Steelers to pat down all fans entering Heinz Field

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | August 14, 2005 | Amy McConnell Schaarsmith

[Crackingham]

And you thought guys at football games only patted each other's butts on the field.

Not so. Starting tomorrow night at the gates of Heinz Field, all fans attending the sold-out, nationally televised preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be given a full pat-down by security guards before being allowed to enter the stadium.

And no, it's not because Philadelphia's infamously tough fans might be trying to smuggle in D batteries to pelt their players on the road as well as at home. The policy will apply to all future games as well as tomorrow night's, according to Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett.

"It was really just a matter of trying to enhance our security to make sure our security is as tight as possible," Lockett said. "There was no particular incident and no particular reason [to require pat-downs] other than trying to do what we could to make sure game day is as safe an environment as possible for everyone."

The extra security measures, however, will require fans to spend some extra time at the gate. And although it can be difficult to pry some fans from their tailgate parties, Heinz Field will open gates A and B, at the Coca-Cola Great Hall and South Plaza, at 5 p.m. -- three hours before the 8 p.m. kickoff instead of the usual two hours -- to reduce delays for fans who choose to show up early. Gate C will open at 6 p.m. for access to the seating bowl, club lounges and suites.

Coolers, Thermoses, bags, backpacks and purses larger than 81/2 by 11 inches are prohibited. Small purses, fanny packs, small camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, although all bags are subject to search.

[Sonny M]

For the record, Kerry and his Wife are not involved in this.....if they were, it would imply they actually had beliefs.

[peyton randolph]

Kerry at a NFL football game? Can just imagine him asking the hot dog vendor for grey poupon.

[MJY1288]

LOL, Searching ThaaaRaaaZa is not a job I would want, Kinda like patting down a Lion with a Pork Chop Suit on

[defenderSD]

I'll bet the ACLU sues to stop this next week. They might even have a point this time. Wouldn't metal detectors be less intrusive and more effective?

[defenderSD]

Yeah, those Hooters girls and be very dangerous. They might even need a strip search.

[Echo Talon]

Only Big Ben is allowed the throw the bombs in Pittsburgh.

[martin_fierro]

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Or did they mean to say, "Take PAT DAAAAHHHHHN to the stadium, 'n'at"?

[smoothsailing]

Maybe they're just searching for Hines Ward!

[Central Scrutiniser]

I miss the old days, back in the 70's we could go see Arizona State football, with Danny White as QB, and bring in a cooler full of beer. No hassle, no bs.

As I grew up, and attended ASU, as a student, we brought in copious amounts of spirits smuggled in our clothes (hard to justify bringing in a blanket in the early games where it is 95 degrees)

Now, as an alumni, and season ticket holder, I usually don't sneak in anything, but instead, I leave the game 4 minutes before halftime, hit the bar across the street and return.

Not selling beer at a college game is stupid.

Sadly, I live in Phoenix, the 5th largest city in America, and we lack an NFL team, instead, we have the Cardinals.

[beyond the sea]

Or did they mean to say, "Take PAT DAAAAHHHHHN to the stadium, 'n'at"?

I think they may have meant, "take the (New England Pats) dahn anat".

[Reform4Bush]

Seems like a very strange manuever. Very time consuming, and will require alot of personnel, increasing costs significantly and irritating customers.

This sure doesn't sound like something any business would do willingly. I would suspect there may be a specific threat we are not being told abouot.

Many of the opening day games will be played on 9/11. I wonder if that is more than a coincidence.

[beyond the sea]

And no, it's not because Philadelphia's infamously tough fans might be trying to smuggle in D batteries to pelt their players on the road as well as at home.

Some Pittsburghers used to throw batteries at Dave Parker. He ended up playing right field with a hard hat on. (I guess the Sears auto battery was a little too much.)

;-)

[agrace]

Thanks for the reminder. :( And we were already depressed watching Plaxico play for the Giants last night.

[KarlInOhio]

Are they preventing terrorism or people sneaking in food and drinks. Forcing people to buy a couple extra $6 watery beers instead of bringing their own would more than pay for the search.

[whershey]

Heheh I thought they've been patting down the Steeler thugs fans for years.

(Browns fan)

[T Minus Four]

What a deceptive title! I was looking forard to being patted down by a hunky Steeler, then in the article they change it to say it would be some lame security guard doing the patting. No fair!