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LA Rams say security is ‘top priority’ after fights erupt at preseason opener

By Susan Abram, Los Angeles Daily News

Posted: 08/19/16, 6:28 PM PDT

Rams fans return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Saturday, where they’ll see their team play the Kansas City Chiefs on the field.

What they don’t want to see are fights off the field and in the stands.

That’s why officials this week assured fans that security is priority No. 1 at the Coliseum after last week’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

The long-awaited game ended in a victory for the home team, but three people were arrested and seven were ejected from the stands after some tempers flared. Eleven ambulances also were requested, but only one person had to be taken to the hospital, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

“The security of fans attending our games is our top priority, and we have a comprehensive security operation in place for game days that includes the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and the FBI, in addition to private security firms,” said Rams spokeswoman Joanna Hunter in a statement.

“After each game, we review any incidents and work with our partners to improve the fan experience and deliver a safe and enjoyable game day for guests,” she added.

Hunter said there will be a different setup at some concession lines to improve traffic flow, to decrease wait times, as well as increased bike patrols around the perimeter to better manage fans at gates.

All the other safety precautions will be in place, such as metal detectors at all gates, and a policy that bans big purses and packs. Ticket holders can only carry personal items in a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. They can also carry small clutch bags about the size of a hand along with the clear bag. She urged ticket holders to go to www.therams.com/team/game/2016/preseason2 for more information.

Some fans said they were pleased with the overall level of safety at last week’s game.

“As far as I know from my people, the security inside the stadium was pretty good,” said Ralph Valdez, president of the Whittier-based Southern California Rams Booster Club.

But he thought more patrols were needed outside the stadium. Some fans left large coolers outside their vehicles parked in the lot while inside. When they returned, the contents inside the coolers were gone, Valdez said. But considering the crowd, the heat and the excitement, the number of arrests seemed pretty low, he added:

“I think a lot of people are blowing it out of proportion,” Valdez said, noting the images of brawling spectators circulating on social media.

Last weekend’s game marked the Rams’ return to Los Angeles after a 22-year absence. That preseason game brought more than 89,000 people to the Coliseum, where the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28 to 24. It was the stadium’s first NFL game since 1994.

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Police Protective League issued a statement demanding that Stan Kroenke, the billionaire owner of the Rams, pay the full cost for necessary police services to ensure public safety at the team’s home games as long as it plays at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

LAPPL spokesman Dustin DeRollo said security for Rams games in Los Angeles has created a need for more than 200 police officers and will cost $2 million this year.

A stadium scheduled to open in 2019 is being built for the Rams in Inglewood.

The Rams issued a statement saying the team is “working with the LAPD to find solutions that work for everyone — in fact, we have a few meetings already scheduled with LAPD and USC leadership in the coming weeks.”

Valdez said he too is urging fans to act respectfully. He calls Rams fans a Ramily.

“I circulated a flier to try to remind everybody we’re here to watch the game and not engage in any negative activity,” he said.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160819/la-rams-say-security-is-top-priority-after-fights-erupt-at-preseason-opener

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