Board delays vote on security patdowns at Bucs games

TAMPA -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans won't be patted down or have their pockets searched before the team's first home preseason game. Nothing's certain after that.

For 1 1/2 hours Monday, the Tampa Sports Authority debated tougher security measures similar to those at a dozen other NFL venues, but decided more research is needed before voting.

The board plans to make a decision at its Aug. 19 meeting, a week after the first preseason home game against the Miami Dolphins.

It was disappointing news for the Bucs organization, whose ownership had offered to pay for the extra security and was hoping to start searching fans as soon as possible.

Some board members wanted the Bucs to cover insurance costs in the event of a lawsuit, and they worried about fans being delayed at the gates, a possible public relations nightmare.

The gates would open two hours before kickoff for patdowns. Because of civil rights issues, law enforcement officers would not conduct the searches.

Instead, a security company experienced in this type of hands-on screening would provide about 150 personnel, including at least one male and one female at each entrance, while officers looked on.

Fans would be asked to spread their legs and stretch out their arms and be given patdowns on the outside and inside of their legs, their torsos and along their sleeves. They would be asked to empty pockets and remove hats.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, the NFL created a task force to look at security at its sports arenas. That task force recommended patdown searches. Up to 10 teams -- including the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers -- are expected to screen fans this season, said Dan Grossi, NFL security representative.

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