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In
wake of national tragedy
University Of
Virginia To Implement New Security Measures At Home Football Games
Beginning Sept. 29
September
24, 2001-- In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks, University of Virginia officials announced today new security
procedures for home football games. The procedures will be implemented
beginning with the Cavaliers Sept. 29 game against Duke.
"Were
asking U.Va.s football fans for their support in this matter
as we work together to reasonably ensure the safety of everyone
attending home games in Scott Stadium including our students,
faculty, alumni, staff, and guests," said Paul E. Norris Jr.,
U.Va. chief of police. "We are among the hundreds of colleges
and universities nationwide that are instituting these necessary
precautions."
The
Universitys procedures, developed in consultation with federal,
state and local law enforcement agencies, include:
Ticket holders will not be allowed to leave the stadium and
return during the game. The FBI has recommended that
colleges and universities institute this "no pass" policy.
Backpacks, bags, carryalls and totes will no longer be allowed
inside the stadium. People should expect that diaper bags or bags
holding essential medicines will be checked.
Alcohol, food, umbrellas, containers, coolers and video cameras
continue to be prohibited.
Banners, flags and signs attached to sticks or poles also continue
to be prohibited.
The Federal Aviation Administration will restrict air space over
the stadium.
"We
hope our fans will understand that these policies have been implemented
for the safety and security of everyone attending football games
at the University of Virginia," said Craig Littlepage, director
of athletics. "We realize that the re-entry policy has been
important to
many
of our fans, but security concerns must come before all else. The
Atlantic Coast Conference athletic directors, faculty representatives,
and Commissioner John Swofford have talked extensively about these
measures, and the procedures were implementing are recommended
by the ACC."
The
additional security measures may cause some delays at the gates,
so ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early at the Carl Smith
Center, home of Scott Stadium. The gates for Virginia home football
games open two hours before kickoff. The Duke game is scheduled
to begin at 1 p.m., with the gates opening at 11 a.m.
Contact:
Rich Murray, (434) 982-5500
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