Basketball fans face big security blitz

Airport-style security will guard the historic Team USA series at Marvel stadium in a first for Melbourne sporting fans — and most bags will be banned.

Fans will be forced to walk through airport-style metal detectors and most bags will be banned at Marvel Stadium when some of the best basketballers on earth hit Melbourne next month.

In a first for Victorian sport, fans attending the historic two-match ­series between Australia and Team USA will have to empty their pockets and pass through “magnetometer” metal detectors at every gate.

The US-style security crackdown will see fans urged to leave bags at home, standard backpacks banned, and restrictions on bag sizes.

Kyle Lowry will be in action at Marvel Stadium next month.

The security blitz — some of the strictest seen at an Australian event — is likely to spark debate about whether the technology should be used permanently to protect fans at AFL games.

With fans encouraged to arrive at entry gates up to two-and-a-half hours before the tip-off, Marvel Stadium chief executive Michael Green said spectators should allow extra time to navigate the security. “We’re always thrilled to host major international events, and as ­always we suggest fans arrive as early as possible to soak up all the atmosphere,” he said.

Up to 57,000 fans — by far the biggest basketball crowds Australia has ever seen — are expected for the games on August 22 and 24.

“Magnetometer” metal detectors are used at sporting events in the US. Picture: Peter Rolfe

The gates to Marvel Stadium will open at 5pm before the first match to give fans time to clear security ahead of the 7.30pm tip-off.

Gates will open at 11.30am for a 2pm start to the second match.

Fans will have to reach for the sky as they are tested at every gate by the airport-style technology already used at NBA, Major League Baseball and NFL matches in the US and Canada.

All bags will be searched and none bigger than A4 size will be allowed into the stadium.

Stadiums such as the MCG and Marvel Stadium beefed up security after the 2015 Paris terror horror that included an attack on an international soccer match at the Stade de France.

But with a team expected to boast NBA stars such as four-time All-Star Damian Lillard, Toronto champion Kyle Lowry and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, USA Basketball is demanding stricter security for the Melbourne matches.

Boomers guard Matthew Dellavedova uses the magnetometer cheered on by fans Darci, Zac, Kobe and Jude. Picture: Jason Edwards

Managing director of promoter TEG Live Tim McGregor said fans needed to start planning their match-day experience.

“Fans need to be aware there will be specific security measures in place for these two games that, while uncommon at Melbourne venues, are commonly used at many major sporting events,” he said.

In a video message to fans to be ­released today, Aussie star Matthew Dellavedova urged supporters to “please leave all bags at home and get there early”.

The series will be a key warm-up for both teams ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China from August 31 to September 15.

US superstars LeBron James, Steph Curry and Anthony Davis have already pulled out of the series.

Australia will field one of its strongest ever teams including Melbourne-born NBA sensation Ben Simmons, Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Andrew Bogut.