Metal Detector Procedures
- Football
- Men's & Women's Basketball
Football
In an effort to continue Mississippi State University’s long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors were implemented at all gates of Davis Wade Stadium on football gamedays in 2018.
Metal detectors are currently mandatory at all NFL and MLB stadiums and are utilized at numerous college stadiums across the nation. They will be required at all SEC football stadiums by the fall of 2020. Metal detectors have been in place at Humphrey Coliseum the last two basketball seasons.
When fans arrive at the gates of Davis Wade Stadium, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at Davis Wade Stadium gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry. A complete FAQ on the walk-through metal detectors process at Davis Wade Stadium is available at HailState.com/metaldetector.
The SEC clear bag policy will continue to be in effect at Davis Wade Stadium. To expedite the screening process, fans are urged to use their approved clear bag to carry permitted items into the stadium rather than placing them in the screening table containers. An updated clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
Why is Mississippi State implementing metal detectors at Davis Wade Stadium?
To continue our university’s commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for fans, student-athletes, coaches and guests at our athletic facilities, beginning with the 2018 season, Mississippi State implemented walk-through metal detectors at Davis Wade Stadium. MSU will lead the way this season, as the SEC will require that all member schools implement a system of metal detection screening at the start of the 2020 season.
Have there been prior threats made against Davis Wade Stadium?
No. But like many stadiums and arenas, Mississippi State is implementing walk-through metal detectors along with other measures as means to enhance all safety and security procedures. Walk-through metal detectors have been in use at Humphrey Coliseum for the past two seasons and are mandatory at all NFL and MLB stadiums. Several college stadiums across the nation already utilize walk-through metal detectors.
Will there be a metal detector at every gate?
Yes. There will be walk-through metal detectors deployed outside all gates at Davis Wade Stadium. This will ensure that fans can efficiently enter the stadium.
How much extra time should fans allow for entry into Davis Wade Stadium?
Fans are encouraged to arrive at gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry into Davis Wade Stadium. To expedite the screening process, fans should be familiar with the Davis Wade Stadium clear bag policy and prohibited items list and leave all other unnecessary items locked securely in their vehicle. More information is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
What can fans expect once they get to the gates of Davis Wade Stadium?
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the gate security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required. Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter Davis Wade Stadium.
What happens to individuals who cannot walk through a metal detector due to a medical condition?
Metal detectors are safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women and adults with most all medical implants or devices. Fans with concerns about passing through the walk-through metal detectors should check with their doctors to make sure it is OK. If you choose not to use the walk-through metal detector, you will still be subject to screening with a small hand-held metal detecting wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller will be directed to a nearby screening area at each gate location.
Does the clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of the metal detectors?
Yes, the clear bag policy is still in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that fans use their approved clear bag to carry approved items rather than placed in the screening table containers. The approved clear bag with contents will be inspected at the each detector screening table. Updated information on the clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
What time will gates to Davis Wade Stadium open?
All gates to Davis Wade Stadium open two hours and fifteen minutes (2:15) before kickoff.
How will the new metal detectors affect cowbells being brought into Davis Wade Stadium?
Cowbells are always welcome at Davis Wade Stadium. Fans with cowbells are asked to place their cowbell inside their approved clear bag or in the provided screening table containers prior to walking through the metal detector.
Do I have to take off my jacket, belt or shoes upon entry into Davis Wade Stadium?
No. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects when being screened at Davis Wade Stadium.
What if fans don’t want to pass through the metal detectors?
Fans with concerns about passing through the walk through metal detectors will still be subject to screening with a hand-held metal detector wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair or with a stroller will be directed to a special screening area at each gate location. If you are still uncomfortable with the hand-held wands, inform a member of the gate security staff to notify law enforcement.
Are pocket knives allowed?
Knives with blades no longer than 4” (the size of a credit card or driver’s license) are permitted, but must be placed in the screening table container before passing through the metal detectors.
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In an effort to continue Mississippi State University’s long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all gates of Humphrey Coliseum.
Metal detectors are currently mandatory at all NFL, NBA and MLB stadiums and are utilized at numerous college stadiums across the nation. Metal detectors have been in place at Humphrey Coliseum since 2017.
When fans arrive at the gates of Humphrey Coliseum, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, and approved seat cushions in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
The SEC clear bag policy will continue to be in effect at Humphrey Coliseum. To expedite the screening process, fans are urged to use their approved clear bag to carry permitted items into the coliseum rather than placing them in the screening table containers. An updated clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Mississippi State implementing metal detectors at Humphrey Coliseum?
To continue our university’s commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for fans, student-athletes, coaches and guests at our athletic facilities, Mississippi State will continue to implement metal detectors at Humphrey Coliseum.
Have there been prior threats made against Humphrey Coliseum?
No. But like many stadiums and arenas, Mississippi State is implementing walk-through metal detectors along with other measures as means to enhance all safety and security procedures. Walk-through metal detectors have been in use at Humphrey Coliseum for the past two seasons and are mandatory at all NFL and MLB stadiums. Several college stadiums across the nation already utilize walk-through metal detectors.
Will there be a metal detector at every gate?
Yes. There will be walk-through metal detectors deployed inside all gates at Humphrey Coliseum. This will ensure that fans can efficiently and safely enter the coliseum.
What can fans expect once they get to the gates of Humphrey Coliseum?
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the gate security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, and any other approved item containing large amounts of metal in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required. Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter Humphrey Coliseum.
What happens to individuals who cannot walk through a metal detector due to a medical condition?
Metal detectors are safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women and adults with most all medical implants or devices. Fans with concerns about passing through the walk-through metal detectors should check with their doctors to make sure it is OK. If you choose not to use the walk-through metal detector, you will still be subject to screening with a small hand-held metal detecting wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller will be directed to a nearby screening area at each gate location.
Does the clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of the metal detectors?
Yes, the clear bag policy is still in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that fans use their approved clear bag to carry approved items rather than placed in the screening table containers. The approved clear bag with contents will be inspected at the each detector screening table. Updated information on the clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
What time will gates to Humphrey Coliseum open?
All gates to Humphrey Coliseum open ninety minutes (90) before tipoff.
How will the new metal detectors affect cowbells being brought into Humphrey Coliseum?
Cowbells are not allowed into Humphrey Coliseum.
Do I have to take off my jacket, belt or shoes upon entry into Humphrey Coliseum?
No. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects when being screened at Humphrey Coliseum.
What if fans don’t want to pass through the metal detectors?
Fans with concerns about passing through the walk through metal detectors will still be subject to screening with a hand-held metal detector wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair or with a stroller will be directed to a special screening area at each gate location. If you are still uncomfortable with the hand-held wands, inform a member of the gate security staff to notify law enforcement.
Are pocket knives allowed?
Knives with blades no longer than 4” (the size of a credit card or driver’s license) are permitted, but must be placed in the screening table container before passing through the metal detectors