SE: K-State Gameday Q&A on Addition of Metal Detectors

As K-State fans approach the gates of Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, they will encounter a new security procedure.

With universities now required to comply with the state's concealed carry gun law, K-State Athletics will implement enhanced security screening in the form of metal detectors for home football games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and men's and women's basketball games at Bramlage Coliseum in 2017-18.

K-State Sports Extra recently sat down with Casey Scott, K-State's executive associate athletics director for operations and event management, to understand the origins of this new security enhancement, what it will entail and how fans can maintain their gameday routine.

SE: Why did K-State Athletics decide to take this step in its gameday security?

CS: On July 1, the four-year exemption expired for universities to comply with the state's concealed carry gun law. Therefore, only approved areas providing adequate security measures can prohibit the concealed carrying of weapons on campus. That means to comply with the law and restrict weapons coming into our athletic facilities for football and men's and women's basketball games, we must provide metal detectors and law enforcement personnel at public entrances.

SE: How long ago did K-State Athletics begin planning for this?

CS: This has been in the works for the past two years. The first step occurred last year when we implemented the Clear Bag Policy. The planning for the purchase of walkthrough metal detectors and the personnel to manage the process began last fall. This effort is requiring a significant investment, but we believe it provides a greater level of security for our fans, whose safety and experience is our No. 1 concern.

SE: Have any other athletic departments implemented similar procedures?

CS: In the Big 12, Baylor implemented security screening with walkthrough metal detectors last season. As state institutions, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University will join us in complying with the state's law by employing screening at designated events this year. Most of our Big 12 counterparts are discussing the need for increased security procedures such as a Clear Bag Policy and metal detectors.

SE: What has K-State Athletics learned from those schools' experience with this type of security screening?

CS: Our staff observed the screening procedures at Baylor last season and learned some best practices, and also reached out to other athletic departments across the country to learn about their experiences. We also contracted with a nationally recognized security consultant who has helped professional and collegiate venues plan and implement similar security measures. This helped us understand the type of equipment we needed to purchase, the amount of personnel that would be required to staff and operate the equipment, how to position the equipment at the gates and how much time would be necessary to set up the equipment.

SE: What suggestions would you give to fans who want to make sure their gameday routine is not delayed?

CS: Most importantly, we are asking our fans to arrive at the stadium gates earlier than they have in the past, at least for the first few games until they and our staff have become acquainted with the new security process. We would also suggest that fans review information we have distributed about walking through the metal detectors and what they can and can't carry through the detectors. Our process is not as restrictive as what a person has typically experienced going through security at an airport.

SE: What items are fans prohibited from bringing into the stadium?

CS: Our list of prohibited items has not changed. As a reminder, our Clear Bag Policy does restrict the type and size of bags that are permitted in the stadium. For more information, visit our Gameday page.

SE: When in line, what items will fans need to remove before walking through the metal detector?

CS: In addition to their clear bags, fans will need to remove and place on the security table their cellphones, binoculars, cameras, permissible pocketknives and other large metal items. Fans do not have to remove their keys, belts, shoes, wallets, watches, jewelry or coins.

SE: What if fans have a medical condition that prohibits them from going through a metal detector?

CS: Anyone with a medical condition should let our stadium security staff know as they approach the gates that they can't go through a metal detector. They will then be checked with a hand-wand or they can request a pat-down search depending upon their condition.

SE: Are there any other gameday changes fans should be aware of for this upcoming season?

CS: As part of our enhanced security requirements, we will no longer permit fans to re-enter the stadium after the end of third quarter. This will allow our staff and law enforcement officers to begin preparing for the exit of fans from the stadium and the necessary postgame traffic enforcement.

Kansas State University Athletics

SE: K-State Gameday Q&A on Addition of Metal Detectors

Related Videos