April 16, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - University officials are ramping up security this week and throughout Blue-White Weekend, much like other venues across the nation in the wake of the bombings that occurred in Boston on April 15.
Fans visiting Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 20, will not be allowed to bring any bags, backpacks or purses into the facility. In addition, these items have been banned from all other venues on campus that are hosting events this week and through Sunday, April 21.
Penn State's annual Blue-White Weekend, scheduled for April 19-21, includes a carnival, concessions and the Nittany Lions' spring football game, as well as 20 other scheduled events around campus.
The Blue-White Game will kick off Saturday at 12 p.m. Parking lots will open at 8 a.m. and stadium gates open at 10:30 a.m. There is no admission or parking fee for the scrimmage featuring Coach Bill O'Brien's squad.
In collaboration with local police, the FBI, and Pennsylvania State Police, Penn State officers and personnel will have a heavier staffing presence and higher visibility at all events.
Officials also will be monitoring activities through the use of technology and will do a security sweep of the stadium and surrounding grounds with officers and police dogs. The stadium will be secured early and police will be stationed strategically throughout the area, adding an additional layer of surveillance.
"If those who are coming to any event on campus see something that looks unusual or out of place, they should immediately call 911 or University Police at 814-863-1111," said Steve Shelow, assistant vice president for police and public safety at Penn State. "We are asking people to remain vigilant and alert."
Except for authorized personnel, no one entering the stadium will be permitted to bring in any bags, backpacks, umbrellas, footballs, strollers, purses or diaper bags. Anyone with a medical need to carry a bag should place their medical supplies in a clear, one gallon, zip-close style plastic bag. Parents with a need to carry diapers and wipes also may place their supplies in a clear, one-gallon zip-close style plastic bag so the contents are visible.
"While not permitting any bags into Beaver Stadium is a significant change from our ordinary routine, it is an important additional layer of security that we are instituting for this event. It brings us in line with most other stadiums across the nation," Shelow said.
The complete list of prohibited items and parking/tailgating rules are available in the 2012 stadium guide.
Other noticeable changes for this week will be the nighttime lighting of Beaver Stadium beginning on Wednesday and additional check points for those traveling onto campus to various events.
For more information on Blue-White Weekend, go to: http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/041513aaa.html