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My Blue Jays opening day security bummer

There’s more intense security screening at Blue Jays @JoeyBats19’s yard, the Rogers Centre, than at Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Queen’s Park – or at any Canadian courthouse, for that matter. 

Granted, Jays right fielder José Bautista does have close to 600,000 more Twitter followers than Wynne. But seriously, do Jays fans need to pass through metal detectors to enjoy a ball game?

Major League Baseball (MLB) thinks so. 

Working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, MLB has aggressively put screening in place for all teams, including MLB’s sole Canadian franchise, starting this season.

More Canadians will experience U.S.-style security procedures at hockey games starting next year, too, when the National Hockey League follows baseball’s lead.

That’s because stadiums have national visibility, according to a press release announcing Homeland Security’s agreements with five professional sports leagues in 2010. 

“Any time you have a large gathering of people – Super Bowl, World Series, NASCAR race or presidential inaugural – there is cause for concern that terrorists may attempt to cause disruption.”

Homeland Security’s Enhance Critical Infrastructure Resilience report says stadiums are “so vital… that their incapacitation would have debilitating effects.”

Before the ball season started, Rogers Centre’s critical security staff members received training from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The government agency did an on-site assessment and provided risk assessment software. Rogers Centre staff are very thorough. They’ve been trained on Homeland Security video Check It! How To Check A Bag.

Our Jays game knapsack filled with affordable ballpark snacks (the Jays’ outside food and drink policy hasn’t changed) is thoroughly reviewed and even poked with a stick on opening day. The binoculars are looked through to ensure their legitimacy. 

All fans must empty their pockets before walking through a metal detector, and then must retrieve their stuff. It’s a recipe for a slowdown.

Weirdly, it’s less personally intrusive to tour Queen’s Park then to go to the ballpark. Ontario Libs recently beefed up the sergeant-at-arms guards by arming some of them in case of an emergency. The historic building is protected by semi-permanent barricades out front that can be dismantled or assembled on the fly, but they make the south entrance look off limits even though anyone can stop by for a free public tour or to watch politicians showboat when the legislature in session. 

But acting like 500-level Jays fans by starting a wave, loudly booing the opposition or breaking out in chants when your favourite MPP rises to speak is strictly prohibited and may get you removed. Queen’s Park is attempting to find a balance between securing the safety of Ontario’s political leaders and welcoming the public. 

Obviously, the privately owned Rogers Centre is seeking the same balance, but why do its heavy-handed tactics make us feel like we’re entering a provincial courthouse?

Those who attend court frequently (lawyers and clients) understand how screening 48,000 people on opening day might cause chaos. MLB has essentially the same system in place as provincial courthouses, with a few minor exceptions. 

For example, security personnel work under police supervision at Rogers Centre, while the courts are guarded strictly by 5-0. The bag check for both venues is very thorough, but some Ontario courthouses x-ray bags.

It’s best to check yourself before going to a ball game, because unlike at Old City Hall, there’s no anonymous contraband drop box in case something you should’ve left at home is in your pocket.


New ballpark rules

What not to wear Offensive clothing, shirts with metal snaps or metal buttons large metal belt buckles. Keep steel-toed shoes or shoes with metal arches in the closet, too, since they’ll set off the metal detector.

Other items that can be confiscated Your MacGyver skills won’t be called upon, so leave the Swiss Army knife behind. Unfortunately, brooms (for a Jays series sweep), full face masks and oversized costumes won’t be tolerated either.

Remove Keys, cellphone, metal objects. 

What you’re allowed to keep on Belt, shoes, jacket, watch and wallet.

Bags and outside food and beverage policy Bags are not to exceed 16-by-16-by-8-inches, which means you can pack a great picnic lunch and save enough by avoiding concession prices to attend more games. Drinks must be in plastic bottles 600 mls or less. Food must be wrapped or bagged or in a container to avoid spillage. Obviously, no booze.

news@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto

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