Rodeo spectators must abide by new security measures

Spectators attending the 91st Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo must abide by a new clear bag policy for security measures.

The Tucson Rodeo Committee instituted the policy, which limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the rodeo, said Deborah Barnett, committee chairwoman.

Complimentary clear bags will be available for spectators who need them when entering the rodeo, Barnett said.

This year’s anticipated attendance is 60,000 spectators. The rodeo is Feb. 20-28 at the rodeo grounds on the corner of South Sixth Avenue and East Irvington Road.

“In working with the Tucson Police Department and our security team in evaluating our entrance procedures, we believe it is in the best interest of our guests,” Barnett said.

The use of clear plastic bags “has become common practice at many sporting events, including those of the National Football League and the University of Arizona,” she said.

The limit to the size and types of bags that can be brought into the rodeo will help create a “safe and secure event”, Barnett said.

Bags that will be accepted at the rodeo are:

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• Clear plastic or vinyl bags that do not exceed 12-by-6 inches by 12 inches.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
• Small clutch bags, about the size of a hand, which will be searched.
• Diaper bags, which will be searched.
• Exceptions will be made for necessary medical items after inspections. These include tanks, diabetes kits and allergy pens.

Bags that are prohibited include:

• Handbags and tote bags, unless they are clear plastic.
• Purses larger than a clutch.
• Briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs and cinch bags.
• Luggage and long golf umbrellas.
• Cooler bags, computer bags, camera bags and binocular bags.
• Any bag larger than the permissible size, unless credentialed personnel carrying such belongings have been searched.

Items that are prohibited include:

• All horns, artificial noisemakers, cowbells and balloons.
• Weapons or dangerous objects.
• Glass bottles, cans, coolers, Thermoses or ice chests.
• Outside food and beverages, including alcohol.

Each of the four public entrances at the rodeo will have additional security to ease the entry process, organizers said. Also, those who park in the rodeo grounds parking lots, will receive notice about the new policies as they enter the lots.

Information is also available at www.tucsonrodeo.com. Click on “Know Before You Go” under the heading “New Public Safety Procedures”.