With an increase in security measures there is now a greater demand to see how fans perceive these adapted policies. There are typically three types of reactions from fans when it comes to security procedures: resistance, protection and fear. These reactions are based on the different responses and perception of risk when attending sporting events.
As a society we have learned to live with risk in our daily routines as a population due to the current climate and that it is beyond our control. In a study conducted by Jamie Cleland (2019) on sports fans perceptions of the following aspects when attending a sporting event including terrorism, security and risk. Fans perception of risk as it directly relates to attending a live sporting event varies but, “67 percent said they felt no risk, 20 percent said they felt some risk, 9 percent said they felt a lot of risk and 4 percent were not sure” (Cleland, 2019). Over the course of attending a sporting event fans experience the highest feeling of vulnerability when they are outside of the stadium or venue. In the time leading up to and immediately after an event thousands of people will congregate in specific areas for a short amount of time. The need for security during these times and in these locations is crucial to ensure that fans feel protected.
The majority of fans are willing to accept some form of security or surveillance and that they feel safer when it is implemented. A small portion of fans will be reluctant to abide by the security policies because they feel that it hurts their game day experience. This has been witnessed while events have adapted their security procedures. Prior to the implementation of metal detectors, organizations and leagues transitioned over to a clear bag policy. The clear bag requirements have become relatively standardized for fans ease. The NFL’s clear bag policy initially was met with some resistance, but fans swiftly came to accept it and appreciate the security improvements that it adds to the overall experience.
References
Cleland, J. (2019). Sports Fandom in the Risk Society: Analyzing Perceptions and Experiences of Risk, Security and Terrorism at Elite Sports Events. Sociology of Sport Journal, 36(2), 144–151.
Game Day Security and Fan Experience 
Ive been to several sport events over the past few years including a very large event and didn’t think getting through security was any sort of burden and it didn’t take any extra time. People that have an issue with this really just need to get over themselves and suck it up. I don’t know how an extra minute walking into the stadium ruins their game experience. It is important for events to have security measures in order to keep everyone safe and create a good game experience for everyone while they are actually in the game.
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We live in an era where anything can happen at any given point in the day. Sport Organizations and arenas have had to prepare themselves for the worst. I used to work in an arena and understand behind the scenes procedure when it comes to security and venues. I respect arenas for taking the necessary steps to protect their fans.
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