Wake Forest Announces Health and Safety Enhancements at BB&T Field and LJVM Coliseum
8/16/2019 1:55:00 PM | Football, Men's Basketball
In an effort to maintain the safest possible environment at events hosted at BB&T Field and LJVM Coliseum, Wake Forest will implement a metal detector program at those two facilities.
In addition to safety enhancement, Wake Forest has upgraded misting stations and added water bottle refill stations at BB&T Field. The three misting stations are located in sections 10, 11 and 19. There are four water refilling stations located along the west concourse at sections 2, 5, 6 and 9. In addition, there will be a "Wake Well," which is a portable hydration station on the east concourse behind section 19. Fans will be allowed to bring empty disposable water bottles into the stadium to fill at the hydration station. Fans should note, metal and hard plastic water bottles will not be allowed in the stadium.
Metal detection will be used at all home football and basketball games, as well as other select events held at BB&T Field and LJVM Coliseum. Metal detection processes are mandatory at all NFL, NBA and MLB stadiums and are in place at a rapidly growing number of college athletics venues across the nation.
"Wake Forest is committed to providing the best fan experience in North Carolina, and the health and safety of our fans are top priorities in that mission. Comfort from our misting stations and water bottle refill area also are part of our effort to enhance the fan experience at BB&T Field," Wake Forest Associate AD for Athletic Event & Facility Operations Ellie Shannon said. "Our goal is to be proactive regarding safety by equipping all entrances at our two largest venues with an extra layer of security for the 2019 season and beyond. We've added more than 50 new game day staff members to handle the security process."
"We're encouraging fans to remove all items from their pockets while they are in line instead of waiting until they reach the metal detection area. That will speed the process and keep the lines flowing," Shannon added. "In addition to removing cell phones, keys and other metal items from their pockets, fans should keep their tickets in their hands, so they are ready to be scanned as soon as they get through metal detection. Please arrive early—especially for the first game—and give yourself extra time to enter the gates."
Wake Forest already has a policy requiring clear bags at athletic events. After having bags checked, fans will pass through the metal detectors and then have tickets scanned for entry to the venue. Those entering will not typically be requested to remove belts, coins, jackets, jewelry, watches, shoes or other small objects. They will be asked to remove electronics (phones, cameras, etc.) and keys from their pockets prior to the detection process.
Fans who have a medical condition or do not feel comfortable being scanned by the metal detectors can notify event staff and participate in an alternative screening process.
Wake Forest Football Metal Detection FAQ:
Q: Why is Wake Forest University implementing metal detection?
A: Wake Forest is committed to providing the best fan experience in North Carolina, and safety and security are top priorities in that mission.
Q: How much extra time should fans allow for entry into Wake Forest facilities utilizing metal detection?
A: Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early in order to allow for the extra time to pass through the metal detection process. While wait times can vary due to weather, crowd size, etc, general rule of thumb is 30 minutes earlier than you may normally come. Please note, BB&T Field gates will continue to open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Entering without bags and emptying pockets before getting to screening will shorten wait times.
Q: How can I get through screening quickly?
A: The less you bring with you into the stadium, the quicker the screening process will be. We highly suggest emptying your pockets including cell phones, wallets, keys and any other bulky items in order to move through the lines quicker.
Q: What items need to be removed ahead of time?
A: Fans will be asked to remove electronics, such as phones, cameras, as well as metal objects such as car keys. Typically, fans will not be requested to remove belts, coins, jackets, jewelry, shoes, or other small objects, though security reserves the right to request that if they deem it necessary for safety reasons.
Q: Will there be metal detection at every gate?
A: Yes, there will be metal detection at every gate, as well as inside Bridger Fieldhouse and McCreary Tower.
Q: What happens to individuals with ADA needs, metal devices or who require additional assistance in general?
A: Guests with ADA needs, metal devices or who require additional assistance can enter at any general public gate. They should notify event staff of their circumstances and will be assisted through the screening process.
Q: Why is it necessary now - have there been any prior threats made against the University?
A: Wake is implementing metal detection as a way to proactively enhance safety procedures. Metal detection is in use at other collegiate stadiums around the ACC and country, and there are no current threats.
Q: Does the clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of metal detection?
A: Yes. The clear bag policy will still be in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that fans use their approved clear bag to carry all approved items. Each clear bag will be inspected by security staff while screening occurs. Any bag that does not meet the clear bag policy requirements will not be permitted into the stadium and will need to be returned to the patron's vehicle.
