University Steps Up Security At TCF Bank Stadium
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- About four thousand miles west of Paris, new security precautions are in place.
Because of last week's attacks, security at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is expanded up this weekend.
The new practices were in place at Saturday morning's Gopher game, and will continue for Sunday's Vikings-Packers "border battle."
Many traditions have come and gone since the Gophers' first game in 1882, but lifelong Gopher fan Bill Kelly has noticed this game is a bit different.
"I'm all for it," he said about the stadium's beefed-up security.
University of Minnesota Police Chief Matt Clark spoke with WCCO before the game.
"You'll see, again, visible changes to our security, more visible officers, mobile cameras and all the other added security features that we use on an event based incident like this," he said.
The campus police chief says it's because of the terrorism in Paris. Aside from security personnel, 120 police officers were also working the game.
The University enacted the NFL's bag policy too. Tom McGinnis, the Associate Director of Athletics, said they tried to spread the word about the new security measures before the game.
"We've got staff all over campus today handing out fliers to make sure people realize, when they come to campus, what the policy is," he said.
Just as they do for Vikings games, people can sign in their bags in exchange for clear ones.
Lines in general, were a little slower Saturday -- something that can be expected Sunday, too.
"Weather will come into play today, 'cause you got a lot more people bringing blankets," McGinnis said. "They're bundled up, prepared for the elements. So lines will move a little slower."
His suggestions to make things easier?
"Show up as early as possible," he said. "Come on inside, have some hot chocolate, have a good time. Go Gophers!"
So if you're going to the Vikings-Packers game, the earlier the better. Security has to sift through everyone's winter gear.
Another bit of caution for tomorrow: It's the biggest game of the year for counterfeit tickets, so be cautious if you're looking for a last minute deal. New security practices are expected to last all season.
