Things will be a little different for sports fans and concertgoers at the BOK Center this year.
There are now walk-through metal detectors at each entrance, and bags must be no larger than 13 by 15 by 6 inches. BOK Center General Manager Jeff Nickler said the changes aren’t in response to anything that’s happened there.
"With all the incidents recently worldwide, it would be irresponsible for us not to consider enhanced safety procedures," Nickler said. "These new procedures will get us on pace with every professional sports venue in the country."
Nickler expects getting into the BOK Center will take the same amount of or even less time once everyone is used to the new procedures.
"Initially, you know, though, for our first couple shows, we do encourage people to arrive early," Nickler said. "We estimate an additional 20–30 minutes longer than normal."
The arena already had a policy that all items were subject to search, and staff often used wand metal detectors as patrons came inside.
Patrons with bags larger than what’s allowed will be asked to take them to the car or discard them. Arena staff wont' store any items.
