NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans and Metro Nashville Police Department have established a plan to implement the NFL's new safety-based policy regarding the size and type of bags that fans are allowed to bring inside all 32 stadiums.
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| Titans EVP Don MacLachlan holds a bag that fits the criteria of the NFL's new policy regarding what fans are allowed to bring into the stadium as Metro Nashville Police Capt. Mike Alexander looks on. |
Don MacLachlan, Titans executive vice-president of administration and facilities, and Capt. Mike Alexander said the league policy was established to increase fan safety.
"The Titans have created many memorable moments for the city to enjoy," Alexander said. "We're proud to partner with them on this league-wide initiative. They have a system in place to make it as easy as they can on everyone. It's been well-thought-out."
Under the league-wide policy, which will be in effect and enforced Thursday when Tennessee hosts Washington at LP Field and all other NFL games:
- The only bags permitted will be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 inches X 12 inches X 6 inches or clear, gallon-sized (Ziploc or similar) zip-top bags. League-approved bags with the Titans logo will be available in the Titans Pro Shop after Labor Day.
- Ladies will be allowed to utilize small clutch bags that are approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. Gates 1, 5 and 7 of LP Field will have specific entrances for fans with medical devices.
- Diaper bags will not be permitted. Baby wipes and diapers can be brought in the clear bags that meet the policy's guidelines.
The plan formed by the Titans and Metro Police involves informing fans ahead of the game, being prepared to assist with questions, and establishing a method for safely and smoothly admitting fans to LP Field.
MacLachlan said the Titans included an explanation of the policy when they mailed tickets to season-ticket holders and in email correspondence. He also encouraged fans to avoid bringing any unnecessary items with them.
"We have alerted our season ticket holders," MacLachlan said at a news conference on Friday. "So far, the feedback has been very positive. There's been some that have expressed a bit of a concern and we're going to work our way through that Thursday night."
MacLachlan said team and law enforcement officials plan to establish a "secondary perimeter" beyond the gates of the stadium where officials will identify bags that will not be allowed and offer a plastic zip-top bag.
"Once you get beyond the secondary perimeter, you'll be admitted to LP Field much like you have been in the past," MacLachlan said. "If you're crossing the Woodland Street Bridge or the Shelby Street Bridge, there will be security there as well to look at bags. If you're not coming to the event, you can obviously take whatever you need across either bridge."
Alexander said the newness of the policy may create minor inconveniences, but the goal is to put safety at the forefront.
"We owe it to the community to continually assess the plans we have in place to make sure we're doing everything we can to ensure everyone's safety," Alexander said.
