Less than a day after telling StateCollege.com that security procedures were under review, Penn State announced sweeping changes for the Blue-White weekend. The security shake-up comes In the wake of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing.
No backpacks, bags or purses will be permitted in Beaver Stadium on Saturday or at any indoor event this weekend.
Penn State’s annual Blue-White Weekend, scheduled for April 19-21, includes a carnival, concessions and a Nittany Lions football scrimmage, as well as 20 other scheduled events around campus.
Anyone with a medical need to carry a bag should place their medical supplies in a clear, one gallon, zip-close plastic bag. Parents who need to bring diapers and wipes should also carry them in a clear, one-gallon zip-close plastic bag so the contents are visible.
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. There will be no autograph session this year with football players inside the stadium.
“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, the assistant vice president for police and public safety in a statement. “We are asking people to remain vigilant and alert.”
In collaboration with the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, Penn State officers and other safety personnel will maintain a heavier presence at the Blue-White football game and at those other activities. The stadium will be swept before the game by law enforcement and police dogs.
“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.
