Clear bag rule and bollards considered for MCG and Melbourne stadiums

NEW security measures are being considered for Victoria’s biggest sports stadiums — including the MCG and AAMI Park — in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

NEW security measures including possible clear bag restrictions and permanent bollards around the MCG will be considered at Victorian sports games and concerts in response to the Manchester terror attack.

With soccer giants Brazil and Argentina and music acts such as Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande due in Melbourne in coming months, major events stakeholders have begun discussing security upgrades.

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US sporting giant the NFL introduced strict limits on the size and types of bags that could be brought into matches after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

Only clear plastic bags or small clutch handbags can now be taken in by fans in a bid to stop people smuggling dangerous items into stadiums and aid security scanning.

Operators of the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, Simonds Stadium and Hisense Arena are now considering the same move.

Security checking patrons at an MCG footy match. Picture: Alex Coppel.

MCC spokesman Shane Brown said the venue was open to the idea.

“The MCC is aware of clear bag policies currently in place at venues around the world,’’ he said.

“A clear bag policy remains one of several security options for the future, if we and our partners and stakeholders assess it to be appropriate.’’

The MCG will also consider building permanent barriers at strategic positions around the ground after installing water-filled temporary barricades at the start of this AFL season.

“The water-filled barriers around the MCG concourse will remain in place for the duration of the AFL season as a measure to protect against unauthorised vehicle approaches,’’ he said.

“The use of water-filled barriers is under constant review, looking forward to the cricket season and in relation to all other events at the MCG.

“Permanent options to provide this form of protection are also currently under consideration.’’

The MCC is considering implementing clear bag policies, which have been adopted internationally.

A clear bag policy could also be rolled out at Simonds Stadium with Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive Michael Brown confirming it would be reviewed.

“I guess we will follow the rest of the world and at some stage we will look at it,’’ he said.

“Obviously if there is a need we will use it.’’

Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust spokeswoman Enna Giampiccolo said the clear bag concept would be considered at the home of the Australian Open tennis, concerts, soccer and rugby.

“We are reviewing our security processes in light of events in Manchester,’’ she said.

“Approaches such as those adopted by the NFL will be given consideration as well as a number of other measures.’’

With Geelong kicking off round 10 of the AFL season against Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium tomorrow night, club officials, police and the Trust met today to discuss safety.

Patrons arriving late to the stadium will no longer be allowed access without a ticket, body scanning and bag checks in a change of policy to operate “until well after the game’’.

Tighter security measures will be implemented at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Jay Town

Extra police and security will also patrol the ground.

Frontier Touring already adopts a strict no backpack policy at large shows with punters warned they were banned at gigs by Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran.

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The policy will be in place for Sheeran’s Etihad Stadium shows in March when he plays to more than 170,000 people in Melbourne.

Other musicians to play Melbourne shows in the next year include Midnight Oil at Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Hanging Rock in November and pop act Shawn Mendes at Rod Laver Arena in December.

Girl group Little Mix plays Margaret Court Arena in July, Harry Styles the Forum in November and Bruno Mars is due in town in February.

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will play to more than 170,000 people in Melbourne next year. Picture: Paul Bergen

Etihad Stadium chief Michael Green declined to say if security would be upgraded or if it would consider changes to its bag entry rules.

“In conjunction with key stakeholders such as the AFL and other partners, we implement security strategies for all events which includes regular liaison with Victoria Police and other federal authorities,’’ he said.

Football Federation Australia spokesman John Kent said staff from the game’s governing body

had recently taken part in a multi-sport visit to the United States “to learn about latest security measures’’.

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Up to 90,000 people are expected to pack the MCG on Saturday night for the blockbuster Dreamtime clash between Essendon and Richmond.

A friendly between Brazil and Argentina at the ground featuring superstar Lionel Messi has already sold out, making it one of the biggest soccer fixtures to be staged on Australian soil.

@rolfep