University of Minnesota Athletics
NCAA Announces Security Plans for Division I Basketball Championships
3/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
"Before 9-11, there were plans in place to address security," said Division I Men's Basketball Committee chair Jim Livengood, director of athletics at the University of Arizona. "Since then, we have enhanced those security and contingency plans."
"We have designed these plans to be flexible," added Cheryl Marra, chair of the Division I Women's Basketball Committee and senior associate director of athletics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. "We are working with the appropriate federal, state and local authorities to ensure the safety of all participants and fans."
As part of the security measures, patrons will be subject to searches as they enter the competition venue. All items carried into the arena will be inspected. Also, patrons will not be allowed to enter the venue for a session, leave, and then return to the same session.
In addition to the items listed below, the facility managers have the option to prohibit other items deemed a potential security risk. Storage of prohibited items inside the venues will be prohibited.
Following are the items that will be prohibited during practice or competition at all sites:
Large bags, back packs, large purses and other large items;
Firearms, explosives and other weapons;
Cans, coolers and other containers except in cases of medical need, as certified by a physician;
Artificial noisemakers;
Large signs, flags, sticks, poles, banners and laser pointers;
Video cameras on game days; and Food or drinks
The policies are subject to change, and patrons are encouraged to check local media prior to the event.
In addition to the enhanced security procedures that will be in effect for the NCAA, there will also be additional security measures taken for the Midwest Regionals at the Metrodome on Thursday, Mar. 27 and Saturday, Mar. 29. Those will include 5th and 4th Street at Park Avenue and Chicago Avenue between 5th and 4th street being closed two hours prior to game time. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for games in anticipation of traffic due to these streets being closed and lines due to security checks at the gate.
Due to the streets being closed two hours prior to game time there will also be alternate dropoff areas. Charter buses will drop off on 2nd Street South, taxis will drop off at 6th Street and Chicago, disabled spectators will also be dropped at 6th Street and Chicago and will be allowed to park at the Medical Examiners parking lot, and limos will park at 11th Avenue by the curb. GAS:blb/mel
