Securing stadiums is certainly not a simple task and it's a topic we've covered fairly extensively here at SDN. One of my favorites was a tour of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, in case you missed it (there's even a cool video to go with it).
In addition, I also wrote a story recently about the University of Minnesota's effort to streamline and secure its new Golden Gophers’ TCF Bank Stadium. Many stadiums are turning to fans to enhance security as well. As a matter of fact, the NFL has been strongly encouraging its 32 teams to set up a system allowing fans to directly text the security department when issues arise in the stands.
Now, the Baltimore Ravens are having to step up security at its practice fields, according to this article in USA Today.
Apparently they've been having issues with large crowds vying to get autographs and have been forced to set up parameters. Now, players will only sign autographs for kids at football camp who are 6-15, are wearing a team-issued wristband, and are in a cordoned-off autograph zone.
"We have considered changing the way we do autograph signings for a few years," team president Dick Cass said when the announcement was made. "Our crowds for the morning practices have become so large that we've had safety situations with people pushing each other to try and get closer to the players. Often times, children would be put in difficult positions with the rush for autographs, especially from our most popular players."
That policy certainly makes sense from a security standpoint, but personally, if those kids are there for football camp, aren't they use to getting pushed around a bit? I think instead of setting up all these rules they just make getting an autograph some sort of tackling drill. I say, suit the kids up in their equipment, let them loose and make them work to get those autographs. I'm sure it'll make them tougher in the long run.
