Security to be ramped up ahead of Mizzou’s rivalry game with KU this weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Tigers will face off against their longtime rival, the Kansas Jayhawks, for the first time since 2011 on Saturday at Faurot Field.

With a sold-out stadium and passionate fans on both sides, emotions can run high and sometimes even lead to disputes. The rivalry goes back more than a century, and while the game has evolved, one thing hasn’t changed: fans’ passion. With tens of thousands expected this weekend, safety is top of mind.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Kyle Green said the patrol will add more troopers inside the stadium for Saturday's matchup.

“Our top priority is always keeping fans, student athletes, and staff safe, while providing the best fan day experience possible,” MU athletics director Laird Veatch said during a news conference earlier this week.

Fans will be required to enter the stadium from the same side where their seats are located. That change was announced to reduce congestion that occurred near the south concourse last week. Ticket scanners will not allow entry from the opposite side.

At last week’s game, four attendees were ejected, mostly for behavioral issues. That's three fewer than last year's opening game.

"Troopers will be making sure fans are following the stadium rules and behaving themselves. If they are found to be violating those rules, they run the risk of ejection and will not be allowed back in the stadium," Green said in an email.

Violations can include:

• Intoxication
• Underage drinking
• Fighting
• Disorderly conduct
• Inappropriate conduct
• Bringing alcohol into the stadium
• Smoking or vaping
• Drug usage

Local bar Harpo’s is also adding security this weekend. General manager Evan Lawson said he expects the weekend to be busy.

“We’ve got about 100 security guards on staff, with 50 or 60 working both Friday and Saturday. We also have private security helping us out,” Lawson said.

Harpo’s can hold up to 1,800 people, according to Lawson. If an incident occurs, he said staff can handle it immediately.

"We remove them from the bar and then once they're outside of the bar, if they're still a problem, we contact 911. CPD arrives and then they take care of it from there," Lawson said.

The University of Missouri Police Department works closely other law enforcement agencies and campus officials to ensure a safe game day experience.

Traffic recommendations for fans:

• Plan ahead and arrive after parking lots open
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks
• Follow traffic signals and officer directions

With stadium construction ongoing, MUPD has clearly marked areas and alternate routes, and officers will be on site to guide fans safely.

This Saturday marks the first game of a four-game series both teams agreed to in 2020, continuing for the next eight years.