Guide: Gate Times, Safety Tips, What You Can Bring To Comerica Park On Opening Day
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers, in compliance with Major League Baseball's league-wide security initiative, have reinforced safety and security measures for the upcoming 2015 season at Comerica Park. The Tigers enhanced fan safety and security last season with the installation of walk through metal detectors at all entry gates and access points in addition to the implementation of a mandated screening program.
For Opening Day, April 6, the Tigers are strongly encouraging guests to enter the ballpark earlier. Gates will open at 11 a.m. In order to expedite security screening at Comerica Park, the Tigers are asking for all guests to remove mobile phones, keys, wallets and large metal objects prior to entering screening locations at the gates. This will expedite the screening process and eliminate the time it takes to go through the screening process. You do not have to remove coins and paper items from your pockets. It is suggested guests minimize the amount of items they bring to the ballpark. Please check tigers.com for a list of permitted and non-permitted items and for additional information regarding early entry and ballpark security guidelines.
"We are making every effort to ensure the safety of our guests and doing so in an efficient manner," said Mike Healy, Vice President of Ballpark Operations. "The safety of our guests is our priority and our goal remains to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment. It's an important part of
the overall game day experience. Last season we introduced walk through metal detectors and it allowed for guests to enter the ballpark more quickly than the use of metal detecting wands. We are reemphasizing to our guests to continue allowing additional time when entering Comerica Park."
The Tigers recommend ticket holders arrive early to allow ample time for an efficient entry.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for 7:08 p.m. games, 11:30 a.m. for 1:08 p.m. starts and 2:30 p.m. for 4:08 p.m. games.
All streets around Comerica Park will be restricted from any vehicle traffic. Since 2004 when planning for the 2005 Major League Baseball All Star Game began, the Detroit Tigers working with the Detroit Police Department, Federal Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Michigan State Police, and other stakeholders developed a Buffer Zone Protection Plan for Comerica Park. This plan included closure of streets around Comerica Park which has been adjusted annually. In 2015, this hardened perimeter will include street closures two hours before gates open.
Here's what you need to know for 2015:
· Guests are encouraged to enter the ballpark early on Opening Day.
· As in past years, all guests will be subject to bag searches and all bags will be checked.
· Only bags that comply with MLB standards of 16x16x8 will be admitted.
- Guests will need to empty their pockets of keys, mobile phones, and other items before walking through the metal detector. Guests can opt of the walk thru metal detector screening but they will be subject to hand held metal detector screening or alternative screening procedures.
- It is suggested guests minimize the amount of items they bring to the ballpark.
- There will be no access to the ballpark from the Beer Hall or the Labatt Blue Light Jungle outside doors.
PERMITTED/NON PERMITTED ITEMS
Guests will be asked to return all restricted items back to their vehicle. Guests who are caught in the park with a restricted item(s) will have the object confiscated and may be subject to ejection.
Permitted Items after inspection:
· ALL BAGS/PURSES ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION
· baseball mitts/gloves
· bags smaller than 16" x 16" x 8" (including soft sided coolers, backpacks and diaper bags, bags cannot have a rigid interior or exterior frame)
· binoculars
· blankets
· cameras still and video ( tri-, uni-, or mono- pods are prohibited)
· drink boxes, if you have children in your party or for medical needs
· factory sealed clear bottles of unflavored water
· Individual portion sized food or snacks (outside food is not allowed into the suites)
· headphones
· plastic baby bottles if you have a child in your party
· seat cushions
· small radios
· strollers (umbrella-type that folds up and will fit underneath the seat, large strollers may be checked at Guest Services)
· umbrellas (large golf umbrellas and umbrellas with metal tips are strongly discouraged)
Non Permitted Items:
· Aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, pepper spray, etc.)
· animals (except certified service animals or service animals in training)
· bags larger than 16" x 16" x 8"
· baseball bats of any size
· beach balls or other inflatable items
· beverages (except juice boxes with children in your party, or for medical needs)
· bottles (glass or plastic with the exception of factory sealed clear bottles of unflavored water)
· brooms
· fireworks, firearms, knives or weapons of any kind
· fishing nets or poles
· framed backpacks
· Frisbees
· hard sided coolers
· illegal drugs or substances of any kind
· laser devices/pointers
· liquid containers (glass or plastic with the exception of factory sealed clear bottles of unflavored water)
· markers, paint
· masks (face cannot be covered up)
· noisemaking devices: air horns, bullhorns, thunder sticks, cowbells, bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, and other noisemakers
· non-baseball related signs
· objects that can be used as missiles or projectiles: sticks, bats, clubs, Frisbees, beach balls
· obscene or indecent clothing
· skateboards or rollerblades
· squirt guns including super soakers
· sticks, including signs attached to sticks
· stools, folding chairs, stools or back supports
Guests are encouraged to take non permitted items back to their car. Items left at the gate are not the responsibility of The Detroit Tigers.
DETROIT TIGERS
METAL DETECTORS FAQ
Q: Why are the Tigers reinforcing safety and security measures?
A: Major League Baseball works closely with Homeland Security and is briefed regularly regarding the current security environment. MLB is mandating to all clubs to increase and standardize security practices across the game. Fan safety is a top priority for the Detroit Tigers and we believe the plan in place poses minimal inconvenience for fans and provides the assurance of an additional level of security screening.
Q: What can guests expect at the gates at Comerica Park?
A: Fans will simply walk through a metal detector prior to approaching the gates and having their tickets scanned. If the device detects something, the guest will be checked with a hand-held wand, and there will be further security follow-up, if needed. Bags will still be checked, just as they have been for the last several years.
Q: Does this mean it's going to take long to get through the gates before each game?
A: The Tigers are making every effort to make sure that guests enter Comerica Park in an efficient manner. Guests are used to bag searches before entering the ballpark, so there is already precedent for security checks at the gates.
Q: Are the Tigers restricting bag size, like the NFL?
A: No, we are not changing our bag policy. The Tigers will continue to allow bags, backpacks and purses, as long as the bags are not larger than 16" x 16" x 8". All bags, including women's purses, will continue to be subject to inspection and checked upon entry.
Q: I have a medical device that sets off metal detectors. What is going to happen to me at the gate?
A: Today's security technology has evolved to the point where certain personal effects and conditions can be accounted for and eliminated as alarm triggers. But when the need arises, fans can be subject to security follow-up including screening with a hand-held wand or other alternative screening procedures.
Q: Can I still bring a stroller through the metal detector? What about a wheelchair?
A: People with strollers and those who use wheelchairs have usually entered through a barrier-free gate. That option will still be available, but those entering the ballpark through those designated gates will still be checked with a hand-held metal detector. The security enhancements are mandated by MLB, all fans will have to participate to get into the ballpark. We think the process will be quick and easy and most fans will recognize that the procedure is needed to help improve fan safety and security.
