University officials offer stadium safety tips

Campus officials are working to make sure Saturday’s Wisconsin football game is a safe and fun experience for fans who expect a win to secure a Rose Bowl berth for their beloved Badgers.

Physical changes at Camp Randall since 1993 include more railings, concrete work and other measures that separate fans from the field. Also, added police, private security and paramedic personnel are on hand. Even with the improvements, University Police Capt. Dale Burke says: “Safety depends on fans staying in their seats and off the field.”

Stepped-up security and physical changes to the stadium since 1993 will help keep fans safe in their seats. But campus police and university officials are urging fans to remember that they hold the key to making Saturday’s contest against Penn State an enjoyably memorable game.

If you’re going to the game, here are some tips offered by stadium officials and campus police:

Come early. Gates will open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. start. A big crowd is expected, so early birds will more likely avoid the long lines — and get to see the kickoff.
Enter the gate marked on the ticket. Capt. Dale Burke of the University Police Department says that using the gate number printed on each ticket will minimize congestion and allow for quicker access to seats once ticket holders are inside.
Make sure you are in the correct seat. Tell ushers immediately if you find someone in your seat. Fans should retain their ticket stubs to show that where they are and where they’re supposed to be are one and the same.
Don’t try to enter the field. Fans who try to gain access to the playing field at any time face a $270.50 fine. After the game, the Wisconsin Band plans its famous “Fifth Quarter” celebration, but the event will be canceled if fans are trying to get onto the field at the end of the game. Other post-game entertainment also is scheduled, so organizers urge fans to stay in their seats and watch the show.
Enjoy the game. Even with the sell-out games this season, police say they’ve been encouraged with the way the crowds have cooperated with stadium rules.

There have been relatively few problems with fans bringing alcohol into the stadium and few disorderly conduct charges for unruly fans.

Nevertheless, Burke says extra security personnel will be on hand Saturday to step up spot checks at every gate for prohibited carry-in items such as alcoholic beverages, bottles, cans, food items and coolers. Fans can be cited for alcohol violations.

A possible return to the Rose Bowl recalls memories of the Oct. 30, 1993 Camp Randall crowd surge that left about 70 students injured. But since 1993, safety measures have been instituted to increase security and enjoyment for fans and players alike:

Physical improvements include railings, concrete work and new gates increase player and fan safety.
Better communication encourages safer crowd behavior.
Added police, private security and paramedic personnel are on hand.
Clearer exterior signage makes it easier for fans to enter the stadium at the most appropriate gates.

Even with the improvements, Burke says responsible fan behavior is the only way to guarantee to a safe, enjoyable game: “Safety depends on fans staying in their seats and off the field.”