Southern Miss Athletics to Implement Additional Fan Safety Measures
Tue, 08/08/2017 - 03:21pm
The University of Southern Mississippi announced a pair of updated safety measures for its 2017-18 home athletic events, Friday, with the implementation of both a clear bag and golf cart policy.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
The clear bag policy enhances safety and expedites fan entry at Southern Miss athletic events, beginning with the Sept. 2 football contest against Kentucky at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The policy will be in effect for all athletic venues.
“As a part of our review of Safety and Security for our major events on campus and moving forward with suggested protocols that are considered best practices, the University Police Department with the assistance of Southern Miss Athletics will be instituting a “clear bag policy” beginning with this year's athletic season,” said University Police Chief Bob Hopkins. “This new policy will allow for an extra level of security and protection for those attending events, but will also decrease wait times at entry points and dissuade those who may attempt to bring items into the event which would prevent them access.”
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12x6x12 inches, or a one-gallon, resealable clear plastic storage bag, per person will be admitted into the athletic venue. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5x6.5 inches.
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
No other bags will be allowed inside athletic venues, including M.M. Roberts Stadium. All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at the gates.
Fans wishing to purchase clear bags for the upcoming athletic season may do so at Barnes and Noble at Southern Miss or Campus Book Mart (2906 Hardy St.).
Please click here to see chart below regarding approved and non-approved items.
GOLF CART POLICY
The golf cart policy goes into effect for the Sept. 2 home football opener versus Kentucky, restricting golf cart access on campus, beginning three hours prior to that day's kickoff. The change in this policy allows for an extra level of security and protection in providing efficient access for spectators attending M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturdays this fall.
“Beginning this football season, only authorized vehicles will be allowed access to the stadium's inner security perimeter starting three hours before kickoff,” said University Police Chief Bob Hopkins. “We remind fans to obey all barricades and signage. Only Southern Miss vehicles, law enforcement, fire, medical, or the official Southern Miss game day shuttle/escort service will be allowed access to this secured perimeter. No privately owned golf carts or other non-traditional modes of travel will be authorized.”
The change in the golf cart policy resulted as a part of a review of Safety and Security for major events on the Hattiesburg campus.
The University Police Department also reminds all those who bring a golf cart or other modes of non-traditional transportation on to campus that they are considered vehicles under state law and should abide by all of the Rules of the Road (Mississippi Traffic Code) as well as campus policy that would govern a non-traditional vehicle and to include only licensed drivers, insurance, tag and proper equipment.
Please click here to see the restricted golf cart map area as well as by clicking here for the campus policy governing non-traditional vehicles.