<font color="#660000">COWBELL, CAMERA, UMBRELLA POLICY EXPLAINED</font></p>
<font color="#660000">We have stated before that it is Southeastern
Conference policy that cowbells are prohibited from the stands at Davis
Wade Stadium at Scott Field. That rule pertains to both league games
and non-conference games. Individuals who approach the gates for
entrance to the stadium with a cowbell visible will be instructed to
return their possession to their vehicle or have it checked in at one of
our game operations tents.</font></p>
<font color="#660000">That said, our event operations group has been
instructed not to search individuals as they approach the gates. They
have been reminded that we do not expect them to "pat down" our
customers.</font></p>
<font color="#660000">But please understand, one of the primary
objectives of our event staff is to do all they can to provide the
overall safety of the fan base. In pursuit of that goal, oversized bags
will be searched to prohibit items from being brought into the stadium
that would be a detriment to the whole crowd. Our gate workers will not
reach into your bag, but they will ask you to open pockets wide so they
can observe the contents. Event staff may well feel the outside of the
bag.</font></p>
<font color="#660000">Likewise, umbrellas are not permitted in the
stadium, both as a safety issue and a viewing concern for others in the
seating area. The reverse side of the game ticket and signs posted
outside the stadium indicate that both cowbells and umbrellas are
prohibited from entering the grandstand.</font></p>
<font color="#660000">A recent policy announced by the Southeastern
Conference, which limits media photographer and videographer use of
images taken during the game, also impacts, and makes it impermissible,
to bring cameras (video or still) into the game by fans. It is a rights
holder issue and the university is benefiting from that association
between the conference and the outside organization. That agreement
occurred too late for it to be included on the back of the ticket, and
is a change from past practices. We just ask for your patience in
cooperating with the new policy. </font></p>
