Maryland Stadium Authority VP/Public Safety & Security Vernon Conaway Jr. told board members yesterday that he "contacted the Orioles about enhancing security next season" in the wake of the shooting in Las Vegas, according to Ian Duncan of the Baltimore SUN. Conaway said that the style of attack in Vegas "raised new security questions for Camden Yards." Duncan notes Camden Yards is "overlooked by the Hilton Hotel and other high rises like the Pandora Building in downtown Baltimore." Conaway said that security efforts had previously "mostly focused on the Hilton’s rooms with balconies and opening windows but that authorities might now have to rethink that approach." Conaway also told board members that he had "been in touch with police about security at M&T Bank Stadium for the Ravens season." But he said that the stadium is "further from tall buildings and better protected by its enclosed bowl design" (Baltimore SUN, 10/4).
KEEPING THE CONFINES FRIENDLY: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday said that the city "has security plans in place" for Sunday's Chicago Marathon and the Cubs' playoff games at Wrigley Field in wake of the Vegas attack. Emanuel said that local emergency response officials have been "preparing regularly for an 'active shooter' situation." He added that the city "ramped up its work" after the '13 Boston Marathon bombing and during the Cubs’ World Series run last fall (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/3). Emanuel yesterday in an effort to "allay any public jitters" told reporters that his son, Zach, is running in Sunday's marathon. Emanuel: "I have absolute confidence. And I know, we run exercises all [the] time." Marathon Dir Carey Pinkowski said that he was "not aware of any runners dropping out of the race due to security concerns." Pinkowski: “We’ll see a record number of participants on Sunday and we’ll have a great day" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/4).
MOVING FORWARD: In New Orleans, Doug MacCash notes before the shootings, musician Jason Aldean, who was on stage when the gunman opened fire in Vegas, was “scheduled to play a concert in Champions Square in downtown New Orleans on Oct. 26. Champions Square, Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center GM Alan Freeman said that Aldean’s performance is “still on the calendar.” Freeman noted that Champions Square is “surrounded by tall buildings, including a hotel.” He added that he presumes “most of the structures have their own security in place.” Freeman said that there are currently "absolutely no plans" to pause the upcoming Champions Square schedule. Saints fans are “expected gather in the plaza” before the team plays the Lions on Oct. 15 (NOLA.com, 10/4).
