Ahead of state basketball tourneys, RP Funding Center rolls out new bag restrictions
LAKELAND – As instances of gun violence, threats of terrorism and other forms of crowd intimidations increase, public gathering facilities, event centers, social halls and other arenas are taking more precautions to enhance patron safety.
In its effort to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for its guests, Lakeland’s RP Funding Center has implemented a new bag policy for all of its ticketed events, which went into effect last week. The FHSAA state basketball championships begin Tuesday with girls and boys teams in Classes 1A through 4A. Classes 5A through 7A start March 6.
According to the RP Funding Center, the new bag policy requires the use of clear bags and small “clutch” purses and emphasizes the possibility of bag searches and metal-detector screenings as added security measures for events held there.
In addition, the RP Funding Center updated its list of prohibited items, according to information provided by the entertainment and sports facility. Among those items are outside food and drink, guns or weapons and pocketknives or any other type of knife.
Bags that will be permitted are: bags of clear plastic, clear vinyl or clear PVC and are not bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 15 inches; one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, such as a Ziploc bag; small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, not bigger than 8.5 inches by 6 inches.
Exceptions will be made for medical bags in a tote-style (not backpacks) and childcare bags, such as diaper bags when guests are accompanied by a child (tote-style only, no backpacks).
Additionally, all guests are subject to metal-detection screenings and bag searches. Prohibited items will not be allowed into the venue, and guests need to return them to their vehicles before entering.
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“In a time where safety during large events has become a major concern, public venues and institutions have a responsibility to be vigilant in efforts to prevent security breaches,” RP Funding Director Cindy Collins said by email. “This policy is designed to help reduce the risk of those threats by enabling security officials to quickly see what is being brought into the center without delaying the flow of people with bag searches.”
The RP Funding Center asks patrons to review the bag and prohibited items policies before attending events to help for an easier entry process. For information on the bag policy and prohibited items, see www.rpfundingcenter.com.
Across the United States, National Football League teams have started bag and Clear Bag Policies for the 2023-24 season. According to the NFL, the only bags allowed in stadiums are “bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC.” The policy also states bags can’t exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches in size. Similar rules are in place for baseball, soccer and concerts.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Ahead of basketball tourneys, RP Funding Center has new rules on bags
