ATLANTA — Fans going to the 2018 SEC Championship Game on Saturday will be asked to enter with clear bags and should be prepared to arrive early.
Officials with the Southeastern Conference told fans to expect to see significant law enforcement presence in and around Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Similar security measures will also be in place at the Dr Pepper SEC FanFare event in the Georgia World Congress Center.
The SEC strongly encourages fans not to bring any type of bags to the championship weekend events, but bags must be clear or a small clutch to be allowed into either the championship game or SEC FanFare.
Bags will be monitored at a secondary security perimeter set up around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Georgia World Congress Center, and law enforcement presence and K-9 patrols will be prevalent throughout the area.
For the fourth year in a row, the SEC Championship events will utilize the clear bag policy, which is similar to that used in the NFL.
The clear bag policy will be in effect for both the SEC Championship Game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and SEC FanFare in the Georgia World Congress Center.
Bags will be inspected before entry at both locations.
ENTERING THE STADIUM
Gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium will open at 1:30 p.m. Saturday to accommodate early arriving fans.
Bags must satisfy the guidelines below in order to be taken into SEC FanFare and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED?
Prohibited items include but are not limited to: purses larger than a small clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size (12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches).
Items that are typically carried in diaper or baby bags must be carried in a clear bag that meets the standards of the bag policy.
Fans may still bring items such as binoculars and cameras, provided they are not in cases, as well as smart phones into SEC FanFare and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
MISCELLANEOUS
Working personnel, including media, will enter Mercedes-Benz Stadium through designated gates where they will be subject to screening and bag inspections already in effect for the SEC Championship Game.
Any fan who witnesses suspicious activity at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Georgia World Congress Center should notify uniformed security personnel or call (470) 341-5673.
Also, in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans may text "Respect" and a description of the suspicious activity to 69050.
The SEC is encouraging fans to arrive early and leave any unnecessary items at home or in their cars.
Fans who bring any bag into Mercedes-Benz Stadium or SEC FanFare should anticipate being delayed for search and bag exchange.
CLICK HERE for more information from the official Southeastern Conference website.
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WSB-TV COVERAGE PLANS
Get the latest Dawgs news coverage Saturday at 10 a.m. on Channel 2's Bulldogs Game Day. WSB Sports Director Zach Klein brings you exclusive interviews and insider information to get you prepared for the SEC Championship.
Then, you'll hear from the players and coaches after the SEC Championship game on the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat at 11.
WSB RADIO COVERAGE PLANS
News 95-5 & AM-750 WSB is the exclusive home of Georgia Football! WSB is the ONLY place to hear every play of the SEC Championship with the Voice of the Dawgs Scott Howard and UGA All American Eric Zeier.
Before the Dawgs face Alabama for the SEC Title, News 95-5 & AM-750 is the only place for in depth pre-game analysis from UGA legends Eric Zeier and Kevin Butler. The tailgate show starts at noon to get you ready for SEC Championship Game on the Home of the Dawgs -- News 95-5 & AM-750 WSB.
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