Extra Security In Place For NBA Playoffs
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) - If you're one of the lucky few who are heading out to the AmericanAirlines Arena Tuesday night to watch Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, make sure you get there early.
In aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden, reports have said the NBA has decided to mandate metal detectors at every gate for fans.
Heat spokesman Tim Donovan said that's not the case at the AAA, but he did say Heat fans will be wanded by portable metal detectors as they always have been.
"They've always been up tight with all the security and I've always felt safe," said Heat fan Porscha Long.
Officially, Miami Police have said they've stepped up security, but not due to a threat. Instead, it's simply due to the increased amount of people going to the playoff games and fans will notice a visible increase in the security.
"I know there are going to be over 20,000 people here for this game and security is very high," said Heat fan Ricky Lake.
CBS4's Peter D'Oench was at the arena as the Miami Police bomb squad took its K-9 units inside, just hours before tipoff.
"Right now, we are here to take preventative measures with these sweeps," said Sgt. Steven Catell of the Miami Police bomb squad. "We are looking for potential explosive devices inside the arena. With the added attention of the playoffs, the Heat has also asked that we beef up security."
All of the security is not a burden, but a welcome sight for most fans, even though they are not worried about any possible retaliation for the death of bin Laden.
"When it comes to security, you have to take every precaution for protections, for family and friends," said Heat fan Mustafa Hasan. "I am all for it and if we have to wait in line an extra 30 minutes, I'm all for it."
The enhanced security will mean it will take extra time to get into the AAA for Tuesday's game. The game has a tip-off time of 7:00 p.m., so make plans to get there much earlier than that to ensure you get in to see the beginning of the game.
The Heat currently lead the series 1-0 as both teams fight to see who will make it to the Eastern Conference finals against the winner of the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls series.
