Phillies fans will have to go through a metal detector at every home game this season,
6 ABC reports.
The decision comes as a part of a mandate from Major League Baseball in an effort to beef up security following the Boston Marathon bombings that occurred in 2013. The team ran a pilot program last year in anticipation of the decision, and Phillies Director of Operations and Security Sal DeAngelis said the change won't pose a major inconvenience for those entering the park, according to ABC:
"We learned that you don't have to take everything out of your pockets like at the airport, you don't have to take out your belts at shoes. Cell phones, cameras and keys are what we're asking people to take out of their pockets."
A
report from NBC Philadelphia notes that signs will greet fans notifying them of the change when they enter the park. Team officials are asking fans to allow themselves more time when they head to a game because of the change.
The detectors will be ready for the
On-Deck Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at the ballpark, which will mark the end of spring training. The Phillies home opener is March 6 against the Boston Red Sox.
