Security Helps Fans Enjoy Super Bowl and Be Safe

Anyone in or heading to Super Bowl 44 needs to know about some measures taken. They're designed to keep fans safe and help make sure everyone in the stadium can see and enjoy the big game.

Guardians At The Gate

On Super Bowl Sunday, there are plenty of things to gather to take with you to Sun Life Stadium: Your ticket, spending money for food and souvenirs and only a few other personal items are the only items you'll be allowed.

Don't bother taking along things like:

- Weapons, Knives and Explosives
- Fireworks
- Camcorders
- Laser Lights and Pointers
- Strollers
- Beach Balls
- Frisbees
- Poles (Walking sticks, not people from Poland)
- Sticks
- Umbrellas
- Containers of any type: 
- Coolers (of any size) 
- Backpacks 
- Bottles 
- Cans, Hairspray 
- Camera and Binocular Cases/Tripods 
- Mace / Pepper Spray
- Banners 
- Noisemakers and Horns

The official site also warns spectators not to bring electronic devices of any sort into the stadium. They'll be thoroughly inspected causing delays. These could include, but not limited to, cellular telephones, pagers, televisions, radios, personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

This is not a complete list.

Be warned that you'll likely have to pass through a slight security search or pat-down when you enter the stadium. And if you're carrying a bag or purse, it may be searched. If prohibited items are found, you'll either have to take them back to your car or hotel, or you'll have to throw them away. The stadium will not hold prohibited items for you until after the game.

Also, anything illegal - like an unlicensed weapon or illegal drugs - will be confiscated by security and the fan may be ejected from the premises, arrested, or both. Keep in mind, too, that if you're ejected you won't get a refund for the price of your ticket.

Heightened Security

Increased security outside the stadium protect against terrorist threats, along with state and local police officers and emergency medical crews.

It should be good to know the protection's there, even though the FBI reports no credible threat of such an attack.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you're at the stadium, there'll be thousands of people there, and many aren't there for just the game. They're looking for wallets and other personal items to steal. The stadium isn't responsible for lost or stolen items and it'll be up to you to contact police or security to report missing items.

Keep your children together and have a meeting place assigned if you get separated. Again, these may sound like common sense suggestions, but you'd be surprised how often people aren't prepared for these situations.

All of these measures, in the end, are for you, the fan. The goals are simple and hard to disagree with: Fans should be able to see and enjoy the game they came to see, and feel safe while in and outside the stadium. If everyone follows the rules, you'll have a great time on Super Bowl Sunday.

Questions For Your Attorney

• Does the stadium have to have female security officers available to search or pat-down female fans? Male guards for male fans?
• If I know I'm not carrying anything prohibited and I refuse to let security pat me down, can I be ejected or refused entry into the Super Bowl?
• Who pays for all of the security at the stadium, the taxpayers? I'm a taxpayer but not a football fan, so how does this benefit me?
• I need medication, will I be able to take it into the stadium? Will I need a doctor’s note?