There will be “enhanced” security guidelines for the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the league said Tuesday.
According to the NFL, those entering Radio City Music Hall for the draft must consent to searches by security personnel, with pat-downs and metal detectors among the measures that can be employed. What’s more, all items brought into the building will be inspected, the league said.
The draft begins Thursday and runs through Saturday in New York.
The league, along with Radio City Music Hall and New York City police, are recommending those attending the draft to limit the number of objects brought into the building. No containers will be allowed inside, with backpacks among the excluded items. The NFL’s statement on the security measures has a list of banned items.
“Fans are urged to bring nothing larger than a very small purse,” the league said.
The league noted it already had security procedures in place before these additions.
“The NFL and its clubs have operated with a very high level of security since 9/11 for all of our games and events,” said Jeffrey Miller, NFL vice president and chief security officer in the league-issued statement. “With the help of the FBI, New York Police Department, Radio City and our private security partners, we will enhance our already comprehensive plans for the safety of our fans and other attendees.”
A noticeable security presence at major sporting events doesn’t figure to go away anytime soon, and the NFL’s enhancements make sense, considering recent events.