Expert Says Philadelphia Stadium Security Is Now Both High-Tech And Old-Fashioned
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Fans will certainly be "Flyered Up" for tonight's playoff game, but if fans get unruly, who's responsible? And what can you do about it?
Aubrey Kent, associate professor of sport and recreation management at Temple University, says security measures at sports venues have changed, especially since 9/11.
"In the past, if you were precluded from bringing things in, it was mostly viewed as profit protection -- they wanted you to buy your drinks and what-have-you in the stadium, and not bring it in," he tells KYW Newsradio. "But now there's a safety element to that as well. You are subject to bag searches, you are subject to patdowns if it's a cold day and you have a big jacket on, for example."
Mostly though, he says any danger to safety is caused by fights. It's a scene with which many are familiar.
(Man:) "You'll see a lot of people standing up, then security has to move them around."
(Woman:) "People yelling different things..."
(Man:) "People are oblivious at times."
(Woman:) "Drunks."
(Man:) "When someone has too many drinks, the foolishness comes out."
Kent, the Temple professor, says it is the venue's responsibility to maintain security and safety at a sporting event. They also get to set the rules.
"On most tickets there's, on the back, in very small lettering, disclosures that outline the ability of stadium personnel to eject people for unruly conduct," he notes.
And he adds that nowadays many venues depend on visitors to report problems to security via text messaging:
"(They) have a dedicated number to security if you see anything that is going on."
And while it's not legally required to report an incident, he says it certainly helps the venue keep order.
One man, though, says the best way to be safe is to avoid confrontation:
"You gotta walk away -- just walk away," he advises.
