Dome on alert for game Saturday
Security at the Carrier Dome will be on high alert this weekend.
Syracuse law enforcement contacted Dome officials Tuesday after receiving a security bulletin about terrorist activities targeting stadiums, entertainment venues, hotels and mass transit.
The security bulletin, which was discovered by the Associated Press, comes largely in response to an apparent planned terrorist attack 12 days ago in New York City. The terrorist suspect, Najibullah Zazi, was taken into custody on Saturday, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident, and subsequent bulletin, has prompted venues and stadiums throughout the country to heighten security.
‘We’re going to continue to implement the procedures we’ve had at football, basketball and lacrosse games since 2001,’ said Pat Campbell, senior associate athletic director responsible for Dome management. ‘We’ll remind our staff on game day the importance of being vigilant and keeping their eyes open.’
Fans going to the game Saturday won’t experience any new security measures. The same items are prohibited: back packs, large duffel bags, food, beverages, cameras, artificial noise makers, air horns, electronic instruments, flags, laser pointers, firearms and explosives. Binoculars and cameras are permitted, and small purses may be searched.
‘Come early. Don’t bring backpacks. The earlier you get here, the easier and quicker it’ll be for you to get to your seats.’ Campbell said.
The Dome staff, coincidentally, had a training session on terrorist attacks with the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety Tuesday, the same day the security bulletin was made public, Campbell said. All box office, maintenance, production and management staff attended the training session.
Campbell said 30,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s game against Maine, and he said he expects that number to reach 40,000 by kickoff.
The bulletin also warns of a threat to mass transit. Centro bus drivers have been told to stay alert to suspicious activity, specifically involving backpacks.
Published on September 22, 2009 at 12:00 pm
