Headed to a Hawkeye Game? Get Ready for More Security

Football season is almost here! Iowa kicks off its season on August 31st in Iowa City and fans going to the game can expect some security changes at Kinnick Stadium this fall.

First, one thing that will remain the same. The clear bag policy. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that fans may bring a 12-by-6-by-12-inch clear tote bag, a gallon-size clear plastic storage bag, or a small clutch bag that is no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches. You are not allowed to bring in umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, footballs, coolers, and glass containers.

What will change for fans in 2024? Metal detectors. And the Gazette points out that these are not the same detectors you walk through at an airport. Officials say you can walk through these detectors without taking your keys, wallet, or phone out of your pocket. The technology used is looking for heavy metals and weapons. The Gazette reports that sometimes eyeglasses can set off the alarm, so fans are urged to take hold them up so security can see them.

The Gazette reports that the changes are expected to produce "a more efficient gate entry process" at Kinnick this year. Thanks to the metal detectors security will no longer have to search every clear bag.

The metal detectors will also be implemented at basketball games and wrestling matches at Carver-Hawkeye Arena this year according to the Gazette. Around 15 other Big Ten schools will also use metal detectors this season. The SEC began using them in 2018, and they are also used in the NFL and NBA.