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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 1, 2001
Contact: John Johnson or Randy Allen-- 517.332.5046

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Nov. 1 - Changes in security procedures at the Pontiac Silverdome have prompted the Michigan High School Athletic Association to advise fans to arrive early for its Football Finals games there on Nov. 23 and 24, and to travel light.

"The security of spectators at our events has always been a priority, and at the same time, we want to ensure that fans can have an enjoyable time," said Jerry Cvengros, MHSAA Associate Director and the staff member who coordinates the Football Playoffs. "Given the recent events in our country, we feel the security measures enacted at the Silverdome and other major sporting venues are essential, and fans understand the need to arrive early and to have belongings they bring to the stadium searched."

As a convenience for fans, the Silverdome has instituted "Express Lanes" at its entrances, where fans who are not carrying any items into the building should enter.

Items which will be allowed into the building include: Fanny packs and ladies handbags (no larger than 8 ½ x 11"), small binoculars and small soft camera cases (no large detachable lenses), cellular telephones and portable radios of similar size, radio headsets (no larger than 6 x 8"), video cameras that are handheld and battery powered. Fans with video cameras are reminded that the use of tripods and electrical cords is prohibited in the Silverdome.

The list of prohibited items does not differ much from previous years. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: Noise-makers, flags or banners on a stick or pole, tripods, audio tape recorders, laser lights/sights, missile-like objects, bottles (plastic or glass), cans, hard case containers, coolers, bags, backpacks, soft coolers, larger portable radios or TVs, products dispensed by aerosol, medium and large camera cases and weapons of any kind (including pocket knives).

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day for the first session, and at 4 p.m. for the second session. Fans are encouraged to arrive at least one hour in advance of the listed game time for the second game of each session (1 p.m. and 8 p.m.) to ensure that they can pass through the security checkpoints in plenty of time to be in their seats for their game.

In the parking areas, fans traveling in large trucks, vans and motor homes are advised that their vehicles may be subject to visual inspections in the Silverdome parking lot. Fans tailgating in the Silverdome parking lot are reminded that the consumption of alcohol, and the use of charcoal and wood burning grills is prohibited.

The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by over 1,300 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract approximately 1.6 million spectators each year.

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