Marshall University Athletics
Safe To Stay With The Herd
Safe to Stay With The Herd – Q&As
Q: What changes will I see under the ‘Safe To Stay With The Herd’ initiative?
A: Marshall University is committed to keeping attendees safe at all events taking place at our venues. Due to the implementation of Campus Carry Law (WV Code 18B-4-5b) taking effect as of July 1, 2024, fans entering Marshall University venues will go through screening prior to admittance to events. Once guests enter the venue, they may not exit and re-enter without a separate unscanned game ticket.
Q: When will ‘Safe to Stay With The Herd’ be in effect?
A: This policy will be in effect immediately at Marshall University sporting events with more than 1,000 spectators or at the discretion of Marshall Athletics. Fans should proceed under the assumption this will be in effect at all events.
Q: What are the benefits to fans under “Safe To Stay With The Herd?”
A: Marshall’s commitment to a safe, fun event comes with several enhancements to its in-venue experience including: expanded concourse, local food trucks, grab-and-go concessions, fan experience and engagement areas, water refill stations.
- Two Buck Blitz: For the first hour of gates being open at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, fans can enjoy $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Popcorn, $2 Fountain Beverages and a custom souvenir cup that is unique to each gameday.
- Food Trucks: Fans will notice food trucks stationed around Joan C. Edwards Stadium, including Food Truck Alley, located near Gate F at the southeast corner of the stadium
- Grab ‘n’ Go concessions: Two (2) Simply To Go concession stands will be added that will feature healthier concession options for fans to choose from. There will also be a Herd Fuel grab-and-go concession on the West concourse to provide a quick, cashless option for fan concession needs.
- Water Refill stations: Fans are now permitted to bring in a sealed or empty clear plastic bottle to fill at available refill stations installed around the stadium.
- Family Zone: Located by Gate C, this area features games for kids (Giant Jenga, Connect Four, etc.), cardboard cut-outs for photo opportunities, Joey Stepp’s Pregame Magic Show (starting 90 minutes and 45 minutes prior to kickoff) and other engaging activities.
Q: Is Fan Fest still happening as a part of Marshall Football’s pre-game festivities?
A: Yes. As you arrive to the game, fans are still invited to take part in Fan Fest, which will continue to add pre-game fun outside of the Marshall Rec Center, starting 2 ½ hours prior to game-time. Fan Fest includes inflatables, balloon animal making, face tattoos and the WV Lottery Stage.
Q: In case of a medical emergency, what do I do?
A: Those with a medical emergency should locate the closest EMS worker for medical assistance. Should the EMS worker determine that the need warrants temporary exit from the facility, the patron will be given a red card for re-entry and will have to return within the allotted time for re-screening as deemed by the EMS worker. Fans who do not return within the allotted time for re-entry will not be re-admitted to the venue.
Q: Will gates open earlier to allow fans to enter venues?
A: At Joan C. Edwards Stadium, gates will open two hours prior to events to allow fans ample time to go through screening. All other Marshall Athletics venues open one hour prior to game-time.
Q: What gates are available for entry into Marshall Athletics venues?
A: Here are available entry points:
- Joan C. Edwards Stadium: Gates A, B South, C, D and F. Gate B North is only utilized for suite-holders. Those gates will be open for entry throughout the first half. Once halftime hits, only gates A & D will still have an operational Opengate for re-entry.
- Women's Basketball: There are two entry points for fans: Cam Henderson Center entrance (top of ramp on Third Avenue side) and Stampede entrance (campus-side entrance).
- Hoops Family Field: Two entry gates for soccer events – both located along Fifth Avenue on the south side of the stadium.
- Volleyball: Fans will enter through the Cam Henderson Center entrance (top of ramp on Third Avenue side).
-Baseball: Two entry gates for baseball events – the home plate gate along with the 1st base gate. The ticket office is located next to the 1st base gate.
Q: What do I do as I approach the Opengate Weapon Detector?
A: Fans need to walk through the detector as normal without touching the detector. They do not need to remove anything from pockets. The screening process will be enhanced with advanced technology and additional personnel to ensure safety and efficiency. Fans are encouraged to cooperate with screening procedures to maintain a smooth entry process.
Q: Will there be special accommodations for fans with disabilities and/or medical conditions under the “Safe To Stay With The Herd” policy?
A: All security gates and entrances are still handicap accessible. Those having a medical device that cannot go through radiation screening will go through a secondary screening process.
Q: Will the Clear Bag policy still be in effect?
A: Yes. Marshall’s Clear Bag Policy will still be in effect. For more information, click HERE. Please note, if an impermissible item is found during screening, fans will have the option to return that item to their vehicle.
Q: Where are my tickets scanned?
A: Once you go through the Opengate Detector, there will be gameday personnel present to scan your ticket and allow entry into the venue.
Q: What measures are in place to handle large crowds and potential delays during peak times?
A: Marshall Athletics is committed to providing a fan-friendly process for entry into our venues. As a reminder, gates at Joan C. Edwards Stadium open two hours prior to kickoff and all other venues open one hour prior to the start of contests. It is recommended that Herd fans arrive early to ensure expedited entry into athletic events.
Q: How does “Safe To Stay With The Herd” impact entry into the Stadium Store at Joan C. Edwards prior to the game?
A: The Stadium Store will open when the main gates open for entry (two hours prior to kickoff). Fans will only be able to enter and exit the Stadium Store through the concourse entrance.
Q: How do I exit the stadium?
A: Fans will be able to exit through any available gates.
Q: For outdoor venues, what do we do in case of inclement weather?
A: Please see below for specific venue information:
- Joan C. Edwards Stadium: Marshall University's Athletic Department and Safety Department have determined the following as safe structures for fans to seek shelter in the case of inclement weather. Those include the main concourses on each side of the stadium, the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Complex and their own personal vehicles. For those choosing the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Complex or their own personal vehicle, you will not need a separate, unscanned game ticket to re-enter. Updates on inclement weather will be made over the stadium's internal PA system, on the videoboard and through Marshall Athletics' social media channels to alert fans to necessary updates.
- NOTE: During an inclement weather delay, concessions located in the Brick and Mortar stands within the concourse will stay open, but alcohol sales will not be permitted until the evacuation has ended. All concessions/vendors located in the unprotected expanded concourse fencing area of the stadium must cease operations until the all-clear is given.
- All other outdoor venues: If the stands need to be cleared for inclement weather, fans will need to do so and exit the facility for their own safety. Once game personnel give the all-clear to re-enter the stadium, fans will be re-screened upon entry. You will not need a separate game ticket to re-enter in this scenario.