September 2015

Canadian Tire Centre (@CdnTireCtr) is reminding media and fans that the venue will debut its upgraded security policy starting on Monday, Sept. 21, when the Senators host the Toronto Maple Leafs. The new policy remains in effect for all hockey games and events at Canadian Tire Centre from that point forward.

Beginning one week from today, Canadian Tire Centre will be introducing the use of magnetometers (walk-through metal detectors) to screen all fans as they enter the venue at all points of entry. By new league standards, magnetometers are mandatory for games in all National Hockey League venues starting in 2015-16 and in Ottawa they will remain in use for all non-hockey events and shows.

Patrons will use these walk-through magnetometers (much like those used at airports) at all points of entry, allowing for guests to enter the venue as quickly and efficiently as possible. Only in unique circumstances will patting down or hand-held wands be used with guests. Fans will not be asked to remove shoes or belts, but will be asked to remove any metallic items from their pockets. The magnetometers are designed to allow all patrons to walk through safely, including those with specific medical conditions like pacemakers, defibrillators and bone/joint replacements.

In addition to the magnetometers, and to provide patrons the safest and most secure environment at Canadian Tire Centre, exiting and re-entering the building will no longer be permitted starting Sept. 21. Once a ticket and patron has been scanned into Canadian Tire Centre, patrons can no longer exit the building and return during the event. Exceptions will only be made in the case of emergencies. Guests with emergencies will be received by Canadian Tire Centre’s guest services team on a case-by-case basis.

As part of these security upgrades, Canadian Tire Centre has also amended the building’s smoking policy. Those persons attending games will be able to smoke in designated areas outside of the venue before and after games and events. Per the new re-entry measures above, patrons will not be able to leave the venue to smoke and then return to the game under any circumstances.

Electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems are not permitted inside Canadian Tire Centre in any area of the building at any time.

Bag policy remains in effect at all Canadian Tire Centre games and events

The Senators bag policy, instituted during the 2014-15 hockey season, will remain in place for the coming year. Patterned after the successful implementation of a similar policy in the National Football League and the NHL’s new mandate for event operations and recommendations for enhanced security, the policy will only allow patrons to bring small soft-sided handbags, diaper bags and bags specifically required for medical purposes into hockey games, shows and events.

Only bags fitting the above approved criteria will be accepted into the venue. This indicates specifically that backpacks, coolers and duffle bags will not be permitted. Canadian Tire Centre wants to make this reminder specifically to fans that arrive without a vehicle so they can plan accordingly.

Canadian Tire Centre continues to listen to feedback from patrons and strives to find new ways to improve the game experience, atmosphere and security inside the building.

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