NFL Pushing for Enhanced Pat-Downs at All Stadiums

By Jon E. Dougherty at 16 Sep 2011

(Newsroom America) -- The NFL is pushing all 32 teams to adopt enhanced security procedures that would see fans patted down from the ankles up before entering stadiums.

Currently, teams pat down fans from the waist up in a search for weapons, liquor and other banned items, USA Today reported. But in light of recent incidents that have damaged the league's family-friendly image, NFL officials are seeking to improve the live game experience by providing better security.

The new rules would impact about 16.6 million fans who attend live games, the league said. And while some fans would no doubt view the enhanced pat-down procedures as an invasion of privacy, the league is urging patience and understanding.

"The enhanced security procedures recommended by our office before the start of the season will further increase the safety of fans but will require some additional time," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to USA Today.

"We encourage fans to come early, enjoy their tailgating tradition, and be patient as they enter the stadium," he said.

A few recent incidents have led NFL officials to reconsider additional security measures.

In one, a South Carolina man was arrested after illegally using a stun gun against fans during the New York Jets-Dallas Cowboys game Sunday night.

In another incident during the preseason, two fans were shot and a third beaten at a game between the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders in San Francisco.

The NFL's stadium search policies have been controversial for a number of years. Some fans have filed suit against the policies but courts so far have always upheld them.

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