New security measures at Air Canada Centre mean that Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors fans will soon have to walk through metal detectors before heading into the arena. Plans for the detectors are still in early phases and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) said that more details will be released this summer.
The metal detectors are supposed to make entrance into the arena go more smoothly than wanding every entrant. Dave Haggith, spokesman for MSLE, said, “For now, though, best practices from different venues and the experience of the league security shows that walk-through detectors are more efficient than wanding.”
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The Toronto Blue Jays implemented this practice at Rogers Centre during their home opener on April 13. Fans were alerted prior to the game that they would need to allow more time to get into the stadium.
The detectors at Rogers Centre resemble what is seen at airports, but are not as sensitive.
Fans are able to leave their shoes on, and watches, belts, and loose change will not set off an alarm. However, it is required that other metal objects and cellphones be place in a basket before a person goes through the detector.
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