MU has no plans to use metal detectors for football games

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gates will open Thursday at Faurot Field for the Missouri Tigers' 2023 football season.

Preparations for the home opener began as soon as last season ended.  

The University of Missouri Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Boone County Sheriff’s Office all work together to ensure everyone will be safe inside and outside of the stadium. 

“It’s poetry in motion during those games everybody is talking on the radio if there is something going on in a certain area. We certainly have enough officers available to check and make sure things are moving smoothly that everyone is having fun but still being responsible,” MUPD/MU public safety spokeswoman Sara Diedrich said. 

But recent events have highlighted what can happen if security at sporting events goes wrong. 

On Friday, two people were shot at a Chicago White Sox game after someone snuck a gun into Guaranteed Rate Field. 

“I was a bit shaken up I mean just based off of the fact I was there it happened and I had zero idea whatsoever that apparently two people had been hit by a bullet,” Matt Dytrych, a White Sox season ticketholder who was at the game, told ABC 17 News. “It’s a little shocking and alarming.” 

Then in Oklahoma, a 16 year old was killed after a shooter opened fire at a Choctaw High School football game. 

The White Sox were using metal detectors the night of the gun went off. Choctaw high School did not metal detectors, but now has plans to add them.  

Despite recent shootings at sporting events, the University of Missouri has no plans to implement metal detectors. 

“We do not have metal detectors,” Diedrich said. “We do have the clear bag policy, so that anyone who brings in a bag to the stadium it needs to be clear so that when you’re crossing in through the gates. They check bags so that’s one of the safety measures in place to prevent those kinds of incidents.” 

When asked if the University had thought about implementing metal detectors in the future Diedirch said she could not comment. 

MUPD will be patrolling inside and outside the stadium, but Diedrich said that fans can play a role in keeping Faurot Field safe. 

“If you see something that is out of place or odd or concerning find someone and say something. We want tigers taking care of tigers,” Diedrich said.