TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Two weeks ago, a single shot was fired on Tailgate Terrace during Troy football’s season opener.
Following that incident, the Troy University Police Department (TUPD) says it is looking at ways to increase safety on game days, particularly at Veterans Memorial Stadium. TUPD Chief George Beaudry explained the measures he wants the University to take in order to make game days safer.
“I’ve recommended a clear bag policy,” Beaudry said. “I think that would help us. Metal detectors or some type of weapon detection system at our entry points to the football game would be very beneficial to us. While we have some cameras around Tailgate Terrace, there is room for improvement. We definitely can update, fix, and add cameras.
“I made requests for that, as well. I think that time limits and tailgate policies are also important. We want our fans to come for the football environment. When the game starts, or sometime during the first half, I would like our fans to be in the stadium.
“We need to take a look at why we’re providing food trucks for large crowds outside the stadium when the game has already started. Why are we providing that, when we want our fans to be in the facility. We don’t want people to stop coming. We want to promote a safe and fun environment, and I think those measures will help us that.”
Beaudry says that out of 14 Sun Belt Conference schools, Troy and the University of Louisiana Monroe are the only two universities that do not have a clear bag policy when entering a stadium. He also says that half of the Sun Belt Conference does not use metal detectors, Troy being one of those schools.
—> Here are Troy University’s Gameday Stadium Policies
“Currently half of the schools in our conference use the metal detector same system,” Beaudry said. “Most people have an expectation that they’re going to be required to have a clear bag and that they’re going to walk through a metal detector.
“If we make those steps, I don’t think we’re inconveniencing anybody.”
Beaudry also has a message for students who might feel unsafe.
“Be situationally aware,” Beaudry said. “Pay attention to what’s going on around you. When things don’t look right, remove yourself from the situation. However, don’t live in constant fear. That’s the biggest message I try to share and often as I can.”
Beaudry wants parents and students to understand that these measures could take time to be implemented if approved by Troy’s administration. If approved, the installation of all the measures could equal up to $300,000.
