NFL Security Tightens, but Games Go On

TAMPA, Fla. —  War in the Persian Gulf means tightened security for the NFL playoffs, but the games will go on.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Thursday that the league expects to play this weekend’s NFC and AFC championship games, as well as the Super Bowl in Tampa Stadium on Jan. 27, despite the outbreak of fighting in the Persian Gulf.

But he added that NFL officials will continue to monitor the crisis and re-evaluate their position if necessary.

“We recognize that the American people will not be paralyzed by the events in the Middle East or allow the fabric of daily life to be destroyed,” Tagliabue said.

The commissioner said the NFL is taking all necessary security measures. “Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have been enlisted in the league’s efforts to provide the highest level of public safety to those attending our games,” he said.

Security personnel stationed at Tampa Stadium have been searching vehicles entering the grounds this week. Fans attending the game will be required to show their tickets for admittance to parking lots as well as a secured area outside the stadium.

About 1,600 law enforcement officers from 16 agencies will be assigned to the game--reportedly twice as many as the Super Bowl normally requires.

On Thursday, work crews were installing a concrete barricade around the 74,000-seat stadium to prevent any vehicle from smashing into the structure.

A six-foot high, chain-link fence also is going up on a nearby road to keep everyone out except ticket holders on game day. Bottles, cans and umbrellas are normally prohibited from the stands, but other items are being added to the list.

“We won’t allow radios, TVs, cameras or video cameras that could possibly hold some kind of explosive,” said Mickey Farrell, an operations director for Tampa Stadium. “People will be checked before they’re allowed in.”

Security is being beefed up at Rich Stadium near Buffalo for Sunday’s AFC championship game between the Bills and Raiders, but the measures are aimed more at rowdy Bills’ fans than terrorists.