KNOXVILLE — Security measures similar to those in place for University of Tennessee sporting events will be used for concerts and other programs at Thompson-Boling arena.
Starting with the Nov. 12 Ozzy Osbourne concert, large bags and parcels will be banned from the arena. All items, including purses, are subject to search, Tim Reese, arena manager, said. Items banned from the arena cannot be left at or near entrances, he said.
Cameras, recorders, laser pointers and other electronic devices other than cellular phones and pagers are prohibited at concerts. Handheld metal detectors will be in use by uniformed officers, Reese said.
Temporary parking in front of the arena ticket office for day-of-the-event ticket purchases will be prohibited. Parking near the arena and under ramps also will be banned.
“Those who do not purchase tickets in advance should park and walk to the ticket office,” Reese said. “Parking and ‘standing’ while someone runs in to buy tickets won’t be allowed.”
Two entrances — the northeast and northwest gates on the concourse level — will be used for most events. Handicapped individuals can enter from the street level on the northeast corner of the arena.
“We believe these changes will provide a safer, more comfortable environment at arena events,” Reese said. “We encourage people to arrive early to insure they have plenty of time to account for these changes.”