Security Measures In Place At OU

Sept. 26, 2001

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma Athletics Director Joe Castiglione said today that already stringent security measures at Sooner athletics events will be continued and that some added safety precautions have been implemented in light of recent events.

"To comment specifically on all of our measures would be to compromise much of what we do," Castiglione said, "but I also know that our fans want some assurance that appropriate safety and security measures have already been adopted for our events making it a safe and enjoyable environment.

"Most of our fans would be surprised at the level of precaution we already take at Oklahoma because much of it involves aspects that they cannot see. This is a university that has been hosting games of national focus and with capacity crowds for many years. For that reason, security has been a major focus for a long time and some very detailed steps are conducted for each event. Security continues to be a priority now and just like other entities around the country we are implementing new procedures.

Safety measures include tightly securing the stadium prior to each game. Additionally, trained personnel conduct a thorough security search and review before and during each game. Security staff remains on duty during each game throughout the stadium and surrounding area.

In terms of stadium entry, OU already prohibits coolers, ice chests, cans, bottles, containers of any type and noisemakers from being brought into the stadium.

Beginning with Saturday's game against Kansas State, additional procedures are being implemented ...

All bags, backpacks, large cases for binoculars or other items, fanny packs and large purses (larger than 10" by 10") are prohibited and banned from entrance into the stadium. Anyone requiring such an item for emergency reasons such as medical items or diaper bags may be admitted only through gate 15 on the west, gate 19 on the north and/or gate 44 on the east. All such bags will be searched.

Any person leaving the stadium will be readmitted only through gate 15 on the west, gate 19 on the north and/or gate 44 on the east, and must show a pass out check and ticket stub for re-entry.

Enhanced security measures also include additional stadium personnel, security and uniformed officers. Also, the FAA has restricted all air space within three miles and 3,000 feet altitude of all stadiums.

Castiglione said that fans may want to allow more time for entry to the stadium. With ESPN GameDay on site and beginning at 9:30 a.m., gates for OU students will open at 8 a.m., and 8:30 a.m., for all other patrons.

"We don't want to inconvenience our patrons unduly, but we also want to live up to their expectations for being thorough," Castiglione said.

Parking lots near the stadium are regulated by permit. The numbers imprinted on the permits, and the numbers imprinted on all tickets and game credentials, as well as the names of those to whom the passes are issued, are recorded by athletics department officials. In addition, streets near the stadium are closely monitored and some are closed well before patrons are allowed to enter the stadium.

Castiglione added that the department has been and will continue to be engaged in meetings with law enforcement agencies and that stadium security is discussed in game operations meetings, which include security reviews with law enforcement agencies, on a weekly basis.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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