• Plano ISD Stadium Metal Detector Guidelines/Procedures

    Plano Independent School District is committed to ensuring a safe environment by protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all students, staff, and visitors of John Clark Stadium & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums. Metal detectors will be deployed outside John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadium entrances.  Anyone entering either stadium is subject to screening before scanning their game tickets.  For guests unable to utilize a walk-through metal detector, hand-held metal detector wands will be used.  Person’s that do not consent to a metal detection screening will be denied admittance.  The metal detector checks shall be neutral and non-discriminatory.  No person shall be selected to be searched based solely upon his/her gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, manner of dress, or association with any particular group of persons.

    Please note that in most scenarios, patrons may leave their jacket, shoes and belt on while only removing the contents from their pockets (e.g., keys, cell phone, wallet).

    • Spectators who seek admission into the facility must first proceed to the metal detector screening area.
    • Spectators will be asked to follow the instructions of the gate security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys and cameras in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors.
    • To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required.  The hand-held scanning device should be passed along the front, back, both sides of the person being scanned without touching the body.
    • If the hand-held scanning device also activates, the law enforcement official or designee will ask the spectator once again to produce the signal-triggering metal object.
    • Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums.
      • In some cases, any illegal objects (i.e., firearms, knives, or other implements which can be used as weapons) found during the search will be turned over to law enforcement officials
    • Spectators who refuse cooperation will be denied access into the facility.

    The presence of metal detectors provides the community, parents and staff with a sense of security when they know everyone in the facility has been screened.  Providing a safe environment allows spectators to enjoy the game and feel safe.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    In an effort to continue Plano Independent School District’s long-standing commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for all fans, coaches and student-athletes, walk-through metal detectors were implemented at all gates of John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums for all Varsity Football events in Fall 2023.
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  • Why is Plano ISD implementing metal detectors at John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums?

    To continue Plano ISD’s  commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for fans, student-athletes, coaches and guests at our athletic facilities, beginning with the 2023 season, Plano ISD implemented walk-through metal detectors for selected events at John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums.

  • Have there been prior threats made against John Clark or Tom Kimbrough Stadiums?

    No. But like many stadiums and arenas, Plano ISD is implementing walk-through metal detectors along with other measures as means to enhance all safety and security procedures.

  • Will there be a metal detector at every gate?

    Yes. There will be walk-through metal detectors deployed outside all gates at John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums. This will ensure that fans can efficiently enter the stadium.

  • How much extra time should fans allow for entry into John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums?

    Fans are encouraged to arrive at gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure a smooth entry into John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums. To expedite the screening process, fans should be familiar with the Plano ISD Stadium clear bag policy and prohibited items list and leave all other unnecessary items locked securely in their vehicle. More information is available at Athletic Venues / Plano ISD Stadium Bag Policy & Stadium Rules (pisd.edu)

  • What can fans expect once they get to the gates of John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums?

    Fans will be asked to follow the instructions of the gate security screening staff and place large metal objects such as phones, keys and  cameras in containers or in their clear bag on the screening tables before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects. To carefully screen everyone, fans will be asked to individually pass through the metal detector with their hands above shoulder level. The detector will indicate by visible and audible signals to the security screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is required. Anyone in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle before being permitted to have their ticket scanned to enter John Clark & Tom Kimbrough Stadiums.

  • What happens to individuals who cannot walk through a metal detector due to a medical condition?

    Metal detectors are safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women and adults with most all medical implants or devices. Fans with concerns about passing through the walk-through metal detectors should check with their doctors to make sure it is OK. If you choose not to use the walk-through metal detector, you will still be subject to screening with a small hand-held metal detecting wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair, or with a stroller will be directed to a nearby screening area at each gate location.

  • Does the clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of the metal detectors?

    Yes, the clear bag policy is still in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that fans use their approved clear bag to carry approved items rather than placed in the screening table containers. The approved clear bag with contents will be inspected at each detector screening table

  • Do I have to take off my jacket, belt or shoes upon entry into John Clark or Tom Kimbrough Stadiums?

    No. Fans will NOT be required to remove belts, watches, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, coins or other small objects when being screened at John Clark or Tom Kimbrough Stadiums.

  • What if fans don’t want to pass through the metal detectors?

    Fans with concerns about passing through the walk through metal detectors will still be subject to screening with a hand-held metal detector wand. Fans with disabilities, in a wheelchair or with a stroller will be directed to a special screening area at each gate location. If you are still uncomfortable with the hand-held wands, inform a member of the gate security staff to notify law enforcement.

  • Are pocket knives allowed?

    No, pocket knives will not be allowed. 

  • What happens if a non-permissible item is detected while walking through a metal detector?

    Patrons will be allowed to take the item back to their vehicle to lock away safely.