News / FANS ATTENDING SUNDAY'S ATLANTA FALCONS GAME AGAINST THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT THE GEORGIA DOME WILL BE SUBJECT TO PATDOWNS

In order to further enhance fan safety and comfort, all fans entering the Georgia Dome for Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Falcons (2-1) and the Minnesota Vikings (1-2) will be subject to pat-downs and hand searches.

This policy is being instituted throughout the National Football League this season pursuant to League recommendations. Accordingly, this policy will be in effect for the remainder of the 2005 season.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 4:15 p.m. (EST). Gates to the Georgia Dome will open at 2:00 p.m. (EST) – a full two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to help facilitate the additional security measures, and should expect to be patted down by security personnel before going through stadium gates.

“This new requirement is not a result of any specific threat information,” said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. “It is in recognition of the significant additional security that ‘pat-downs’ offer, as well as the favorable experience that our clubs and fans have had using ‘pat-downs’ as part of a comprehensive stadium security plan.”

Several NFL teams successfully used pat-downs as part of stadium security procedures last season. Hand searches of all fans entering stadiums also were employed during all NFL playoff games last season. Pat-downs at stadium gates have been part of the Super Bowl security plan since 2002.

Fans are also reminded of the following stadium policies:

Coolers, bags, backpacks, and large purses (larger than 8 ½ x 11) will not be allowed inside the Georgia Dome. Small purses, fanny backs, small camera cases, binocular cases, and diaper bags are all subject to inspection by stadium security personnel or law enforcement officers. All bags that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles.