Major League Soccer today announced elevated security standards that will be applied across all MLS stadiums to ensure a safe environment for soccer fans, bringing MLS events in line with security measures taken by the other professional sports leagues in North America. Beginning this Saturday, April 23, a new minimum standard Bag Policy and guest screening measures will be instituted in all 20 MLS venues. Major League Soccer’s bag policy is identical to MAPFRE Stadium’s existing bag policy, and therefore supporters will not notice any changes to this policy and are politely asked to continue to adhere to this regulation. Furthermore, additional guest screening, including metal detection, will be implemented at all gates beginning this weekend at MAPFRE Stadium.
Gate 3 at MAPFRE Stadium will now be opened in an effort to accommodate traffic flow and expedite entrance for ticket holders. Supporters attending this weekend’s match at MAPFRE Stadium are, as always, encouraged to arrive early.
Under the League-wide Bag Policy – one that MAPFRE Stadium has previously enforced – supporters are prohibited from bringing the following into a stadium:
- Large purses
- Coolers
- Briefcases
- Backpacks
- Luggage of any kind
- Computer bags
- Camera bags
- Any bag larger than 14’’x14’’x6’’ (except for medical reasons)
In addition, all bags will be subject to search upon entry. The bag restriction will not apply to credentialed media, who will continue to enter MLS stadiums – including MAPFRE Stadium – through designated entrances and adhere to all posted media bag policies and screenings.
Crew SC completes its two-match homestand at MAPFRE Stadium this weekend, Saturday, April 23 when it hosts the Houston Dynamo (7:30 p.m. ET / The CW Columbus, Time Warner Cable SportsChannel, BCSN2, CD102.5 FM, La Mega 103.1 FM, English radio stream on ColumbusCrewSC.com).
