Tailgate, football game security costs double to $20,000
Security costs have doubled for tailgate over the last academic year.
Costs increased from $10,000 in 2008-09 to $20,000 in 2010-11. Security was intensified throughout the facility to increase the safety of the facility and surrounding areas, said Derek van der Merwe, senior associate athletic director.
He said it was also to establish emergency action plans, while creating clear communication and response strategies.
“As attendance increases for games, adjustment to security will be necessary,” van der Merwe said.
He said football game attendance has averaged between 8,000 to 12,000 students.
The security cost per game is $4,200 and includes one supervisor, 31 uniformed and 15 non-uniformed security guards. The employees work throughout the facility in different roles: gates, bag check, press box, concourse, stands, field security and parking lot security.
STT Security, a privately owned security organization, along with the five local police agencies, help secure the safety of attendees at major on-campus events.
Van der Merwe said the private security firm manages the primary support during home football games.
“We have all the local agencies assist us during home games,” said CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley. “We utilize those officers in a variety of capacities.”
Yeagley said the agencies assign between two and four officers each.
Van der Merwe said the local and campus law enforcement meet the morning of each home game to review policies and emergency action procedures.
“All ushers, concession workers, ticket takers, game day workers and other staff have been trained on the emergency action plan,” he said. “All play a critical role in protecting our fans and providing them with a positive game day experience.”
About two months ago, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security examined the venues and stadiums on campus to determine how best to keep it secure, Yeagley said.
“The policy changes have ensured that we are keeping pace with recommended best practices for a stadium of our size,” van der Merwe said.
In addition to increasing security, the athletics department has worked to develop a comprehensive emergency action plan, he said. This is done by holding joint-training exercises between local and campus law enforcement officials.
“When you have 30,000 to 40,000 people congregating in a small area, you have to have effective communication strategies, emergency response plans, evacuation strategies and coordinated responses,” van der Merwe said.
