This is a natural reaction to recent events. Who can blame schools for being proactive?

Jake New reports at Inside Higher Ed.

‘New Reality’ for Game Day Security

The terrorist attacks in Paris last month were the deadliest attacks in France since World War II, killing 130 people and injuring nearly 370 others. Three of the suicide bombings occurred near the country’s national sports stadium, the Stade de France, where a security guard prevented a much larger tragedy by discovering a bomber’s suicide vest when the attacker tried to enter the stadium.

More than 5,000 miles away, the University of Arizona — which was preparing for a weekend of large sporting events, including the season openers of its men’s and women’s basketball teams and its football team’s final home game of the year — started hearing from concerned fans. Though the university did not receive any threats, fans were rattled by the rampage in Paris.

“Some members of our fan base inquired and wondered what enhancements would be in place,” Suzy Mason, senior associate athletic director of event operations at the university, said. “They were asking how they could attend events and feel safer.”

In response, Arizona announced last week that it was adopting a number of changes to how it will handle security at sporting events. Arizona joins a growing list of institutions increasing security efforts at its stadiums and arenas following the attacks in Paris and recent mass shootings in the United States.

At Arizona, fans can no longer bring large purses, tote bags, diaper bags, fanny packs, briefcases, computer bags, camera bags, backpacks, luggage, cooler bags or golf umbrellas to games. The list of approved bags is short: small clutches, one-gallon freezer bags and clear plastic bags no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches. The university is also banning large seat cushions that have covers.

Mason said many of the changes — which are already commonplace in National Football League stadiums — were being discussed before the Paris attacks, but the Nov. 13 attacks and the shooting in San Bernardino last week quickened the process. The response from fans has been mixed, she said.