UPDATE: The IronPigs won their home opener in dramatic fashion, 7-4, with a walk-off three-run home run over the Worcester Red Sox. The IronPigs entered the ninth inning trailing 4-0. Rodolfo Castro hit the homer.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Opening day for the Iron Pigs went off without a hitch at Coca-Cola Park Friday, even with the addition of new metal detectors to increase safety at the ballpark.
The team announced the decision to add the detectors in light of recent events that have raised concerns for the safety of patrons at public venues, including the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade.
But even among the chilly winds, fans at Coca-Cola Park didn’t appear to have any qualms with the new security measure, which was implemented with only very minor hiccups before Friday's game against the Worcester Red Sox.
“I would maybe arrive just a few minutes earlier than normal. I expect as the season goes on, it will get faster and faster in terms of having fans enter through the gates, and it will be very, very seamless. But maybe in the beginning of the season, give yourselves a few extra minutes to make sure you get through the gates in time for the first pitch."Lehigh Valley IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes
President and General Manager of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Kurt Landes said over the past decade, the public has seen an increasing number of metal detectors and additional security measures at public venues across the country.
“So the concept for having metal detectors at the ballpark is not a new one,” Landes said.
“In this day and age, it's become increasingly important. And I think maybe the tipping point for our organization was the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City. It's happened with enough frequency that we just need to take the final step to try to ensure the safest venue possible for our fans.”
Landes said the public has been receptive, even supportive, of the decision to add the detectors ever since it was announced, usually since they are accustomed to the practice from going to Lehigh Valley Phantoms games and Major League Baseball games.
Coca-Cola Park currently has 10 metal detectors, and on opening night, four were stationed at the main entrance, in addition to another two at the club gate.
The remainder were set aside for backup, which was fortunate, as one detector malfunctioned just before opening. Another unit was swapped in within minutes, without any issues or delays for the crowd.
Landes said his security team received training from the Philadelphia Phillies staff, who have utilized metal detectors for years.
Tiffany Blose, an attendee from Virginia, said she felt the detectors were worthwhile, and even though it was the first day running them at the park, everything appeared to flow well.
“I like it. I think it keeps everyone safe. It’s just extra caution and just making sure everyone has a good time at the baseball game,” Blose said.
Mike Bendik of Quakertown said the detectors were a good idea, adding “There’s no problem here.”
Circus arts performer Dani “Long Legs” Butala — she was standing atop a pair of stilts while hula-hooping on opening day, and didn’t have to go through the detectors thanks to “special access” — said she welcomed the change as well.
“It’s nice and it doesn’t seem to be really slowing things down any more than usual. They’re pretty quick about it, so if it makes people feel more secure, then I’m all for it,” Butala said.
To ensure a smooth experience, Landes recommended fans keep in mind all existing rules — including bans on any weapons, even if you happen to have a concealed or open carry permit.
Otherwise, the addition of the detectors should be fairly uneventful for fans, though Landes did have a tip for any IronPigs fanatics going forward.
“I would maybe arrive just a few minutes earlier than normal. I expect as the season goes on, it will get faster and faster in terms of having fans enter through the gates, and it will be very, very seamless. But maybe in the beginning of the season, give yourselves a few extra minutes to make sure you get through the gates in time for the first pitch,” Landes said.
