My initial reaction was: who do they think they’re kidding?

I received an email from the folks at the Canadian Tire Centre (formerly Scotiabank Place, formerly the Corel Centre and formerly the Palladium – the stadium name changes frequently) with news that their security policy has been upgraded “to provide our fans with the safest and most secure environment at Canadian Tire Centre.”

“Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa” by SensFan8 at English Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canadian_Tire_Centre_Ottawa.jpg#/media/File:Canadian_Tire_Centre_Ottawa.jpg

From time to time I attend events at CTC, which is why I am on their email list. I don’t attend as many events as I once did; the last NHL lockout has me still boycotting hockey, but I do go to a few concerts annually that are held in the arena. I have not noticed a security problem. Nor have I felt unsafe.

Now though I will be really safe, as all fans entering the building will now have to go through airport-like security procedures (until now they basically just made sure you weren’t bringing food into the venue in a bag or knapsack). I’m not sure that putting 18,000 people through metal detectors changes anything – it’s not like people have been bringing weapons into the arena. At least, according to the email, “fans will not be asked to remove shoes or belts, but will be asked to remove any metallic items from their pockets.” One thing that is certain is that this will slow things down for everyone coming into the arena for a game or concert. This doesn’t strike me as an improvement.

At least they have given fair warning to prospective concert and game-goers. Supposedly the metal detectors are now mandatory in all NHL arenas. I wonder if this is a blanket restriction introduced in all cities rather than single out certain American arenas in cities which have more of a gun culture.

According to Ottawa Senators President Cyril Leeder, “we will continue to go to whatever lengths possible to allow fans to enjoy a safe and entertaining experience at Canadian Tire Centre.”

I already felt safe, I didn’t need any extra measures. Unnecessary security detracts from the entertainment aspect of the event. I put up with airport security because there is no choice if I want to get to my destination. I don’t have to go to hockey games or concerts. At this point I will definitely be thinking twice before buying tickets, asking myself if it is worth the hassle. I suspect a lot of the time the answer will be no.