PSU ramps up security for events

Penn State administrators and faculty responded to the Paris terror attacks in the form of increased security at big ticket events and a plan to host a panel discussion.

Security will be increased at Saturday’s noon football game against Michigan and Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center for a three-band concert featuring Shinedown in response to the terror attacks Friday in Paris.

There are no known threats against collegiate stadiums, according to the Department of Homeland Security, but university leaders opted to increase security measures this weekend for the safety of the public.

“We greatly value our fans, teams and stadium personnel and the visiting team and fans, and for their safety we are enhancing security operations over the weekend for these venues,” Penn State associate athletic director Mark Bodenschatz said in a release. “We have a comprehensive security plan in place, and we work closely at every game with federal, state and local law enforcement to provide a safe experience for our fans.”

Except for authorized personnel and those with a medical need, those entering the stadium may only have a clear, 1 gallon, zip-close style plastic bag and wristlets no larger than 4 by 6 by 1 inches. Fans will have bags inspected at entry.

Ticketholders for the concert are asked to arrive earlier than the 6 p.m. advertised door opening to undergo a pat-down at the gates. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Backpacks and large bags are not permitted at Bryce Jordan Center events.

Fans are also asked to arrive at and enter Beaver Stadium 30 minutes earlier than normal to accommodate increased security screening at the gates, suite and club entrances. All gates will open at 10 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than normal.

“While we know this may be an inconvenience for some, we ask for everyone’s patience so that we can get fans into the stadium in time for the Senior Day ceremonies and the noon kick,” Bodenschatz said. “The safety and security of our community is our No. 1 priority, and everyone’s help is needed.”

Everyone entering the stadium will be required to open their coats and outerwear. A pat-down by trained male and female security professionals will occur in separate lines at entry points, including the employee entrance. Some fans may be asked to empty their pockets at the gate.

The Penn State School of International Affairs will host a panel discussion about the terrorist attacks in Paris at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Sutliff Auditorium of the Lewis Katz Building.

It will be free and open to the public.

Five Penn State experts will join moderator Scott Sigmund Gartner, director of the School of International Affairs and an adviser to a the U.S. agency facilitating the assessment of violent non-state actors, to talk about the attacks, public and state responses to terrorism, and the tactics used by terrorists.

The panel will include associate professors Jennifer Boittin and Carleen Maitland and professers Joseph DeThomas, Pete Hatemi and Catherine Rogers.

After the panel discussion, the speakers will take questions from the audience.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 10:27 AM with the headline "PSU ramps up security for events."