Metal Detector Procedures
- Football
- Men's & Women's Basketball
Football
Mississippi State Athletics is committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone attending events at Davis Wade Stadium.
All guests are subject to security screening prior to entering the stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, leave unnecessary items at home or in their vehicles, and review the Clear Bag Policy and Prohibited Items before arriving.
What to Expect at Security
Davis Wade Stadium utilizes multiple types of metal detection screening at stadium entrances, including open-gate metal detectors and walk-through metal detectors.
Guests should follow the instructions of security screening personnel and be prepared to present their ticket after completing the security screening process.
Open-Gate Metal Detectors
At entrances equipped with open-gate metal detectors, guests may walk through the designated screening area without stopping unless directed otherwise by security personnel.
Permitted Larger Metal Objects
Fans carrying large metal objects, including completely empty stainless steel cups or tumblers, Frost Buddies, cameras and cowbells, should remove these items from their clear bags and raise them above the metal detector when entering through an open-gate metal detector.
- Note: Stainless steel cups or tumblers, frost buddies, or other reusable cups must be completely empty in order to be permitted into Davis Wade Stadium.
Guests should follow the instructions of security screening personnel when entering the stadium. Other large metal objects may be subject to additional screening or may not be permitted.
If the detector indicates that additional screening is necessary, a member of the security team may conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or other appropriate screening method.
Walk-Through Metal Detectors
Some Davis Wade Stadium entrances utilize walk-through metal detectors. At these entrances, guests should follow the instructions of security screening personnel and walk individually through the detector. Guests may be asked to raise their hands or adjust large metal objects as directed by security personnel. Fans do not need to remove everyday items such as belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes or jackets unless instructed by security personnel. If the detector indicates that additional screening is necessary, a member of the security team may conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or other appropriate screening method.
Cowbells
Cowbells are permitted in Davis Wade Stadium and remain an important Mississippi State tradition. Because cowbells contain a significant amount of metal, they may cause a metal detector to alert if carried through the detector. At open-gate metal detector entrances, fans carrying cowbells should raise the cowbell above the metal detector while entering when directed by security personnel. At entrances utilizing walk-through metal detectors, fans should follow the instructions of security personnel regarding the handling of cowbells.
Clear Bag Policy
The Davis Wade Stadium Clear Bag Policy remains in effect at all security entrances.
Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12" × 6" × 12"
- One-gallon resealable clear plastic bags
- Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5" × 6.5"
The 12" × 6" × 12" clear bag is the preferred bag option.
Approved clear bags are accepted at all security entrances and are subject to inspection.
Link to Full Policy: HailState.com/clearbag.
Medical Bags
Medical bags and medically necessary items are permitted at all security entrances. Medical bags are subject to thorough inspection prior to entry.
Guests should notify security screening personnel upon arrival if they are carrying medically necessary items that require additional screening.
Secondary Screening
Guests may be subject to additional screening if:
- The metal detector indicates an alert.
- A prohibited or questionable item is identified.
- Security personnel determine that additional screening is necessary.
Prohibited Items
Guests should review the complete Davis Wade Stadium Prohibited Items Policy before arriving.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Pocket knives or blades larger than 4 inches
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Video cameras
- Selfie sticks
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Drones
- Laser pointers
- Balls, frisbees, and inflatables
- Exception: Balls purchased from an authorized retail location on the premises must remain in their original packaging.
- Non-approved banners and signs
- Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards
- Outside food or beverages
- Smoking or vaping in all areas
- Animals, except permitted service animals
Any person in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to enter Davis Wade Stadium.
Prohibited items cannot be stored at stadium entrances. Mississippi State is not responsible for any unattended prohibited bags or items left outside the security perimeter.
Unlawful items discovered during security screening may be confiscated. Individuals possessing unlawful or prohibited items may be denied entry, removed from the stadium and/or referred to law enforcement.
Tips for a Faster Entry
Fans can help expedite the security screening process by:
- Leaving unnecessary bags and items at home or in their vehicles.
- Using the preferred 12" × 6" × 12" clear bag when a bag is necessary.
- Having their mobile ticket ready before reaching the entry point.
- Removing large metal objects from their clear bag when directed.
- Raising cowbells above open-gate metal detectors when directed.
- Following all instructions from security screening personnel.
- Arriving early, particularly for high-attendance games.
Security screening procedures may be adjusted as necessary to address the safety and security needs of Davis Wade Stadium and its guests.
Will there be a metal detector at every security perimeter entrance?
Yes. There will be walk-through metal detectors deployed outside all security perimeter checkpoints at Davis Wade Stadium. This will ensure that fans can efficiently enter the stadium.
How much extra time should fans allow for entry into Davis Wade Stadium?
Fans are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before Kickoff to ensure a smooth entry into Davis Wade Stadium. To expedite the screening process, fans should be familiar with the Davis Wade Stadium clear bag policy and prohibited items list and leave all other unnecessary items locked securely in their vehicle. More information is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
What can fans expect once they get to the gates of Davis Wade Stadium?
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, approved seat cushions and cowbells in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required. Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter Davis Wade Stadium.
What if individuals with medical conditions cannot or other individuals do not want to pass through a metal detector?
Fans who cannot or do not wish to pass through a metal detector will still be subject to security screening using a hand-held metal-detecting wand. Fans with disabilities, those using a wheelchair, or those with a stroller will be directed to a designated screening area at the applicable security perimeter checkpoint. If a fan remains uncomfortable with the screening process, they should notify a member of the gate security staff, who may involve law enforcement as necessary.
What time will gates to Davis Wade Stadium open?
All gates to Davis Wade Stadium open two hours (2:00) before kickoff.
How will metal detectors affect cowbells being brought into Davis Wade Stadium?
Cowbells are always welcome at Davis Wade Stadium. If fans walk through an open gate metal detector, they should remove cowbells from their clear bags or their person and raise them above the metal detector as seen in the graphic above.
If fans with cowbells enter through a walk-through metal detector, fans are asked to place their cowbell inside their approved clear bag or in the provided screening table containers prior to walking through the metal detector.
Are pocket knives allowed?
Knives with blades no longer than 4” (the size of a credit card or driver’s license) are permitted but must be placed in the screening table container before passing through the metal detectors.
?
In an effort to continue Mississippi State University’s long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors will be implemented at all gates of Humphrey Coliseum.
Metal detectors are currently mandatory at all NFL, NBA and MLB stadiums and are utilized at numerous college stadiums across the nation. Metal detectors have been in place at Humphrey Coliseum since 2017.
When fans arrive at the gates of Humphrey Coliseum, they will be asked to follow the instructions of the security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, cameras, and approved seat cushions in containers or in their clear bag on screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will not be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects.
The SEC clear bag policy will continue to be in effect at Humphrey Coliseum. To expedite the screening process, fans are urged to use their approved clear bag to carry permitted items into the coliseum rather than placing them in the screening table containers. An updated clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Mississippi State implementing metal detectors at Humphrey Coliseum?
To continue our university’s commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for fans, student-athletes, coaches and guests at our athletic facilities, Mississippi State will continue to implement metal detectors at Humphrey Coliseum.
Have there been prior threats made against Humphrey Coliseum?
No. But like many stadiums and arenas, Mississippi State is implementing walk-through metal detectors along with other measures as means to enhance all safety and security procedures. Walk-through metal detectors have been in use at Humphrey Coliseum for the past two seasons and are mandatory at all NFL and MLB stadiums. Several college stadiums across the nation already utilize walk-through metal detectors.
Will there be a metal detector at every gate?
Yes. There will be walk-through metal detectors deployed inside all gates at Humphrey Coliseum. This will ensure that fans can efficiently and safely enter the coliseum.
What can fans expect once they get to the gates of Humphrey Coliseum?
Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the gate security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys, and any other approved item containing large amounts of metal in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required. Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter Humphrey Coliseum.
What happens to individuals who cannot walk through a metal detector due to a medical condition?
Metal detectors are safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women and adults with most all medical implants or devices. Fans with concerns about passing through the walk-through metal detectors should check with their doctors to make sure it is OK. If you choose not to use the walk-through metal detector, you will still be subject to screening with a small hand-held metal detecting wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller will be directed to a nearby screening area at each gate location.
Does the clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of the metal detectors?
Yes, the clear bag policy is still in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that fans use their approved clear bag to carry approved items rather than placed in the screening table containers. The approved clear bag with contents will be inspected at the each detector screening table. Updated information on the clear bag policy is available at HailState.com/clearbag.
What time will gates to Humphrey Coliseum open?
All gates to Humphrey Coliseum open ninety minutes (90) before tipoff.
How will the new metal detectors affect cowbells being brought into Humphrey Coliseum?
Cowbells are not allowed into Humphrey Coliseum.
Do I have to take off my jacket, belt or shoes upon entry into Humphrey Coliseum?
No. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects when being screened at Humphrey Coliseum.
What if fans don’t want to pass through the metal detectors?
Fans with concerns about passing through the walk through metal detectors will still be subject to screening with a hand-held metal detector wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair or with a stroller will be directed to a special screening area at each gate location. If you are still uncomfortable with the hand-held wands, inform a member of the gate security staff to notify law enforcement.
Are pocket knives allowed?
Knives with blades no longer than 4” (the size of a credit card or driver’s license) are permitted, but must be placed in the screening table container before passing through the metal detectors