Security, entrance procedures set for 2011 football season
8/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 30, 2011
Air Force football opens the 2011 season hosting University of South Dakota at noon, Sept. 3 in Falcon Stadium.
The Air Force Academy's North and South entrances will open at 8 a.m. for the South Dakota game, and will open four hours prior to kickoff for subsequent games. This allows fans access to Falcon Stadium parking lots for pre-game activities, and pre- and post-game tailgating.
Please note that security barriers are installed at both North and South gates thus reducing speed and lane changes at the entry gates. Fans will proceed through these gates with caution and avoid any lane changes as traffic will be flowing through in all entry lanes.
Fanfest starts at 9:30 a.m. in front of the stadium. Parking Lot 3 and gates to Falcon Stadium open at 10 a.m. Fans are welcome to tailgate in the stadium parking lots prior to the game and for up to three hours after.
Security restrictions for entry to the stadium are the same as last year, with regard to water bottles and camera bags. Still cameras and handheld video cameras will be allowed, but flash photography is not permitted. Empty or factory-sealed soft plastic water (water only) bottles, 24 ounces or less will be permitted.
Items prohibited at Falcon Stadium include: alcoholic beverages, food, umbrellas, backpacks or large bags, artificial noisemakers, banners or large signs (no signs larger than 18 x 24 inches), laser pointers, weapons, firearms, fireworks, glass containers, cans, bags larger than 8x11 inches, and any items that cannot be readily inspected.
The only exceptions to the food and drink prohibition will be for people with certain medical conditions and infants (these must be requested in advance, by contacting Athletic Events Management).
Pets other than working service dogs are not permitted. Infant carrier bags and diaper bags are allowed if an infant is present, but the bags will be searched. All hand-carried items will be checked, to include purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, seat cushions, and blankets. Express lines will be available for those spectators entering the stadium with nothing to be searched.
All patrons entering the stadium are subject to search. Initial visual screening and a pat-down will be performed upon entry. Elevated screening procedures may be used, including metal detectors, if the base's security posture is heightened.
More information on security for home football games and other sports is located in the Air Force Athletics Fan Guide, available online at: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/afa/genrel/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/2011FanGuide.pdf
