footballstadiumdigest.com: Stadium News

U of Nevada goes high tech to control rowdy fans

08/28/2008 9:21 AM

Fans attending a football game at Nevada's Mackay Stadium no longer needs to look for an usher to quell a fan who is out of line. Thye merely have to go to the cellphone and send a text message. The text number will be displayed on the scoreboard several times during the course and will be announced over the public address system as well.

It's the latest -- and certainly the most technological -- way yet to work to subdue fans who may have been overserved.

"The majority of our fans are great and cheer on the Wolf Pack with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, but there is a small percent of people who cause trouble and ruin the game-day experience for others," said Adam Garcia, chief of campus police."With these measures in place, we will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior and can continue to provide all of our fans with a fun, safe and family-friendly environment."

In addition, the school is banning beer kegs in the tailgating area.

Fan who behave inappropriately risk forfeiture of tickets and possible arrest, according to Nevada athletic director Cary Groth. In addition, Groth said the school has added something that is now common in many stadium -- an alcohol-free section.

The new system gets its fiest test Saturday when Nevada hosts Grambling.

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