As part of an ongoing commitment to safety and security, the University of Notre Dame has adopted a new policy on bags and other items fans can bring into its football stadium on game days.
Beginning with the 2013 season-opening game Aug. 31 (Saturday), fans will be prohibited from bringing large bags such as backpacks, duffel bags and totes into the stadium (see photo for examples). Smaller bags, such as purses, will be allowed but will be inspected by trained security personnel, as will blankets, coats, ponchos and other similar items.
“Our top priority is safety, and we believe that in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing and other incidents through the years, this new policy is the prudent course of action,” said Michael Seamon, associate vice president for campus safety and director of game day operations. “We know our fans will adapt quickly to the policy, and we appreciate their cooperation in helping to make Notre Dame Stadium as safe as possible.”
Seamon said his hope is that fans would not bring bags of any kind into the stadium, and he added that the addition of specially trained inspectors will ensure that any delays at the gates will be kept to a minimum.
University officials benchmarked the bag policies of the National Football League and others in collegiate athletics before amending Notre Dame’s policy.