Fans may want to allow a little more time to get to Sunday's game in order to catch the pregame ceremonies
On Sunday, October 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play their first home game in six weeks. That means, of course, that Buccaneer fans will gather in Raymond James Stadium for the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks on America.
As returning sports fans across the nation have discovered in recent weeks, the process of attending a major sporting event has changed. Security and safety are now overriding concerns at these events, at times in exchange for small conveniences.
That is the basic message of the Tampa Sports Authority, which administers Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs' home field. In order to help fans avoid late arrivals to Sunday's game, the TSA has released a statement regarding new security procedures at the stadium. Buccaneer fans attending Sunday's game should take a moment to absorb the following information and adjust their plans accordingly.
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Tampa Sports Authority Release
RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM TO EXPAND SECURITY; FANS ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE EARLY
Because of the tragic events that occurred in our nation on September 11, Raymond James Stadium has expanded its security measures for all events, including Sunday's NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers, which starts at 4:15 p.m.
Some of the security measures will cause delays upon entering the parking lots and stadium, therefore we ask for the patience and full cooperation of all guests attending the game and request that they respect and adhere to the policies and procedures that law enforcement officers and security personnel have put in place for Sunday's game.
Security and safety for our guests, employees and players has always been our number one concern. Numerous security measures that have been taken will be very obvious to fans, and very easy to detect. Several additional measures will not be visible. Everyone and everything is subject to inspection and search. This includes vehicles, players, coaches, media, entertainers, employees and guests. There are no exceptions.
Parking lots will open at 12:15 p.m., while stadium gates will open at 2:15 p.m. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive at Raymond James Stadium earlier than usual because of the increased security procedures. Inspection points will be established at all entry points of the stadium. Fans should expect potentially long delays in accessing reserved parking lots. There is no stadium re-entry, if you leave the stadium, you will not be permitted to re-enter.
All coolers, hard containers, large bags, fanny packs and backpacks are prohibited. No object larger than a small purse (4" x 6") that will be subject to visual inspection upon entry to the stadium is allowed. Prohibited items will not be stored at the gates. They must be returned to your vechicle or thrown away.
There will be an increase in security staff, including additional uniformed police presence at Sunday's game. Additionally, through the cooperation of the FAA, all aircraft will be prohibited from flying within a one-mile radius of the stadium and under 3,000 feet. This includes all government aircraft.
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ITEMS PROHIBITED
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