’s ongoing commitment to safety and security, walk-through metal detectors will be used at all gates of Notre Dame Stadium for the 2019 football season, beginning on Sept. 14 with the first home game.
Metal detectors will be used at all home football games, men’s and women’s basketball contests in Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center and hockey games at Compton Family Ice Arena. This policy may be in effect for other events in those locations or other campus venues on a case-by-case basis.
“As we continue to analyze our safety and security procedures, the introduction of metal detectors adds another layer of protection for guests, teams and staff,” said Mike Seamon, vice president for campus safety and University operations. “Most fans have likely experienced this added safety precaution when attending games at other college or professional venues. This technology aligns Notre Dame’s fan safety procedures with industry best practices.”
Guests entering with bags should consult the clear bag policy. After having bags checked, guests will pass through the metal detectors and then have tickets scanned for entry to the venue. Entrants will not be required to remove belts, cell phones, coins, jackets, jewelry, watches, wallets, shoes or other small objects.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early at the venue to ensure a sufficient amount of time for screening.
Last season, Notre Dame adopted a clear bag policy for home events. Information about the clear bag policy is available at UND.com/clearbag. A complete list of prohibited items is available online at gameday.nd.edu.
