Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Exterior view of University of Phoenix Stadium during Arizona Cardinals mini camp. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of people are complaining about the new Arizona Cardinals entrance policy to games, preseason and regular season, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. First of all, yes the Cards announced it but it is a league-wide mandate, not just the Cards. So don’t go blaming the Bidwills on this one. Is it a bit excessive? Probably. However, it is a sign of the times.
The policy is most likely the NFL’s reaction to the Boston bombings back in April during the Boston Marathon. In that case, as you know, two backpacks were left alone in two public areas of the finish line. We all know how that turned out. The NFL already had a search and seizure policy when entering. Now it just got more stringent.
No more backpacks, camera bags, coolers, and bag of any kind. Women’s purses will need to be no larger than the size of their hands. Good luck with that one I say. However, better to be safe than sorry, right?
Basically the bottom line is this: Don’t bring anything in. If you have a camera, do what I do anyway, carry it in your pocket or around your neck. Besides, a smartphone or iPhone would work better. My only concern is this. I beg the Cards to open all the gates for searches. It already takes forever to get in. This will prolong it. Hopefully stadium workers will get the needed training and I’m sure they will. Also though I hope the Cards hire more people to check people through the metal detectors. Otherwise it’ll be halftime before everyone makes it in to the game. Hopefully the fans will adhere and do their part. It’ll go a long way.