Security increased at Tampa venues after Paris attacks
TAMPA (FOX13) - As a precaution following the horrific terror attacks in Paris, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had increased security measures in place at Sunday's game versus the Dallas Cowboys.
"You'll see more uniforms, but the idea is to make it as painless as possible," said Lt Kim Plourde-Torres with Tampa police. "The consumers are not going to be bothered, everything should run smoothly."
There are no known threats against NFL stadiums, but during the Paris attacks on Friday, at least one of the suicide bombers reportedly attempted to enter a soccer stadium in Paris, but was stopped outside.
Bucs fans in Tampa say they welcome the additional law enforcement presence.
"It's great. The more the better," said Bob Lynn. He and his wife, Mickey Young, attend every home Bucs game. They did not want to let fear of a possible terrorist attack stop them from supporting their team.
"Nothing's going to keep us away," said Lynn.
"We're not going to stop seeing games," added Young.
In a statement issued by the NFL on Saturday, officials stated, "We strongly recommend that fans do not bring bags with them to the stadium. If it is essential to bring a bag, it must be in compliance with the clear bag policy."
If an attendee needed to carry items, they had to be stowed in a clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
While there were no incidents at Sunday's game, Tampa police said they are prepared for the worst case scenario.
"We have folks that have been doing this for years, especially after 9/11," said Torres, "We were making sure that our security was always increased…because we have such large venues within our jurisdiction, not only do we have the Raymond James Stadium, but we also have the Amalie Arena, when we're dealing with things like that, we want to be prepared, because this is going to draw a very large crowd and folks from all over the place."
NFL stadiums were asked by Commissioner Roger Goodell to hold a moment of silence before kickoffs on Sunday to pay respect to those affected by Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris.