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