WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Changes are coming to Mohegan Sun Arena near Wilkes-Barre, and it's all in the name of security.
Now, when you enter the arena in Luzerne County, you'll be walking through metal detectors.
"As you watch the news and you see what's happening more and more, unfortunately, we want to step up and with the technology the way it is, we're going to have the set-up that people can bring their keys and cell phones in their pocket,” said arena general manager Brian Sipe.
Wednesday's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game at 7:05 p.m. will be the first event with the new security.
The metal detectors will be used right away, but January 1, 2019, will bring even more security changes to the arena.
Backpacks, fanny packs, purses, diaper bags, camera bags, and briefcases will all be banned.
The new bag policy states:
"Bags that are clear and measure 12”x12”x6” or less or one-gallon plastic freezer bags (Ziplock or similar) will be permitted inside the venue with personal belongings such as medical items, coats, cameras, binoculars, child care items and for select events including Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game, IPads and other mobile tablets. One bag may be brought in per person.
A wristlet with or without a strap no larger than 4”x6”x1” will also be allowed inside the venue without being placed into a clear bag and is subject to search upon arrival."
"We just came back from Disney and we had to check our purses and everything before we went in, so hey! You know, if it's gonna keep us safe, I'm all for it
"It's not a bad idea, I mean we really have to you know to protect ourselves and if that's the way we have to do it, so be it you know," added Mary Ann Mehm of Kingston.
Clayton Kissel of Hunlock Creek said, "Especially in this day and age, you never really know what people are capable of so it's important to just be open about what you're actually bringing into a populated place like that."
"We usually go to Disney on Ice when they're in town and stuff and I would definitely feel safer like just to know that they're taking more precautions that nothing would happen," said Leanne Sutliff of Dallas.
