Attn: DC folks-MCI center's new security policy

[Livia]

MCI CENTER ISSUES NEW SECURITY POLICY
Increased Security Measures May Cause Additional Delays
Patrons May Be Subject to Metal Detectors
MCI Center issues a new security policy effective today, Friday, March 28, informing all patrons attending events at the arena, including Wizards and Capitals games, to arrive early due to increased security measures put in place. Bags, briefcases, book bags, luggage or other items similar in nature are no longer allowed inside the arena. Any patrons carrying these items will be denied admission. Each patron will be allowed one personal item that fits within the following size constraints:

Personal items cannot be longer than 13 inches, taller than nine and a half inches and wider than six inches. Items that fit within these size limitations will be subject to search.

Patrons may also be subject to hand-held metal detectors and are asked to plan accordingly.

“Since its inception in 1997, MCI Center has worked in consultation with the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, the Secret Service and other local and national law enforcement agencies to maintain an industry-leading security program,” said Matt Williams, Senior Vice President of Communications. “As security measures around the country have increased, MCI Center has continued to upgrade and change security measures on the advice of these law enforcement agencies. Patrons at MCI Center should be confident that all appropriate security measures are being implemented, some of which will be apparent to patrons and some that will remain unseen and undisclosed.”

This new security policy represents a change in previous guidelines. Following the events of September 11, MCI Center instituted a search warning for all personal items and prohibited the entry of large bags or items similar in nature.

IN ADDITION:

All media and others with access to restricted areas will be required to produce a photo ID, and all bags and equipment will be subjected to inspection.
All media must enter through the Press Gate located at 6th and G Streets. If parking in MCI Center garage, members of the media should exit the building through the elevators in the middle of the garage and enter through the media entrance.
CAMERA POLICY
Handheld cameras, with no flash are the only cameras permitted (no videocameras or camcorders) for all basketball and hockey games.
Special events, concerts, etc. each have their own camera policy that is decided prior to the event

[Mike B]

Ugh. I was afraid of this. So...do I try to sneak in the minidisc recorder or not? They sure are making this hard for us bootleggers...

[Keith]

the last time I went to MCI, it seemed as if there was no security.. but I guess it depends on the event. I also know that security was tightened around the city when the war started..

i do plan on trying to get my camera in, since i'm fairly close and would love to try and get some great pics.. and I don't recall the hand held metal detectors, but it's been a few months since I've been to MCI... wish I knew what to tell you Mike about taking your mini recorder in....

thanks for posting Livia. I laughed when I read your post wondering if no bags meant no purses. The women in D.C. would riot if they couldn't bring their pocketbooks in with them...

[nodmod]

Camera Question

For all you long term tour-goes in the USA.

As a UK traveller coming to the Washington and Pittsburgh shows who is not familier with the procedures in the US.

What happens if they find a camera on you?

Do they take away the camera ready for collection after the event?
Take the film or memory media?
Or just take the camera away?

Still deciding weather to bring a decent camera, pick up a disposable one or not bother at all!

[Vianna]

Thanks, Livia.

I like Mike wonder if I should try the mini-recorder??Are they metal or plastic?

[Vianna]

Can you tell us which metro stop it is?

I am coming in on the metro rather than try to park a car anywhere near there.

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Originally posted by nodmod
Camera Question

For all you long term tour-goes in the USA.

As a UK traveller coming to the Washington and Pittsburgh shows who is not familier with the procedures in the US.

What happens if they find a camera on you?

Do they take away the camera ready for collection after the event?
Take the film or memory media?
Or just take the camera away?

Still deciding weather to bring a decent camera, pick up a disposable one or not bother at all!

When I went to Vegas I hid my camera in a Tampax box! I know this isn't really that helpful for you tho Neil

Pip

[gypsysara]

Mike, when I saw Stevie's TISL tour in 01, the LA stop had metal detectors at the doors. I put my DAT recorder, mic and camera inside a box of maxi-pads (with pads on the top if you looked in) and put that box in my backpack with assorted other stuff. Gave my backpack to some 17 yr old kid who wasnt about to put his hand down a innocent looking box of maxi-pads - I walked thru the detector, backpack was handed to me - and bootleg is now made!

Just an idea if you have a lady coming with you. But check the backpack policy first. The America West arena in Phoenix doesnt allow backpacks (but had no detectors). I had to run to my car and slip it in my pants quickly, almost causing me to be late. LOL! (Stevie's TISL AH-I show 12/6/01)

[gypsysara]

Also - camera policys and breaking them - severity of punishment depends on who is running the venue / mgmt and what the policy is. BB King's club in Chicago is rough, they will take your stuff away and wont give anything back. Some you can get it back afterwards (minus media used). To be on the safe side if your not sure, grab a disposable that has an off-flash function with 800 speed film.

[Keith]

hop on the yellow line at the Pentagon and take the train to the Gallery Place/Chinatown station. The MCI center is right...

and if you are interested - and anyone else - in stopping at my place before the show.. just send me an email at hiwayman9@earthlink.net. A few folks already have said they were dropping by, so feel free if you have time.

p.s. i'm trying my best not to peek at the forthcoming Columbus reviews.. as I'm hoping to have a bit of a setlist surprise when I get to my show on Friday.. Shirley I can wait until then...

[Livia]

BWA-HA-HA - Me too, Keith (not reading anything about Columbus), and stop calling me Shirley!

See ya Friday!