SANDY, Utah (
Monday, June 12, 2016
)
– Rio Tinto Stadium announced today that the world-class home to Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and Real Monarchs (USL) has installed walk-through magnetometers at all entry gates, as part of the continued elevation of security standards at each of the 20 MLS buildings.
New guest screening measures and the enforcement of the minimum standard Bag Policy are introduced immediately, beginning with Tuesday’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup contest between RSL and Wilmington Hammerheads (USL). Gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT, as well as the revamped Carnival Real on the newly-constructed East Lawn at Rio Tinto Stadium. As always, fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to minimize the chance of missing the 8:00 p.m. MT kickoff.
The elevated security standards – unanimously supported by the Major League Soccer Board of Governors, involving input from all 20 MLS clubs – bring MLS events in line with security measures taken by the other professional sports leagues in North America, and will be applied across all MLS stadiums to ensure a safe environment for soccer fans.
“Public safety is a top priority and the enhanced security measures will ensure that fans are able to continue to enjoy MLS and SUM events in a safe environment,” said MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott.
These security standards will apply to all MLS, SUM, and USL games played at MLS venues, including but not limited to MLS League and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games, friendly matches, and fan events.
“The safety of our fans, players and staff is paramount,” said Ray Whitworth, MLS Senior VP of Security and Operations. “The updated security measures bring us in line with professional sports leagues around the United States and Canada while maintaining the unique sports experience that is MLS.”
Under the new security policy all guests will be fully screened upon entry into MLS venues. The screenings will be conducted via a full pat down or with the use of a search wand or magnetometers. In order to expedite ingress and provide minimal inconvenience to guests, Rio Tinto Stadium has installed operational magnetometers at each gate along with increased number of security and staff to assist with ease of ingress, with the primary goal of ensuring a quality experience for all guests.
Under the new league-wide Bag Policy, fans are prohibited from bringing the following into Rio Tinto Stadium:
- Large purses
- Coolers
- Briefcases
- Backpacks of any kind
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
- Camera bags
- Any bag larger than 14"x14"x6"
Drawstring bags/cinch sacks are OK (clear bags recommended to expedite ingress and ease search processes).
Other prohibited items:
- BAGS LARGER THAN 14” x 14” x 6”
- WEAPONS OF ANY KIND
- FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND
- ILLEGAL DRUGS OR HARMFUL CHEMICALS
- ANY MISSILE OR PROJECTILE LIKE OBJECT
- AEROSOL CANS
- PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS
- PROFESSIONAL CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- LASER POINTERS
- HOVER BOARDS
- REMOTE CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT
- (DRONES)
- BOTTLES, CANS, COOLERS, CONTAINERS OR FOOD OR BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND
- NOISEMAKERS, PLASTIC HORNS, AIR HORNS, WHISTLES
- PETS (W/ EXCEPTION OF SERVICE ANIMALS)
- CONFETTI CANISTERS AND SMALL PUNCH HOLE SIZE CONFETTI
ANY OTHER ITEMS DEEMED TO BE INAPPROPRIATE OR DANGEROUS BY STADIUM STAFF/SECURITY
Anyone with an item that does not pass security measures will be asked to either take the item back to their vehicle or dispose of it. Bags smaller than 14” x 14” x 6” will be thoroughly searched at the bag inspection area.
Banners are encouraged provided they are not commercial, offensive, or in poor taste. All banners and signs are subject to approval of content and message. Banners may not obstruct the view of any guests, stadium signage, or present any safety hazards.
Persons entering the field of play without proper access or credentials will be removed from the stadium and may be subject to a permanent ban from Rio Tinto Stadium and possible arrest/citation. Persons throwing objects onto the field of play or at individuals will be removed from the stadium and may be subject to permanent ban from Rio Tinto Stadium.
Streamers/confetti thrown in the air in celebration is permitted.
There is no re-entry policy at Rio Tinto Stadium. In case of medical emergency see a guest services staff member.
Rio Tinto Stadium and Real Salt Lake reserve the right to remove fans that do not adhere to stadium guidelines or the MLS fan code of conduct.
Under Major League Soccer’s new league-wide Bag Policy, fans are prohibited from bringing the following into a stadium:
- Any bag larger than 14’’x14’’x6’’ – including, but not limited to:
- Large purses
- Coolers
- Briefcases
- Backpacks
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
- Camera bags
In addition, all bags will be subject to search upon entry
Special considerations will be made for guests with special medical needs and parents caring for infants.
*The bag restriction will not apply to credentialed media, who will continue to enter MLS stadiums through designated entrances and adhere to all posted media bag policies and screenings.
