March 3, 2011 - 5:43pm
University releases security concerns for graduation
BY DEVON THORSBY
In response to heightened security concerns for the upcoming commencement on
May 1, University officials released details yesterday on security measures
for attendees.
Plans to significantly increase security around the stadium area have been
made in preparation for the arrival of President Barack Obama, who will
deliver a speech as this year's commencement speaker.
Gates to the football stadium will open at 6:30 a.m. to guests, according to
the press release. Attendees should expect long lines as security stationed
at the stadium's entrance will be similar to that of an airport.
Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Diane Brown said in a phone
interview this evening that DPS will be working with Secret Service to
handle security in the stadium. Brown also said the Ann Arbor Police
Department will also be involved, but will be mainly working to control
traffic on the roads surrounding the Big House.
Commencement guests should also plan ahead for limited parking and prepare
to either walk or use the shuttle services that will be provided. Shuttles
will start ferrying guests at 5:30 a.m. and will run about every 10 minutes,
according to the press release.
Blankets, binoculars, phones and cameras without cases will be permitted
into the stadium but little else will be allowed past security, according to
the release. All bags, food and drink will not be allowed past security on
May 1.
Breakfast food will be available for purchase inside the stadium once the
gates open, but re-entry into the stadium after exiting will still be
prohibited.
Prospective graduates are expected to report to Elbel Field between 6:30
a.m. and 9 a.m to receive security instructions prior to entering The Big
House. The release reiterated that no one will be permitted into the stadium
without a graduation ticket, including the graduates who must show their
MCards.
