Report: Arkansas wants metal detectors at Razorback Stadium
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Fans at Razorback Stadium this fall may have to go through some extra security before they’re allowed to enter.
According to a WholeHogSports.com report, university spokesperson Kevin Trainor said the school is working with university police to formulate a plan for the upcoming season:
“UAPD and Razorback Athletics are working jointly to prepare security plans to be submitted to the Arkansas State Police, as outlined in the law, for the upcoming athletics seasons,” Trainor said in an email, adding that fans will be informed before the 2017 football season about any new security procedures.
That plan may include having metal detectors on the exterior of the stadium, but Trainor said that’s not directly in response to Arkansas’s new concealed carry law that expands where licensed individuals can carry concealed weapons.
Still, state senator Jonathan Dismang said it makes sense to have metal detectors, both to keep those without weapons safe and to ensure that those who leave their weapons at home aren’t exposed to danger:
“Having metal detectors as part of that plan was important, so it was included in the language,” Dismang said, adding that the law leaves open details like where they might be set up or whether wands, as opposed to walk-in units, might be appropriate.
“The thought was that if you’re asking people to unarm themselves to attend an event, then they needed to be provided assurance that they’re in a safe place.”
All in all, having to walk through some metal detectors seems like an easy and unobtrusive way for Arkansas to keep college football fans safe this fall. What other security measures are taken remains to be seen.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
