CLEVELAND — Spectators at Shaker Heights' home football game against Brunswick on Friday night saw new security measures in place at Russell H. Rupp Field as part of the school district's efforts to "address safety and security concerns."
According to a message on the Shaker Heights City School District website, metal detection scanners will be placed at the stadium entrance to screen all spectators. District officials say they are testing the devices as part of ongoing efforts to find solutions to safety concerns. According to the district, the metal detectors "are non-invasive and provide a quick, effective way to enhance safety."
"We've had a couple incidences within our community that caused us to question our safety practices, and we wanted to take a chance to look at those and say, 'You know what, what can we do tonight to make sure everybody has a safe and fun time?" Felecia Evans, assistant superintendent of the Shaker Heights City School District, told 3News.
Describing the measures as a pilot project, Shaker Heights officials recommended fans arrive early to the 7 p.m. game to ensure a smooth entry amid the new protocol. Evans says it's the same technology used in hospitals.
"They use these scans to scan people before they have an MRI to make sure they don’t have any metal on them," she explained.
Parents have mixed feelings, with some calling the new measures a "shock" while also acknowledging, "We have to change with the times." District leaders say it's their way of exploring how to help people in the community feel safe.
"It is really truly about community," Evans added. "Shaker has a strong community and we work together to keep each other safe, and that's really our goal tonight."
In addition to the metal detectors, the district issued the following reminders regarding security for Friday's game:
- Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Presale tickets are available online at www.shakerraiders.org. By purchasing tickets via the presale, spectators may save time at the gate.
- Spectators will not be admitted after halftime.
- All Shaker Heights High School and Middle School students must present their student ID with a valid game ticket for entry. Students without a valid Shaker Heights Schools student ID will not be admitted. Only students from Shaker Heights and that game's opposing school will be admitted to varsity football games.
- All Middle School and elementary school students must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Spectators may not bring backpacks into the stadium.
- The High School building will be closed.
The district plans to get more feedback from students and parents before making any of these changes permanent. As for the game, the Red Raiders fell to the Blue Devils 35-3, with their next home contest coming next Friday against unbeaten Mentor.