By Philip Rossman-ReichContributing Writer
Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, going through increased security at sporting events has become second nature to fans.
But even if fans don’t always notice it, police are taking extra precautions to make sure Ryan Field is safe long before kickoff.
Before every game, security officers stand at the gates surrounding the stadium, screening fans and keeping an eye out for any suspicious behavior.
During the game itself, police officers are also on duty, accounting for the safety of the fans.
With the masses of students, alumni and fans attending football games, the University Police Department has to be prepared for anything, said UP Assistant Chief Dan McAleer.
McAleer said his department is doing a great deal to prepare security for NU games and events, as well as to give attendees an enjoyable experience.
“I think we do a pretty good job,” McAleer said. “Fans that come to the stadium feel we make a safe environment. I can’t think of anything we’re not doing. We’re meeting the standards for football games and universities throughout the country.”
UP is responsible for security at Ryan Field for the entire year, McAleer said.
On game days, UP gets extra help from the Evanston Police Department, off-duty police officers and usher staff, who all receive training and intelligence to help secure the stadium from potential problems.
Some fans said those measures help them feel safe at games.
“I thought security was pretty tight,” said Communication freshman Warren Lentz, who attended NU’s game against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 16. “I did not feel a lack of safety. When I was at the game, there were officers standing 100 feet behind me, which made me feel extremely safe.”
Ryan Field’s 47,130-person attendance capacity is the smallest in the Big Ten – a conference in which three football stadiums can fit more than 100,000 fans.
At Ohio State University security uses surveillance cameras to keep an eye on fans.
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor brought in bomb-sniffing dogs and additional personnel to further secure the stadium.
Both additions were funded in part by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.
NU has not yet received similar funds, McAleer said.
Tyler Carrington, who attended last year’s NU home game against University of Iowa, said he didn’t notice much of a difference between security at Ryan Field and elsewhere.
“I remember (security at Ryan Field) being present but not obtrusive,” said the visiting graduate student from Middlebury College, who likened Ryan Field’s security to that of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium. “Kinnick, compared to Ryan, now seems very similar. At Kinnick, I noticed a lot of uniformed officers standing behind the ticket takers. I don’t remember seeing that at Ryan.”
Although security at Ryan Field may not be as apparent as it is at other major college football stadiums, McAleer said UP does its best to be ready for any anticipated problems.
“Hopefully, the fans don’t always see what we’re doing,” McAleer said. “It’s a large team effort to make sure the facility is safe and the game goes off without a hitch.”
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