Iowa tightens security for Hawkeyes game against Purdue

Officials are implementing extra security measures at the University of Iowa's last home football game against Purdue on Saturday.

In a news release sent Thursday, UI officials said the changes included a clear-bag policy for anyone entering Kinnick Stadium. Fans should also expect to see an increased police and security presence before, during and after the game.

"The profile is going to be increased. You're going to see more officers out there. You'll see them in more obvious areas," said Dave Visin, UI's interim assistant vice president and director of public safety. The goal is to make sure fans are able to feel safe at the stadium, he said.

Visin said that the change in policy was not prompted by any specific threats toward UI but reflected changes that other colleges, like Ohio State and Minnesota, had made following last week's terrorist attacks in Paris.

"We think it's just the right thing to do out of an abundance of caution for our fans," Visin said.

“We ask everyone for their assistance in making our last home game of the season as safe as possible for all of our friends and visitors,” he said in the release. “If you see something, say something.”

The decision to increase security was made jointly by UI Police, the UI Athletics Department and representatives from the president's office, officials said.

UI Police and the UI Athletics Department recommend fans arrive early and come prepared for a more extensive screening process modeled after the NFL, which places restrictions on purses and handbags. Some small bags would still be allowed, according to Visin.

"We are allowing purses, I would say more like clutch bags, that are no bigger than a hand," he said.

A bag check area will be available at the Recreation Building northwest of Kinnick Stadium for fans who need a place to store their items during the game. The bag check-in will open at 9 a.m. and close one hour after the game. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. in order to allow fans to reach their seats by kickoff.

Associate Athletics Director Paula Jantz said UI officials are working to make people aware of the change in policy so the line on Saturday isn't slowed down by someone who doesn't realize they can't bring in their bag.

"If someone has everything in a clear bag, it's not going to take that much time at all," Jantz said, adding that plastic bags would be available to fans at the Recreation Building when they check their other bags.

Jantz said more than 63,000 tickets have already been sold for the game, and she believes more people will come out for Senior Day.

"We expect to have a lot of folks coming to cheer on the seniors, which is exciting," she said.

It's too early to tell whether the increased security measures will be put into effect for any football games next season or for other upcoming UI events, Visin said.

"I think all we're trying to do is concentrate on Saturday," he said.

About clear-bag policy

The following will be permitted:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 14 inches by 14 inches

One-gallon clear plastic bag (Ziploc or similar)

Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches

Patrons with infants will be permitted to bring diaper bags

Binoculars, blankets, seat cushions, one sealed plastic water bottle, food contained in a one-gallon clear plastic bag

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gates

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol, coolers, kegs, camel backs, thermoses, canned or bottled beverages

Backpacks, purses and handbags

Banners and signs

Large lens (6 inches or more) cameras and tripods

Noisemakers, horns, bugles or other disruptive devices

Personal seat backs

Strollers

Tobacco of any kind

Umbrellas

Weapons

Reporter Jeff Charis-Carlson contributed to this report.

Reach Stephen Gruber-Miller at 319-887-5407 or sgrubermil@press-citizen.com. Follow him at @sgrubermiller.