The Ralph and The Betty add metal detectors

New walk-through metal detectors will be used at all entry doors at Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) and Betty Engelstad Sioux Center (BESC) for the 2019-2020 season. The move is part of the venue’s efforts to improve fan safety.

In addition to all UND home hockey games at Ralph Engelstad Arena, the walkthrough metal detectors will also be used at UND home volleyball matches, UND home men’s and women’s basketball games, and other events hosted in the complex on a case-by-case basis.

“As we continue to improve our safety and security procedures, the introduction of walk-through metal detectors adds another layer of protection for our fans, student-athletes, and staff,” said Jody Hodgson, General Manager at Ralph Engelstad Arena. “This security step and added precaution aligns our fan safety procedures with industry best practices and is being done to try and improve fan safety.”

Fans will pass through the walk-through metal detectors on their way into the venue and then they will have their tickets scanned for entry into the event.

Tips for Expediting the Entry Process at Ralph Engelstad Arena and Betty Engelstad Sioux Center:

• Arrive early
• Leave all non-essential items at home or in your vehicle
• Required to remove phones, keys, cameras, mace, pocket knives and large metal objects from pockets
• Not required to remove belts, jewelry, jackets, shoes, or caps
• Not required to remove coins, wallets, or any other small objects from pockets

For those with a mobility device or those unable to enter the walk-through metal detectors, an accessible entrance will be available where a hand-held metal detection wand will be used. Fans that do not submit to a reasonable search will be denied admission to the facility.

The venue’s bag policy remains unchanged, however, fans are strongly encouraged not to bring any unnecessary bags or purses with them to the facility. The maximum allowable bag size is 14” x 14” x 6”. All bags and purses are subject to a search when entering the facility. Any bag larger than 14” x 14” x 6” is prohibited and will need to be returned to a vehicle.

Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early, leave all non-essential items in your vehicle or at home, and limit the size of any bag or purse that you must bring to the facility. Fans are not allowed to check items at the entry gates and will be asked to take prohibited items back to their vehicles or dispose of them at the gates. The REA and the BESC are not responsible for items that are left behind, lost, stolen or damaged during the entry process.

Entry gates for all UND Athletics events open 60 minutes prior to game time. Gates for UND men’s home hockey games on Friday evenings open at 6:30 p.m.; and gates for Saturday night hockey games open at 6 p.m. The Main Lobby on the east side of the venue is the only location where fans can stand inside prior to the opening of the entry gates. Fans at both the SW student doors and the NW doors will be required to remain outside until the gates open.

For more information on the venue’s new search procedures, or for event-specific information, including ticket information and event-specific security procedures, please visit www.theralph.com.