With the U.S. terror-alert status at its second-highest possible level at orange, campus sports venues across the nation are considering possible changes in policies to increase security.
Lt. Glen Miller of the University of Wisconsin Police Department heads security for events taking place at the Kohl Center.
“Most [security changes] are transparent to people visiting the Kohl Center,” Miller said. “We’re more vigilant in and around the building now.”
Miller couldn’t be too specific on what the changes in security completely entail because giving out too much information could possibly jeopardize the security of the Kohl Center.
The most Miller could say regarding changes was “we’ve upgraded security measures.”
Among the objects not allowed into the Kohl Center are backpacks.
“We won’t allow backpacks, but moderately sized purses are OK,” Miller said.
There are other stadiums in the country that are practicing many of the increased security measures.
Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C., home to Wake Forest’s men’s basketball, has increased the number of officers and security personnel at events. In addition, much like the Kohl Center, backpacks and oversized bags are not permitted in the facility. Small bags and personal articles are subject to search at entry gates.
All of these new measures were put into action Feb. 13, when Wake Forest hosted Duke.
In regards to increased security, crowds at Joel Coliseum are displaying mixed feelings.
Having limitations and having their things checked could anger some fans, but Miller reported just the opposite. “People have been compliant, and they are quite used to gate checks,” Miller replied. “They (the fans) often thank the personnel for their vigilance.”
Although the Kohl Center, similar to others, has upgraded security, some stadiums have decided against it.
Lenny Willis, director of facilities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said that they have made no changes.
“We haven’t changed our security; we’ve kept it as normal,” he said.
The Resch Center, run by a company called P.M.I, in Green Bay, is home to the UW-Green Bay men’s basketball team.
Jerry Charles, public relations for P.M.I., said that they haven’t made any changes either.
“We haven’t done anything,” Charles said. “For certain concerts we always do [bag checks], but that is just for contraband.”
However, there is one problem often associated with bag checks. The increased security and bag checks can sometimes slow the fans coming into events. Joel Coliseum and Wake Forest officials are encouraging fans to arrive early to avoid entrance delays.
When asked for advice regarding fans attending the Kohl Center for numerous events, Miller suggested event goers should avoid worrying too much about potential foul play. “Come and have a good time,” he said.
