Fans already under the spell of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s football wizardry could pass under a less magical wand as they enter the stadium on Sunday: a hand-held metal detector.
As the National Football League refines its game-day security, Sports Authority Field at Mile High will become the latest venue to phase in the devices at all gates.
The NFL bought the wands in mid-November and shipped them to all 31 league stadiums so staff could start implementing them over the remaining home games.
“We’re always refining and improving our already comprehensive security procedures at stadiums,” said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. “The goal is to keep items that can cause serious injuries out of our stadiums.”
He added that there was “nothing specific” that prompted this season’s introduction of the wands, which have been used at every Super Bowl since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Coincidentally, the more thorough procedure comes in the wake of two well-publicized violent incidents this season. In August, two people were shot in the parking lot after a preseason game at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Then, on Sept. 11, a man illegally used a Taser at a New York Jets game.
Some teams, including Cleveland and New England, started using the wands last season, McCarthy said.
In Denver, the arrival of the metal detectors marks the second shift this season in the NFL’s game-day security operations.
Fans initially met increased scrutiny with knee-to-ankle pat-down searches that expanded the scope of the usual above-the-waist checks, which were introduced in 2005.
“We evolved the pat-downs this season to make them more extensive, then we took another step as technology continues to improve,” McCarthy said. “We feel it will help further secure venues, and do it in a way that minimizes impact.”
Earlier this year, long lines formed at Sports Authority Field as security personnel implemented the new pat-down protocol, but the process has gone more quickly in recent weeks. Wands have been used, typically by request.
Stadium officials say the gradual introduction of wands should make things go even more smoothly.
“The thoroughness of a search with a metal detector is superior to that of a conventional pat-down,” said stadium general manager Andy Gorchov in a prepared statement. “The reports we have received from other stadiums that have already started implementation is that after fans and staff can become familiar with the process, it is quicker to get through, minimizes physical contact and no longer requires separate male and female search lines.”
Still, officials urged ticket holders to Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game against the Chicago Bears to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid delays. Fans should remove loose items such as keys, cellphones and other objects that could set off the metal detectors.
Kevin Simpson: 303-954-1739 or ksimpson@denverpost.com
