Sports Security Sees New Game-Changing Rules

By Guest Writer Kelley Anne McGrath:

It used to be that the only security concern you had when you went to a ballgame involved accidentally sitting in the opposing team’s fan section. These days, however, security for sporting events goes far beyond the occasional dust-up in the bleachers.

Starting with this year’s preseason games, the NFL has joined the list of professional sports enacting stricter security measures. The league has tightened up the rules on what you can bring (coolers are prohibited, as are bags made out of anything other than see-through plastic or vinyl) and what you can wear (the banned list includes backpacks and, assuming anybody still wears them, fanny packs).

What does the new emphasis on security mean for fans? What are the current rules for the major sports? SecurityCompanies.com has produced an infographic that provides a comprehensive scouting report on sports security.