More Security at Metrodome Announced

Twins Increase Security at Metrodome After Fan Misconduct

Security guards, ushers to be increased; police may play 'more meaningful role'

Minneapolis, May 11. 2001 -- The Minnesota Twins implemented a more stringent security plan for games at the Metrodome to prevent fans from misbehaving. Last week, 60 fans were thrown out of the Metrodome after hurling objects at Chuck Knoblauch, the former Twin who was playing left field for the Yankees. None of the fans was arrested, but the Twins were almost forced to forfeit the game.

Most major league stadiums use police officers for security, but off-duty police have not been on hand at Twins games for almost a decade. At a meeting to discuss the role police play at Twins games, Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson, Sgt. Bill Whisney, Twins Vice President Matt Hoy, and an official from Major League Baseball analyzed the Metrodome's security options. Kevin Hallinan, senior vice president for security and facility management for Major League Baseball, said that "the essential ingredient...of our crowd-management program is our relationship with the police." According to a report in Minneapolis Star Tribune, Hallinan suggested the "police can probably play a more meaningful role," but that the decision "is going to be up to the Twins." Twins' official Matt Hoy announced that he had "absolute confidence in our security staff" and planned to double the number of guards at each event rather than hiring a police presence.

In addition to an increase in the number of guards, the Twins' new security measures include an increase in the number of ushers, a printed code of conduct to be distributed to fans when entering left-field gates, an upgraded camera system, and omission of beer vendors in general admission seats which will force customers to go to the concession stands to purchase alcoholic beverages. Hoy stated that the new policies will promote "a family oriented atmosphere." according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. At the first game under the new policies, fans expressed discontent at being "forced to get out of my seat to get a beer," said the new rules are "silly," and suggested that the problems at the Yankees games were isolated incidents and not indicative of Twins fan behavior in general.

Sources:
"Twins set new security rules, officials to meet with police," by Randy Furst, Star Tribune, 5/10/01
"Dome security staff increased," by Gordon Wittenmeyer, Pioneer Press, 5/11/01
"Thirsty fans dislike new beer sale policy," by Mike Wells, Pioneer Press, 5/12/01

Amy Armond