Super Bowl Security Tight in Tampa

Jan 21, 2009 3:48 PM

Security has tightened in Tampa for the 2009 Super Bowl since its last time in the Florida city in 2001. Now at throttling levels, authorities are concerned about much more. They are blocking off streets and banning items that previously had been acceptable at the games. Their concern is with explosions and mass casualties.

According to the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Bay Boulevard, which runs next to the south gates of the stadium, already is closed. Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue, the two main north-south thoroughfares on either side of Ray-Jay, will shut down just after midnight on game day.

A 6-foot-tall chain-link fence is being put up around the stadium, encompassing the parking lots to the north and south from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Columbus Avenue.

No RVs or buses will be allowed inside the parking lots. No drop-offs will be allowed near the stadium. The closest drop-off point is in a parking lot across from Hillsborough Community College on the west side of Dale Mabry. Shuttle service will only be available for fans with disabilities.

FBI agents and Homeland Security officials said last week that they have found no credible threat of a terrorist attack at the Super Bowl.

But the intelligence assessment cautioned that Raymond James Stadium does not have the typical security features of permanently secure buildings and arenas, and that potential attackers could be deterred by the posting of hundreds of security officers, barriers and other measures.

Fans will endure pat-downs and searches of purses and bags at the gates, Amanda Holt, spokeswoman for the host committee, told the Tampa Tribune.

"After 2001, Super Bowl security obviously stepped up," she said.

"Game attendees are urged to bring nothing larger than a very small purse or bag. Nothing larger than 12-by-12 inches is allowed," a brochure published by the host committee says.

Officers will use metal detectors and X-ray machines to screen fans.

Super Bowls and the Olympics have the highest levels of security, said Dan Grossi, who works for the NFL's security division.

Fans must also conduct themselves appropriately inside. The NFL says excessive drinking and boorish behavior will not be tolerated, and neither will disorderly conduct, fighting or profanity. Fans can't put their cups on walls, stand on chairs or step over stadium seats. Running is prohibited and so is smoking, except in designated areas.

The stadium parking lots also come under the security blanket.

The league has banned all open flames, meaning no grills, said spokesman Brian McCarthy. "We are still encouraging fans to come early and tailgate; to have their own food and beverage, just no lit fires."

"Fans cannot grill or take up two or three parking spots or set up tents in the Super Bowl parking lots," he said.

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