More Venues Opt For Detectors

At Pinnacle Bank Arena, 35 walk-through metal detectors were approved after Live Nation, which is a major promoter at the 15,700-capacity venue, requested them in December, according to the Columbus Telegram. At the time, the arena was reportedly able to negotiate for hand-held wands. But, as public pressure grew after repeated worldwide attacks on entertainment venues, Pinnacle Bank Arena GM Tom Lorenz was able to convince the West Hayman Joint Public Agency board to purchase 35 of the walk-through machines.

“If we don’t stay current with the security level, we will lose shows,” Lorenz reportedly told the board. The $230,000 cost includes training. The venue will likely negotiate costs – estimated at $1,500 to $4,000 per event – for extra staff to operate them with promoters, according to the Telegram. The magnetometers will be placed at entrances for patrons and staff, and at backstage areas, in the building but not necessarily be used for every event. T

he machines are currently out for bid but are expected to be installed by winter.

In Atlanta, a “soft roll-out” of magnetometers began in July for a screening during Fox Theatre’s Summer Film Festival and a Gucci Mane concert, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

A full-house event will include eight to 10 metal detectors in an arcade area outside the main entrance doors. Fox Theatre President/CEO Allan Vella told the Journal-Constitution the venue is cognizant of patrons’ time for removing cell phones and keys from wallets and purses and expects to increase ingress time by no more than five to seven minutes.

“As an industry, we’ve seen the move to walk-through metal detectors, especially with the NFL, the NHL, the NBA,” Vella told the paper. “The theater and performing arts industry hasn’t moved as quickly. But we study what everyone is doing and, of course, can’t help but observe what is going on around the world.” Atlantans have had a chance to get used to that changing world at other venues including Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and Infinite Energy Center.

Vella says patrons are advised to arrive no less than 30 minutes before showtime to pass though security and find their seats.

“The large majority of people who have already experienced (the process) have been appreciative,” he told the AJC. “The goal is to have a safe environment, and the majority will understand that.”