With football season right around the corner, Old Dominion University in Norfolk is ready to unveil its new $67.5 million Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium — and a “clear bag” security policy.
In his July 29 ODU Sports column Harry Minium, an ODU Athletics writer, reported the new policy follows the National Football League’s adoption of the security measure six years ago in an effort “to provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into stadiums.”
“In the world in which we live, this is considered a ‘best practice’ in college athletics meant to enhance safety and speed up the process of moving fans from ticket lines into their seats,” Minium said.
Also according to the column, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison, and Liberty University already have clear-bag policies.
With areas of large crowds becoming a recent target for violence — should concert and event venues be taking the same precaution?
Representatives from venues on the Southside, including the Scope Arena, Virginia Beach Convention Center, the Sandler Center, Chrysler Hall, and Harbor Park all said there are no current plans to implement a clear bag policy.
A spokesman for Norfolk State University’s Dick Price Stadium said the same.
And, Minium said the decision to implement the policy didn’t come without input from all parties including ODU Police and the company who provides security at the university’s athletic events.
If you’re planning on heading to a game this season, clear bags are available online and at university bookstore locations, Minium said.
“The clear-bag policy will get you to your seats a little quicker and with more peace of mind,” he said.
