Michigan AD seeks no-fly zone over stadium
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Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The gates at Michigan Stadium are locked and will remain that way indefinitely.
Fans will have their bags searched when play resumes in college football's largest facility, with 107,501 seats.
And if Michigan athletic director Bill Martin has his way, planes that have dragged advertisements above the Michigan Stadium will have to fly elsewhere.
"Security is certainly an issue at Michigan Stadium and every other stadium in the country," Martin said Friday. "What makes ours different is, it's the biggest. We held a security meeting on Thursday to review all security measures and to talk about future measures.
"It may take longer to get into Michigan Stadium, anybody that brings bags will be searched. We're also working with the FAA in a cooperative manner to see if we can eliminate the banner-towing airplanes as a potential risk."
Martin said he would like the Federal Aviation Administration to declare the area around stadiums as restricted air space for every game.
"There's legislation in Washington," Martin said, "that is about to be acted on to do exactly that, to give local administrators of the FAA the opportunity to do that."
Schools such as Michigan do not have anything to do with the planes that drag advertisements behind them.
"The only restriction that is placed on them is they have to be, I believe, 500 feet above the highest point in the structure," Martin said. "That is all done on a see-and-avoid basis between the planes."
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said many of his players expressed safety concerns during an emotional team meeting earlier this week.
"The most prevalent question that I got from the team was they were concerned for their parents and friends and people in that stadium," Carr said. "I don't think there's any guarantees anywhere. But I do think there's an awareness that the stadium presents an opportunity for somebody to make a statement. I'm sure there will be no stone left unturned to make sure that it's a safe venue."
Senior tight end Shawn Thompson said Tuesday's attacks has to make security an issue everywhere.
"If they can do that, we're all vulnerable," he said.
Michigan juggled its schedule to make up Saturday's postponed game against Western Michigan.
The Wolverines will play host to the Broncos on Sept. 22. Michigan's game against Illinois -- originally scheduled for that day -- will be played in Ann Arbor on Sept. 29, which had been a bye week for both teams.
Oregon State to increase security at next home game
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Tuesday's terrorist attacks have prompted Oregon State to increase security for its next home game, Sept. 29 against UCLA.
OSU will add up to 50 security personnel, from 175 to 225, for the game. State Police, which also stations troopers at games, will increase its presence from 10 to 15.
"We focus on two things, and that's safety and customer service," said Oregon State director of operations Michelle Jones. "If we don't provide safety, we don't provide customer service."
Jones said emergency plans were put in place this season, when Oregon State sold out all five of its home games after a remarkable 11-1 season in 2000. The emergency plans prepare for everything from fires to riots.
Stadium staffers have instructions and phone numbers printed on cards worn around their necks, with their game credentials.
Oregon State canceled its Saturday game against Montana State; the 22nd-ranked Beavers have a scheduled open date next week.
In Eugene, the University of Oregon is holding meetings to decide how to address security at Autzen Stadium. And Portland Family Entertainment, which owns PGE Park, where Portland State plays football, said security will be tightened, although the company did not provide details. |
