Yes, there’s a heightened level of security, as there is in all CFL cities right now, but we’re very conscious of the fan experience.
RANDY BURGESS, an Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group vice-president.
Fans can expect to see more security at Sunday’s Ottawa Redblacks game, a response to the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that included an attempt by three suicide bombers to enter an international soccer match.
Or maybe they won’t see it. But it will there.
The Redblacks and Ottawa police won’t discuss specific measures — other than an increase in the number of security staff in and around TD Place. The team, however, says whatever steps are taken will not mean delays or other problems for fans.
“Yes, there’s a heightened level of security, as there is in all CFL cities right now, but we’re very conscious of the fan experience,” said Randy Burgess, an Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group vice-president.
“Safety is paramount, but at the same time we don’t want fans to be frustrated, and turned away.”
An Ottawa police spokesman referred questions to the team, which he said oversees security both inside and outside the stadium. The team has its own staff and hires officers from the Ottawa force for crowd and traffic control and other duties.
“We do consult with them to discuss how many officers will be required,” said Const. Marc Soucy.
He would not discuss staffing numbers for Sunday.
While metal detectors were put in place this year for Ottawa Senator games, Burgess said there is no plan to have detectors at the TD Place gates. “I know that was something mandated by the NHL,” he said. “We have not been mandated by the CFL to do that.”
Like other sports teams, the Redblacks bar fans from bringing in food, laser pens or anything that could be used as a weapon. Unlike the Senators, however, they still allow smokers to duck outside a specified gate during a game to have a cigarette.