Hockey fans and concertgoers taking in activities at the Scotiabank Saddledome should expect a longer wait to get to their seats as the organization rolls out new security measures — including walk-through metal detectors — within the next several weeks.

The changes are part of “enhanced guest security and safety measures” planned for the 2013-14 season, said Libby Raines, Calgary Flames vice-president of building operations.

She said the changes are “in keeping with what’s happening throughout North America, and with the protocols of the NHL and most of the other major sports leagues.”

No specific security threat or breach prompted the changes, said Raines.

The Flames intended to get started on the project last summer, but had to delay plans to deal with the massive spring flooding, she said.

Fans entering the building may be searched, with the list of prohibited items including backpacks, booze and all weapon-like devices.

But the biggest change is set to roll out within the next month, when metal detectors are installed at all main entry points at the Saddledome.

Raines said the organization considered whether to start using security wands, but discarded the idea in favour of metal detectors.

“It’s very difficult to try to do the wanding on 100 per cent of the people. The wanding becomes more of a random thing, and there’s issues that go along with that,” she said.

“We just decided we were prepared to make the investment in the walk-throughs and thought at the end of the day that was going to be the best way to go.

The measures will be in place for all events taking place at the Saddledome, she said.

Fans attending Thursday’s Flames versus LA Kings matchup were given information handouts about the security changes.

Flames fan Brett Lawrence said the new measures were the unfortunate reality of attending professional sports today.

“Sad as it is, it’s becoming commonplace in sports. You look at the NFL stadiums, they have to have clear bags and only a certain size. It’s kind of inevitable.”

Lawrence attended Flames, Hitmen and Roughnecks games at the Saddledome about once a month.

Bag checks and metal detectors were unlikely to be much of a hassle, he said.

“Most of (the prohibited items) is stuff you’re not bringing to a game anyway so I’m not too worried about it. As long as it doesn’t slow you down too much to get in. It is what it is.”

Sarah Morgan didn’t make a habit of bringing a bag when she attended Flames’ games.

“I guess it‘s the same as going through an airport,” she said of the metal detectors.

“At least you know that no-one’s bringing any crap in to the stadium. To me, it’s fine. I have nothing to hide.”

Leo Knight, a former police officer and security expert, said the enhanced security measures should come as no surprise, with many major organizations revising their plans following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

“It’s a sign of the times, really,” he said.

“The general theory in security is just because we haven’t had a problem doesn’t mean we won’t.