Metal Detectors will Be Used at All Kohl Center Events

Metal detectors will be used at all Kohl Center events including events involving the University of Wisconsin-Madison this season.

“Metal detection is common practice throughout most professional sports venues and now colleges and universities are following suit,” UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said. “The No. 1 objective at our home events is the safety and security of the thousands of people who enter our facilities.”

The detectors will first be used at the Kohl Center for the Milwaukee Bucks exhibition game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Oct. 8. The first Badger athletics event at which metal detection will be used will be the men's hockey game against Boston College on Friday, Oct. 14.

Gates A, B and C will have 23 total metal detectors, while the student entrance will have two. There will also be one each at the player pass gate and the suite gate. Everyone wishing to enter the facility will be required to pass through the metal detectors in an effort to improve security at Badger sporting events.

According to a press release, signage outside the Kohl Center will instruct fans as to which items can or cannot pass through the metal detectors. No changes have been made to the current carry-in policy, but in order to expedite entry into the Kohl Center, fans are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring to a game. As they approach the metal detectors outside the building, fans will need to remove cell phones, cameras, and keys from their pockets before going through the metal detectors. They will not need to remove items such as hats, jewelry, belts, shoes, wallets or coins.