Police to Beef Up Security For Game

University police Maj. Jeff McCracken said that the increased security is a necessary precaution and that more officers will be concentrated on the student section. "There were a number of fights at the Texas game," McCracken said. "The behavior of some in the student section was ridiculous."

He said nine students were removed from Kenan Stadium during the game, with two receiving citations and two later being arrested after warrants were served.

McCracken said additional officers will be present for the game Saturday, though he would not specify how many more will be in attendance.

But the main difference in security will be seen in the zero-tolerance manner with which officers will handle disputes inside the stadium, McCracken said.

"In the past we have tried to talk to those involved in disputes and calm them down," he said. "If an officer is called to an area Saturday and the situation is still ongoing and the participants don't want to behave immediately, they will be asked to leave."

McCracken said a number of circumstances combined during the Texas game to create a volatile atmosphere in the student section.

"Obviously some in attendance had consumed more alcohol than needed," he said. "That problem was compounded by rain and the fact that many insisted on standing on the aluminum bleachers instead of the concrete."

McCracken said rain caused the bleachers to be slippery, in turn causing some to fall, which instigated some of the skirmishes.

Carolina Athletic Association President Kris Willett agreed with McCracken's assertion that behavior at the Texas game likely was an aberration.

"The game against Texas was probably an exception," she said. "Tensions were high for that game with Mack Brown coming back to town."

Willet welcomes the increased security and said she hopes it helps fans enjoy the game. "We never want to put students at risk," she said. "It's always good to have more security, even as a precaution."

McCracken said the heightened security likely would remain in place throughout the remaining games of the season.

"I think it's necessary unless there is a big change in student behavior," he said. "We're obligated to make sure that people can safely enjoy the game, and that wasn't the case against Texas."

McCracken insisted that the increased security measures were implemented to ensure safety, not deter fans' enjoyment.

"Having to dodge fists is what hinders the game experience," he said. "There were substantial problems at the Texas game that made it unsafe for fans, security and our officers. It will be best for everybody if we can all enjoy the game."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.