The terrorist attacks on America last week have led officials nationwide to improve security, even at Saturday’s football game against Oklahoma State University, according to University Police Department (UPD) officials.
Bob Wiatt, the director of UPD, said there will be increased security measures taken at Saturday’s game.
“We will have increased uniformed police and security officers,” Wiatt said. “We are all on the lookout for any suspicious activity, although we anticipate things will continue to run smoothly. Like all events throughout the country, there is that speculation and concern and so we are beefing up security.”
Wiatt said he could not release the number of uniformed officers at the game, but said the increase will be measurable, with officers from UPD and Bryan and College Station police departments.
Game attendees will be allowed to carry in backpacks, but the contents of all bags carried in to the stadium will be checked. Coolers will not be allowed in the stadium.
In a press release from the Texas A&M Athletic Department, athletic director Wally Groff said safety measures will be taken at the gates.
“We have decided not to ban backpacks and bags, but we highly discourage fans from bringing any bags to the stadium,” Groff said. “If a person must bring a bag or backpack, the gate personnel will ask the person to disclose the contents of the bag. This could create delays at the gates.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., and fans are advised to arrive early. Gates will open two hours prior to kick-off. Game-day bus shuttles will be running and information on routes can be accessed at http://www.ptts.tamu.edu. Riders will only be required to show their football tickets.
The fly-overs scheduled to commemorate the Corp of Cadet’s 125th anniversary have been canceled in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, according to a press release sent from the Athletic Department.
Corps Commandant Mjr. Gen. Ted Hopgood said he supports the decision to cancel the fly-overs.
“In the interest of all that is going on worldwide there will be no fly-overs, vintage or active,” Hopgood said. “We have a very full plate of activities on campus with the home football game. The University of Michigan has instituted a similar restriction for their upcoming home game. I feel certain that more schools and teams will follow this early and correct decision that Texas A&M has made.”
In addition to heightened security in the immediate stadium area, Wiatt said parking officers will be monitoring those vehicles parking in and around Kyle Field. Game attendees are encouraged to utilize the game-day shuttles to the game.
Groff encourages fans to continue to show their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue on game day. A student-led effort, approved and supported by the Texas A&M University administration, is calling for fans in the first deck to wear blue, fans sitting in the second deck to wear white and fans sitting in the third deck to wear red.
“Texas A&M University is known for our patriotism and this is another way for people to express their commitment to the United States of America and to honor those affected by the tragedies,” Groff said.
Yell practice attendees can also expect enhanced security at Midnight Yell Friday, Wiatt said.