Beginning this weekend, a new level of security will be made standard at Lexington’s Rupp Arena. About a dozen walk-through metal detectors will be in position at various entrances Saturday night for a Christian ‘Outcry’ concert. Arena Management Director Carl Hall says leaving bags and purses in vehicles can help speed up the security check. “You come up, the express lanes are marked and you’ll be able to walk right up to the express lanes," Hall said. "Since you are not being detained by that first security officer inspecting a purse, that line moves faster and you’re quicker going through."
Hall says arena officials have a total of 30 walk through detectors available for use. He says it’s important to plan ahead and allow extra time for getting into Rupp. “Show time, if it’s at eight o'clock and everybody arrives at 7:30 I cannot move 10,000-12,000 people through any number of metal detectors, ticket takers whatever, without a large number of them in such a narrow window of time,” explained Hall.
Hall says the walk through metal detectors may not be used for every event in Rupp. He says University of Kentucky officials have already indicated their interest in using them for graduation ceremonies this spring. Hall says a decision has not yet been made regarding high school commencement ceremonies.?
