Davis Wade Stadium safety enhancements to include metal detectors
In an effort to continue Mississippi State University's long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all gates of Davis Wade Stadium on football gamedays beginning Sept. 1.
"Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama are taking the lead in implementing safety and security measures including metal detectors that will be required of all Southeastern Conference universities by 2020," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. "Here at MSU, we have made systematic strides in recent years to maximize security while also maximizing the very best possible fan experience for our Bulldog family and our guests. I encourage our loyal fans to embrace this necessary initiative."
Metal detectors are currently mandatory at all NFL and MLB stadiums and are utilized at numerous college stadiums across the nation. They will be required at all SEC football stadiums by the fall of 2020. Metal detectors have been in place at Humphrey Coliseum the last two basketball seasons.
"The safety and well-being of our fans and student-athletes has and will always be of the utmost importance to us," said MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen. "With walk-through metal detectors becoming a conference-wide initiative in football by 2020, we want to ensure a smooth transition for all fans who visit Davis Wade Stadium. We encourage our fans to become familiar with the process before they arrive on campus on Sept. 1."
When fans arrive at the gates of Davis Wade Stadium, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at Davis Wade Stadium gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry. A complete FAQ on the walk-through metal detectors process at Davis Wade Stadium is available at HailState.com/metaldetector.
The SEC clear bag policy will continue to be in effect at Davis Wade Stadium. To expedite the screening process, fans are urged to use their approved clear bag to carry permitted items into the stadium rather than placing them in the screening table containers. An updated clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Fans interested in becoming familiar with the new entry process into Davis Wade Stadium in person are encouraged to attend MSU Fan Day this Saturday [Aug. 25]. Though Fan Day is being held at the Palmeiro Center, walk-through metal detectors will be set up at Davis Wade Stadium for any fans interested in getting a preview of the gameday setup.
