COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County School District One and the Sertoma Club welcomed eight high school football teams to Memorial Stadium in Columbia Friday for this year’s Sportsarama exhibition.
However, after several incidents of weapons being confiscated just in the first week of school alone, there is a renewed focus on safety both on-campus and off.
“This is the 62nd year of the Sportsarama,” said Richland One Director of Athletics Bob Matz. "It’s the oldest event of this type in the Columbia area. It’s an annual event, and we look forward to it. All of our district high schools play, and then we bring in an eighth team, so we have eight teams."
In addition to the excitement of hosting athletic events, Matz knows the importance of enforcing the district's safety policies.
“We have the metal detectors. We have electronic ticketing. We have Columbia Police,” Matz said. "We make sure that we cover all areas, and we’re making sure that all our fans are safe. We do follow (the) clear bag policy, and this year, we’re going to be real firm on the clear bag policy as well."
Richland One’s clear bag policy states that other than a small clutch, all bags must be clear and no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
The policy also names other items that may not be brought into Richland One events, including backpacks, drawstring bags, camera cases and diaper bags.
Officials at Memorial Stadium strictly followed the guidelines during Friday’s Sportsarama.
Moses Brown Jr. with Richland One’s Security and Emergency Services division says partnering with local law enforcement also increases event safety.
“(We're) networking with our local law enforcement. The Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s (Department), Forest Acres Police Department as well. Also, if (the event) gets big enough, sometimes we’ll bring out SLED law enforcement agents to assist,” Brown Jr. said.
Fans at Friday's event said they understood the need for the additional policies and didn’t seem to mind the extra wait in line.
“I think it’s great so we’ll have no trouble. Everybody come have fun. Game over go home,” said Timothy Brown.
“Well the clear bag, that’s a good policy that they have, because people can carry different weapons and stuff. So for everybody’s safety, yes that’s a good policy,” said Joseph Brunson.
And Billy Hagen said, “It’s inconvenient, but unfortunately because of things that have happened in the past, it’s probably necessary.”
Officials said they continuously review all security plans for events across the district and make changes when necessary to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.