Mississippi State University announced a policy for fans, athletes and coaches to pass through metal detectors when entering Davis Wade Stadium to ensure a safety at football games. 

MSU President Mark E. Keenum said the school is taking a proactive approach to safety with metal detectors required at all Southeastern Conference universities by fall of 2020, in a press release sent out by the Athletic Department on Thursday.

“Here at MSU, we have made systematic strides in recent years to maximize security while also maximizing the very best possible fan experience for our Bulldog family and our guests,” Keenum said. “I encourage our loyal fans to embrace this necessary initiative.”

With this new security measure put in place, MSU Athletic Director John Cohen emphasized the importance of safety, as well as encouraging fans to become familiar with items which are allowed in the stadium to ensure a smooth transition before the first football game on Sept. 1.

“The safety and well-being of our fans and student athletes has and will always be of the utmost importance to us,” Cohen said. 

Fans should arrive at the game 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth entry. Fans can also go to Davis Wade Stadium on fan day, Aug. 25, to see how the new gameday process. MSU has used metal detectors at Humphrey Coliseum for the past two years.

Fans can visit hailstate.com to learn what items can be brought into the stadium.