Commonwealth Stadium Security Changes

Commonwealth Stadium Security Changes – Bag Checks, Carry-In Policy

University of Kentucky Announces new Bag Check & Carry-In Policy for Commonwealth Stadium in 2013

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- When filled to capacity, Commonwealth Stadium, the home of the Kentucky football team, becomes the third largest city in the state of Kentucky with nearly 70,000 fans that make their way into the facility. And although a UK win is on everyone’s mind, student-athlete, staff and guests’ safety is of utmost importance.

 

In response to recent national events and industry trends regarding security at large assembly events, University of Kentucky officials have implemented new security measures for all personnel entering Commonwealth Stadium during football game days this fall.

 

Beginning with Kentucky’s 2013 home opener against Miami (Ohio)on Saturday, Sept. 7, backpacks and large bags are prohibited from entering Commonwealth Stadium. Fans will be permitted to bring in one small bag, no larger than 13.5 inches by 10.7 inches. The bag must fit within sizing bins at all entrance gates of the stadium. UK officials are encouraging fans to arrive early andbring as few items as possible into the stadium. A security bin diagram is attached to this release.

 

“With the support of numerous campus, local, state and national public safety agencies, our collective primary objective is to provide a first-class guest experience in Commonwealth Stadium on game days,” said Kevin Saal, senior associate athletics director for operations and championships.  “Safety and security are critical components of that experience, and these new procedures represent industry-standard best practices for large assembly events. We encourage the Big Blue Nation and our guests to arrive early and bring as few items as possible. We appreciate guests’ patience and understanding as we work diligently to keep Commonwealth Stadium safe on game days.”

 

“We, along with everyone else in the Big Blue Nation, are very excited about the upcoming Wildcat football season,” said Joe Monroe, chief of the University of Kentucky Police Department. “UK wants all fans to enjoy the game-day experience, and to do so in a responsible manner. We urge everyone to become familiar with the new policies we have instituted for 2013.”

 

The new security policy will serve on top of the pre-existing prohibited items list for Commonwealth Stadium, which includes:

-          Alcohol

-          Aluminum containers

-          Artificial noisemakers

-          Backpacks

-          Chairbacks larger than 18”

-          Firearms

-          Food

-          Golf Carts

-          Glass containers

-          Ice/Ice chests

-          Irritants

-          Large bags

-          Pets (excluding service dogs)

-         Portable/combustible fuel heaters

-          Tobacco Products

 

Guests are encouraged to remain attentive to their surroundings and contact the nearest security official, event staff team member or call UKPD (859) 257-1616 to report suspicious behavior.

This is what security will be looking for when you enter the stadium...