Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Athletics Unveils ‘Safe To Stay With The Herd’
8/1/2024 1:00:00 PM | General, Ticketing & Promotions
New initiative brings enhanced fan experience, safety measures to Marshall venues
Safe To Stay With the Herd Q and As | Campus Carry Policy
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics has announced its 'Safe To Stay With The Herd' initiative, beginning with the 2024-25 sports seasons, which get underway in August.
As we move closer to our new year of athletic events, 'Safe To Stay With The Herd' will bring many exciting enhancements to Marshall Athletics venues, which will continue to build on the gameday experience for fans while also taking key steps to ensure safety measures and protocols are maximized.
The 'Safe To Stay With The Herd' initiative will be in effect at all venues in which there is an anticipated attendance of 1,000 fans or more. Some of these venues include, but are not limited to Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Cam Henderson Center, the Hoops Family Field and Jack Cook Field.
"With the W.Va. Legislature's passage of WV code 18B-4-5b, which allows concealed carry on Marshall University's campus, the decision has been made to enforce new strategies for the safety of our University community and the public who supports us," said Jim Terry, Marshall University's Chief of Police. "These strategies include weapon screening and a no re-entry policy at athletic events. Allowing patrons to exit and re-enter increases the risk of unauthorized access of prohibited items into the venue. Managing a large crowd is already challenging for event organizers and staff, so we want to take these measures for the well-being and safety of everyone attending Marshall Athletics events."
Some of the improvements that fans will see at various Marshall Athletics facilities include expanded concourse areas, which allow for additional in-venue concession and retail opportunities, along with new areas for games and activities that are geared to make the Marshall experience a memorable one.
The new expansions will be located within extended fencing at Marshall Athletics facilities that will assist Marshall University in prioritizing the highest levels of patron safety and security through screening.
To accommodate the screening process at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, gates will open earlier – two hours before events, as opposed to 90 minutes – to allow fans ample time to enter the venue and enjoy the brand new fan experience zones within the stadium. All other venues will still open one hour prior to start time.
Fans choosing to enter Joan C. Edwards Stadium early can also enjoy Herd Happy Hour - an exciting new collaboration with Marshall vendors that will give discounts on food and beverage items prior to the start of a contest.
In keeping consistent with other security measures at NCAA and Sun Belt Conference venues, upon entry into Marshall Athletics events, fans will not be permitted to leave and re-enter without re-screening through security and a separate unscanned game ticket.
"We have new dynamics that require us to manage entry and re-entry similarly to other college and professional teams," said Christian Spears, Marshall Director of Athletics. "This will be a big change for us all, but with the improvements that came with change, I'm confident we can create an awesome environment for all of our teams. We appreciate everyone's support in advance."
Marshall University is dedicated to ensuring a secure atmosphere for all students, staff, university associates and guests while also honoring the rights of individuals who are licensed to carry a handgun in accordance with West Virginia law. Marshall University is bound to adhere strictly to West Virginia statutes and cannot implement policies or measures that contravene state law.
For a list of FAQs on the 'Stay Safe With The Herd' initiative, click HERE. For more information on Marshall University's Campus Carry policies, click HERE.
For additional questions or more information, please contact the Marshall University Police Department through E-mail at mupd@marshall.edu or by phone at (304) 696-4357.
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on X and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
---HerdZone.com---