Bag prohibition will stay this season at Michigan Stadium
The ban on all bags at the Big House will be in place for the rest of the football season.
The bag prohibition policy went into effect when the University of Michigan took on Indiana on Sept. 26; it came in the wake of warnings that terrorists maybe be targeting entertainment venues, including stadiums. The next home game is against Delaware State on Saturday.
The U-M Department of Public Safety announced today that the new rules will stay, emphasizing the bag ban isn't in response to a specific threat, but is a general safety precaution at the stadium, which seats 106,201.
"By reducing the bags, it allows our police officers to focus on other security measures and behaviors and not be distracted," DPS spokeswoman Diane Brown said. "It reduces the potential for inappropriate and dangerous materials from being brought into the stadium."
The ban includes purses, lunch sacks, binocular and camera cases, fanny packs and diaper bags.Â
But there are exceptions. Medicine and medical equipment, as well as diapers for small children, can be taken into the stadium in a clear plastic bag no larger than a gallon. A prescription or written authorization from a medical professional must accompany medical supplies.
Large bags and umbrellas have long been banned from Michigan Stadium. The last bag prohibition went into place after Sept. 11, 2001. Shortly after, rules were changed to accommodate small bags. Though officials would prefer no bags, they can be checked at Gate F at Chrisler Arena.
Brown said the bag prohibition at the Sept. 26 game went smoothly and quickly since people followed the new rules.
Permitted items include: binoculars and small cameras out of the case, non-pocket seat cushions, cell phones and clear, sealed water bottles - and of course, ID and tickets.
For a full list of allowed and prohibited items, visit the Michigan Athletics Web site.
Remaining home games include:Â
- Oct. 17 vs. Delaware State
- Oct. 24 vs. Penn State
- Nov. 7 vs. Purdue
- Nov. 21 vs. Ohio State
Those attending Saturday are encouraged to get to their seats earlier than usual. The stadium gates open at 10 a.m.
Juliana Keeping covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
Elatia
Mon, Sep 27, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.
Bag bans do nothing more than anger and inconvenience the fans. These bans aren't necessary and are just an annoyance and inconvenience.
carolanivey
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 6:38 p.m.
Every female fan should show up with clear plastic bags full of tampons. "Well, you TOLD us not to bring a purse." Watch how fast they change the policy. :)
newsboy
Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 9:40 a.m.
Cool it people!! This is only a ban on bags, nobodys gona take your Gunz! Can I still bring my wife and my weed?
KaceeB
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:09 p.m.
Is the problem the bags or the stuff in them? Because now that it's cold outside, what's to stop a terrorist from bringing dangerous things into the stadium inside coat pockets? Are they going to be frisking everybody? Due to my work schedule, I haven't actually attended a Michigan football game in several years, so maybe they are now banning coats and other clothing that could hide forbidden items... like a camera inside a case or embarrassing personal hygiene items that people would prefer not to display as they enter the stadium. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm curious.
frozenhotchocolate
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 6:25 p.m.
im olive skinned, ive been friskced everytime ive gone to a game since 9/11. no change for me, girls will have less make-up on, no big deal.
CarrNavarreous
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 5:59 p.m.
I hope that doesn't include barf bags.
Deb Anderson
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 4:03 p.m.
I haven't carried a bag into a game in years, for obvious reasons. Is there really that much room to deal with? People will find a reason to whine, just to whine. "Oh, I can't take my bag or my big huge Coach purse, Whah for you!
northwoods
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 3:30 p.m.
This serves no other purpose than to create a false sense of security. I think next they should ban people from the stadium to make really sure nothing bad happens.
Rizzle
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 3:29 p.m.
They won't make an exception for the paper bags that the Wolverine fans will need to wear on their heads after losing to Delaware State?
saginaw
Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 1:39 p.m.
Michigan football is doing ok: 1. 4 - 2 right now. 2. Delaware State, a win at home for sure. 3. PSU, we will be rested and playing at home, so we should win. 4. Winning against Wiscy in Camp Randall is a long shot. 5. Beating OSU is a long shot. 6. So, we should only have 2 more losses and that will bring UM to 8 - 4. Not a bad season at all -- but our non-conference schedule is way too weak.