The Univ. of Arizona has instituted a "new mode of carry" for fans entering athletic venues, "a change officials say is required for public safety in light of 'recent international events,'" according to Carol Ann Alaimo of the ARIZONA DAILY STAR. In addition to fans using clear plastic bags for personal items, UA also is "reducing the number of public entrances open at sporting events and plans to step up security screenings of people entering sports facilities." The changes "take effect Dec. 9 for the men’s basketball game at McKale Center against Fresno State." More than half of McKale’s 12 entrances "will be closed for that game," leaving only five open. Items now banned from UA sports events "include diaper bags, camera bags, computer bags, backpacks, fanny packs, briefcases and large seat cushions that have covers, zippers, pockets or compartments." Purses "aren’t allowed unless they are tiny -- no larger than a human hand -- and they’ll be searched before entry." UA Associate AD/Communication Services Jeremy Sharpe said that the new security measures are "similar to those adopted" by the NFL and some UA peer institutions (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 12/4).
