Why has this policy been adopted?
Arena safety and security policies are reviewed each year, looking for ways to improve them. These proactive and preventative measures will both enhance safety inside the arena and speed the security screening process for all fans. The public deserves to be in a safe, secure environment. This is about both safety and the overall fan experience.
How does this policy improve public safety?
The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.
How does this make it more convenient for guests?
This will enable us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue. We also believe guests will realize an improved sense of safety.
Are team-branded bags available to guests?
Guests who desire to carry GU branded bags may purchase them at the Zag Shop on GU’s campus. However, any clear 12" by 6" by 12" bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive Ziploc-style bag may be used. In addition, guests may carry their own small clutches (4.5” x 6.5”).
How many bags can each person bring into the venue?
Each ticketed guest can carry one clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12" by 6" by 12" clear bag – plus a small clutch (4.5” x 6.5”). The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
I have a concealed weapons permit; can I bring in my firearm?
Gonzaga University is private property and reserves the right to prohibit firearms from campus. Concealed weapons permit holders are not exempt from the restriction and cannot bring firearms on campus including the McCarthey Athletic Center.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into a venue will be required to have their bag inspected and tagged by security. Guests with such items should enter the arena through an ADA/Family screening lane located at both the north and south main entrances of McCarthey. For questions about medical equipment or other needs please contact the Athletics Department at 509-313-4202.
Are all purses prohibited?
Yes. The only permitted non-clear bag are small clutches, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap, permitted along with either the 12" by 6" by 12" clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag. This should enable guests to carry the same items they have in previous years and expedite entry into the venue.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not permissible items that are brought to a game. Therefore, guests can carry keys, cell phones, makeup, feminine products, comb, wallet, credit cards, etc. in their pockets or jacket if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5” x 6.5”). Guests can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items. Large metal items such as binoculars, cameras and tablets need to be store in your clear bag as they are not permitted to travel through the walk-through metal detector. Binoculars and camera bags are not a permissible bag.
What items do I need to remove from my pockets or clothing before walking through the metal detectors?
Large metal items such as; binoculars, tablets, and cameras.
Do I have to remove my shoes and other metal including belts, jewelry, hair clips?
Unlike at an airport, guests do NOT need to remove shoes, belts, cellphones, keys, small jewelry, hair clips, wallets or small amounts of loose change.
What if an alarm sounds?
If an alarm is triggered, a secondary search will be conducted by event staff using a hand-held metal detector.
Can I put my purse inside my clear bag?
No, purses and non-clear bags are no longer allowed inside McCarthey Athletic Center. All items guests bring into the arena must be in a clear bag or pocket. Personal items may be placed in a small make up bag or clutch that is no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
What about diaper bags?
Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, would be allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the venue.
If I use a wheelchair, scooter or walker, do I still pass through the metal detectors?
Guests with disabilities or assistive devices may be screened in the Medical/Family entrance lane using a hand-held metal detector instead of utilizing the walk through metal detector.
If I have an artificial hip/knee, a pacemaker, or other medical concerns, do I still have to pass through the metal detectors?
Guests with medical devices should consult their doctor or device manufacturer if unsure of their ability to utilize a walk-through metal detector. Event staff will not give advice regarding any medical devices. Guests who are unable to use a walk-through metal detector should utilize the designated Medical/Family lane at located at the north and south entrances.
Guests should notify event staff that they have a medical device. Guests who are screened with a hand-held metal detector will be asked to place their palm over the area of the device so that it can be avoided during screening. After hand-held metal detector screening is complete, event staff will clear the area of the device using a physical pat-down.
If I am an expectant mother, do I have to pass through the metal detectors?
Expectant mothers should consult their doctor if unsure of their ability to utilize a walk-through metal detector. Event staff will not give advice regarding the ability of an expectant mother to utilize a walk-through metal detector. Guests who are unable to use a walk-through metal detector should utilize the designated Medical/Family lane at located at the north and south entrances.
What is the policy for children?
Children are subject to screening, however, infants and toddlers may be carried with their parents/guardian through the walk-through metal detector. Children who are able to walk through will be asked to go through on their own. If the walk-through metal detector alarms for items on a child, secondary screening will occur in the presence of a parent/guardian. Designated Medical/Family lanes are available at the north and south entrance for families with small children who opt to be screened with a hand-held metal detector. |
