In an on-going effort to provide the safest environment for Baylor fans, student-athletes, coaches, staff and visiting guests, walk-through metal detectors have been installed at all entrances to McLane Stadium for the 2016 football season. Baylor is the first Big 12 stadium to add metal detectors to its game-day security efforts and they successfully made their debut during a pair of high school football games hosted by the stadium last weekend.
“The safety and security of our guests are the top priority of Baylor University,” said Drew Pittman, Baylor University’s Assistant Athletic Director/Facilities & Operations, oversees Baylor football games at McLane Stadium. “We are excited about the addition of walk-through metal detectors to our already robust public safety program. Magnetometers will allow us to provide enhanced security measures while continuing to provide a premium game day experience for all fans.”
McLane Stadium was recently honored with the Facility of Merit for Safety and Security Award by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). The accolade, given to only four NCAA institutions, recognizes a facility that has performed above and beyond normal operations to demonstrate an innovative approach to enhancing safety and security. The chosen facility may also have resolved a significant safety/security issue or incident.
Gates to McLane Stadium open 90 minutes prior to kick-off, and fans are asked to give themselves plenty of time to get through the on-site screening process. Fans are also reminded that no bags larger than 12”x6”x12” will be allowed inside the stadium and that backpacks, coolers and other large bags are also not permitted.
Before passing through the metal detectors, fans will be asked to remove cell phones, tablets, large key rings, cameras, wristlets/clutches, bags, purses, binoculars and any other large metal items. They do not, however, need to remove belts, watches, shoes, wallets or jewelry as they would when passing through an airport screening system.
As fans walk through the metal detectors, special alerts will notify the operator that the individual will need additional screening with a hand held metal detector or pat down. Special lanes will be available for individuals with mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.), service animals or those with medical implants. Individuals who do not consent to the screening process will be denied entry into the stadium.
Another new game-day feature at McLane Stadium this fall is a pre-game concert series, which will begin immediately following the Bear Walk, which is held 2.5 hours prior to kick-off. The Gin Blossoms is the featured group for the Northwestern State game and will be featured on-stage near stadium Gate D.
In addition, McLane Stadium’s concessionaire, SAVOR, has converted the T-Shirt Express store near Section 210 into a concession stand, updated menu items (complete with new concept stands, additional portable stands and healthy menu items throughout the stadium), added an awning to the concession stand in the berm area and plans to utilize hawkers throughout the stadium to ease the concession stand lines.
For those fans who part on-site at McLane Stadium, please also note that the parking lots have been designated 1, 2, 3 and 4 after being labeled A, B, C and D in the stadium’s first two seasons. There is no changes to the individually numbered on-site parking stalls, just the lot designation.
Baylor opens its third football season at McLane Stadium, the Bears’ state-of-the-art home on the banks of the Brazos River, on Friday, Sept. 2, when Northwestern (La.) State visits for a 6:30 p.m. game that will be nationally televised by Fox Sports Net.
