Gov. Asa Hutchinson authorized more than $60,000 from his discretionary fund to install 18 metal detectors at War Memorial Stadium, Arkansas Parks and Tourism Executive Director Kane Webb said Wednesday.
The security upgrade, which includes a ban on loitering on the concourse and a clear-bag-only policy, comes in response to an Aug. 25 incident during the annual Salt Bowl football rivalry between Bryant and Benton high schools when a fight and the firing of a stun gun sent more than 38,000 people fleeing from the stadium.
"This will speed up the time it takes to enter the stadium while maintaining the highest level of security," Webb said after a meeting of the state Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission.