As part of new federal security guidelines, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued recommendations to sports venues prohibiting backpacks or large bags.

That alert comes in the wake of recent terrorism related arrests in Colorado and New York.
 
At Raleigh’s RBC Center Friday night, unless they look closely, fans attending the Hurricane’s pre-season game didn’t notice much difference from the old security procedures. But, searches have been upgraded.

“We’re not back to 9/11, but certainly there’s a lot of concern about these latest alerts,” said RBC general manager Dave Olsen.

Olsen was referring to the federal alerts that warn Al-Qaida training manuals call specifically for attacking places of amusement like sporting venues.

“In these alerts they talked specifically about backpacks, but we don’t allow them in our building anyway,” said Olsen. “The only things we do let in are diaper bags.”
 
Now, RBC security tags those diaper bags after inspecting them.

For most fans attending the Friday game, the added security was comforting.

”I think it’s a great idea,” said fan Art DeFeo.  “Why not do it.  I mean look what you have to go through at the airports.”

Fans attending Saturday’s Gridiron Classic at Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium will find the venue prohibiting backpacks and large bags; which is a change from the past.

“We’ve been doing inspections before, but this will have the effect of lowering the size of the bag and speeding up the process of people coming in the gates,” explained Duke University police Chief John Dailey.

For some fans, living in Raleigh instead of as major metropolitan area offers some comfort.

“Hopefully Raleigh is clear of any high danger zone,” said Hurricanes fan Will Darden.

Added fan Pat Thibault,” if I lived in New York, Boston or Washington D.C., I think I’d be concerned; but here in Raleigh Durham I’m not that worried.”

As federal agents continue to unearth suspected terror plots, some local residents refuse let those threats alter their lifestyles.

“When 9/11 happened it was a terrible disaster but we have to go on,” said Ashley DeFeo.  “You can’t just stop doing what you love, like going to a hockey game.”

There have been no specific threats made against Wallace Wade or the RBC center. They are just joining other venues across the country in heightening security.

UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State already limit the size of bags and purses that can come into their stadiums.