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Super Bowl Security Tight; Streets Closed

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By KEITH MORELLI

kmorelli@tampatrib.com

Published: January 18, 2009

TAMPA - The last Super Bowl hosted by Tampa was in 2001, the year that marked the end of the era of innocence. The game was played just eight months before terrorists attacked; it was a time of relaxed security, when law enforcement officers mostly tried to keep drunken fans from falling over the railings.

Since those days, security has tightened to throttling levels with authorities concerned about much more. Now, they are blocking off streets and banning items that previously had been acceptable at the games. Their concern is with explosions and mass casualties.

When the Super Bowl returns to Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, security around the stadium will be a lot more visible than in 2001.

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.

Dale Mabry and Himes between Columbus and MLK will be closed, but Columbus and MLK will remain open, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee's Web site says.

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, said Amanda Holt, spokeswoman for the host committee.

"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.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

In addition to weapons, knives and explosives, here's what is banned:

•Pepper spray or Mace

•Fireworks

•Animals, except service animals

•Camcorders, camera lenses that exceed 10 inches and camera and binocular cases

•Containers, including aerosol cans and bottles

•Coolers, food and beverages

•Inflatable items, such as beach balls

•Items that obstruct views

•Laptops

•Large bags, including backpacks, duffel and grocery bags and luggage

•Laser lights and pointers

•Noisemakers, horns and banners

•Poles, sticks and projectiles

•Seat cushions

•Skates, skateboards and all cycles

•Strollers, tripods and umbrellas

Source: Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Tribune editor Dave Nicholson also contributed. Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760.

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