Bank Of America Stadium Instates NFL Pat-Down Policy

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 Bank Of America Stadium Instates NFL Pat-Down Policy
August 28, 2005

Panthers.com

In accordance with the recently mandated NFL policy and to further enhance fan safety and comfort, everyone entering Bank of America Stadium for all Carolina Panthers home games will be hand searched. The pat-down policy will begin with Thursday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Security individuals conducting the pat-downs will do so on a gender specific basis. Fans are encouraged to arrive early at the stadium gates to help facilitate this additional security measure.

Pat downs of fans entering NFL stadiums have taken place on a frequent basis in recent years. Following discussions at a recent league meeting, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the NFL clubs determined that these hand searches should be a required element of stadium security procedures at all NFL games.

"This new requirement is not a result of any specific threat information," Commissioner Tagliabue said. "It is in recognition of the significant additional security that pat-downs offer, as well as the favorable experience that our clubs and fans have had using pat-downs as part of a comprehensive stadium security plan."

Several NFL teams successfully used pat-downs as part of stadium security procedures last season. Pat-downs at stadium gates have been part of the Super Bowl security plan since 2002.