Stadium security has quiet night

Steve Addy

Monday, Oct. 1, 2001 | 10:02 a.m.

Just as stadium director Daren Libonati had hoped, most of the action at Saturday's UNLV-BYU game was on the field.

Amid newly heightened security after the terrorist attacks upon the nation, an announced crowd of 32,601 was on hand at Sam Boyd Stadium for BYU's 35-31 victory.

Aside from at least one fight in the stands, it was an uneventful afternoon for SBS security.

Before the game, the stadium was searched for suspicious packages. Fans were screened by metal detectors and submitted to searches of backpacks and purses.

"Some students had a problem with their backpacks being searched, but the majority was very cooperative," Libonati said. "I think the spirit was good. Everybody knew (the security procedures), except for a few people who didn't read the newspaper or didn't get word."

Libonati wouldn't say if any weapons or sharp objects were confiscated.

A combination of 40 campus and Metro police worked the game, supported by more than 100 "T-shirt" security personnel. Some were posted around the field facing the crowd the entire game.

Other security measures weren't quite so visible.

"Most of our gameday operation was the same we have always used. Where it was beefed up, most people wouldn't notice," Libonati said. "There were a few things you could see, but it would have been hard to notice the other stuff."

Of the fight among fans, he said, "It doesn't surprise me. There are always some people who just don't get it, people you can't control. They have to take out their hostilities on each other."

Libonati said the security plan will be reviewed in preparation for UNLV's next home game, Oct. 13 against San Diego State.

"We'll sit down Tuesday and get feedback from all of the entities at the event," he said. "We'll discuss and evaluate what's going on and see what happens in America as a whole. We'll also communicate with other stadium operators for their feedback."