Fans asked to allow extra time for security screening
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2017) – The Red Sox announced today that all fans entering JetBlue Park at Fenway South for the 2017 Spring Training season will be screened using new metal detectors at all ballpark gates. The enhanced security measure follows new requirements from Major League Baseball calling for metal detection at all spring training games – an expansion of the 2015 mandate that required metal detection at all regular season Major League facilities.
Fans will be asked to remove cell phones, cameras and other large metal objects before walking through the metal detectors. Fans do not need to remove smaller objects, such as wallets, coins, keys, jewelry, eyeglasses, shoes and belts. Additionally, bags brought into the ballpark may not exceed 16” x 16” x 8” and are subject to search.
“This procedure, which results from MLB’s continuing work with the Department of Homeland Security to standardize security practices, will be in addition to bag checks that are now uniform throughout MLB games as well,” said Katie Haas, vice president of Florida business operations for the Red Sox.
The gates at Fenway South will open two hours before game time beginning Feb. 23. Fans are asked to arrive early to allow extra time for screenings. Special accommodations will be made for those needing extra assistance.
The Red Sox play its first exhibition game on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 1:05 p.m. against the Northeastern University Huskies. The team will play a total of 19 home games, including 17 Grapefruit League games, and a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team USA on March 9. Red Sox Spring Training is presented by CVS Health.
