CHAMPAIGN — State Farm Center is considering the use of walk-through metal detectors to improve security at arena events, Director Kevin Ullestad said this week.
In an interview for News-Gazette Media's "Campus Conversation" podcast, Ullestad said officials are discussing that and other proposals as part of an ongoing security review.
The metal detectors would be permanent and used for all concerts, shows and athletic events, he said.
"We like that idea. And it's not new," he said, adding that they're already common in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis.
"Obviously, security and safety of our guests and our patrons is our number-one priority, without a doubt," Ullestad said.