Pirates to use walk-through metal detectors at PNC Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that the organization is installing walk-through metal detectors at all PNC Park entrance gates to screen all guests as they enter the ballpark. The Pirates have purchased and are in the process of installing 44 walk-through metal detectors, which will be used for all Pirates games, as well as other major events being held at PNC Park.

The move to walk-through metal detectors represents a shift away from the use of only metal detecting wands, which have been utilized since mid-way through the 2013 season.

The enhanced measures at PNC Park are part of a Major League Baseball-wide initiative that calls for metal detection devices to be in place to screen all fans as they enter each Major League Baseball ballpark. While the Pirates already met this requirement, the organization decided to make the move to walk-through metal detectors to enhance the fan experience.

"This is another example of our consistent effort to provide our fans with the very best experience possible at PNC Park," said Pirates President, Frank Coonelly. "The safety of our fans will always be top priority. We believe that the move to walk-through metal detectors will enhance fan safety, while also speeding up the screening process versus the use of metal detecting wands."

Guests planning to come to PNC Park are encouraged to leave all unnecessary metal objects at home or in their vehicle. As in past seasons, guests should continue to allow for additional time when entering the ballpark. The Pirates will position signage and guest service personnel at the approach of each walk-through metal detector to instruct guests of the simple procedure as they arrive. Additional personnel will be positioned at each machine to ensure a smooth entrance process.

Unlike the screening machines at airports, when approaching the ballpark walk-through metal detectors, guests are asked to NOT REMOVE any jackets, belts, coins, keys, wallets, watches, or other objects of similar size. By NOT removing these items, it will help expedite the screening process.

Guests will be asked to REMOVE cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops and other large metal objects. When approaching the walk-through metal detectors, guests will be asked to slide these items in an extended tray that will be fixed alongside each individual machine in close proximity and in clear sight. Once through the machine, each fan can easily and quickly gather their items and proceed inside the ballpark.

"A simple rule of thumb for all fans to follow is to remove everything larger than a mobile phone," added Coonelly. "By eliminating the need to empty out all of their pockets of items such as wallets, keys and coins, we feel this new system will help expedite the entrance process at PNC Park."

All other standard PNC Park gate policies and procedures remain unchanged for the 2015 season. Each guest is still permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark. All bags, purses, fanny packs and backpacks 16x16x8-inch or smaller are permitted and subject to search upon entry and within the ballpark.

Soft-sided coolers and soft-sided briefcases are also permitted. Hard-sided coolers and briefcases, ice packs and cooler inserts are not permitted. For the convenience of those guests not carrying purses, fanny packs and bags into the ballpark, express lanes are offered at each gate.

Guests are still permitted to bring bottled water and food that may fit into a 16x16x8-inch soft-sided bag into the ballpark. Water bottles should not exceed 24 ounces in size, and must be clear, plastic, sealed and disposable. Children's juice boxes and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted. Alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, cans, glass bottles and thermoses are not allowed.

Hazardous or disruptive items cannot be brought into the ballpark. Samples of items that are not permitted include boom boxes, inflatable balls, balloons, Frisbee discs, laser pointers, fireworks, footballs and weapons of any kind. The Pirates reserve the right to inspect and remove any packages and/or containers.