New security measure coming to Howard Wood Field

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There will be new security measures coming to Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls this fall. Fans will now have to go through metal detectors as they enter events.

Starting this Friday night, fans will have to walk through detector pylons before finding a seat.

“It came from the idea that almost every venue you go to today has screening points in place. The Denny right next door has screening points in place. If you go downtown to the Pavilion or to any other place, they have those, and they have those implemented to keep their guests and visitors safe,” Sioux Falls School District security coordinator David Osterquist said.

The main thing the security checkpoints are looking to detect are firearms, and the process to get through security should be quick and easy.

“Walk. That’s all there is to it. It doesn’t require divestiture, so people don’t have to remove items from their pockets. They will simply walk through the security screening pylons,” Osterquist said.

If the alarm goes off, you will be stopped by security.

“If it is something that rises to the level of law enforcement involvement, we will ask one of our law enforcement partners to get involved. If it’s something that’s simply prohibited by Howard Wood policy, we’ll ask you to return to your vehicle,” Osterquist said.

All to ensure that fans can enjoy the game without any worry.

“I believe that people want to feel safe, and they want to experience these events in that safe environment,” Osterquist said.

Howard Wood Field is not the only facility in the district that has metal detectors. You also find them at Axtell Park School, beginning this fall.

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