Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The NFL wants all fans patted down from the ankles up this season to improve fan safety.
Previously, security guards only patted down fans from the waist up before gaining entry to NFL stadiums. Under the new “enhanced” pat-down procedures, the NFL wants all 32 clubs to search fans from ankles to the knees as well as the waist up.
The stricter security approach impacts the 16.6 million fans expected to attend live regular season NFL games this season.
The league wanted all clubs to implement the enhanced searches for Week One of the new season, says spokesman Brian McCarthy. The NFL hopes fans will be “patient” — and arrive earlier to games to avoid lengthy delays.
“The enhanced security procedures recommended by our office before the start of the season will further increase the safety of fans but will require some additional time,” McCarthy told USA TODAY in a statement Thursday. “We encourage fans to come early, enjoy their tailgating tradition, and be patient as they enter the stadium.”
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WRITTEN BY Â Michael McCarthy, USA TODAYÂ & FULL STORY HERE
