Concealed carry at stadium events?

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SSN Vet

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So we took the kiddos to a stadium event (ice show) and I was debating whether it was o.k. to carry. I read all the fine print on the ticket and it stated that no drugs or alcholol or "contraband" (whatever that is) are allowed, along with no "unauthorized" video taping or recording the event. So I decide to carry because we're going to travel to the city, have to park in an unfamiliar area and walk in, and we're going out for dinner afterwards.

It's two degrees outside and we're bundled up like penguins for the two block walk from the parking to the stadium. I expected they'd rummage through any bags at the gate, looking for bombs and booze, and I'm watching for signs and metal detectors... figuring that if they are using them, I'll have to go back to the car and leave my piece behind. I don't see either so we get in line. They check my wifes big Bean bag and don't even raise an eyebrow at the cam corder or camera. The kids get waived through and then the security guy surprises me....

He says I'll have to open up my coat so he can pat my sides :uhoh:

I am exactly one step inside the building... on their property, under their rules... whatever they are, and I'm wondering if their going to...
1. sound the alarm and call in the calvary
2. hall me into some room and call for the police
3. seize my ticket and kick me out
4. politely tell me that I'll have to go put that away and come back.

So the guy (standing to my left) pats his right hand on my left hip and reaches around and pats my right side at 3 o'clock, just on the front edge of my pancake....

"Enjoy the show"

"O.K. thanks, try to stay warm"

and off to the show...

So, lesson learned... when in a pinch, keep a straight face and your wits around you.

And a questions....

How the heck are you supposed to know what the rules are at these events.... they don't seem to be very forthcoming.

If Mr. security guard had put his hand 2" farther aft, what do you think the outcome would have been.
 
What concerns me is the fact that they looked in your wife's purse and patted you for a ICE SHOW!!!???

I go downtown Nashville for a lot of events at our arena. Like you, I like to have mine on me as well. Most of the time my son is with me - but I just leave it in the car.

jjs
 
Fortunately, if you have a CPL here in Michigan, you don't have to bother with concealment in a pistol-free zone.
 
I would have done the same thing you did...but...on the other side of the coin, this security guy failed at his job. I've been patted down going into concerts before and could have literally had an AR-15 down my pant leg and not have had it discovered. In my opinion if you are going to hire security, they should be finding what they are looking for. I run into this all the time; it seems like whenever I really feel like I should be carrying is when I'm going somewhere that I'm not allowed to carry. Unfortunately the 2nd amendment is trumped by state law and often company policy time and time again.
 
"Fortunately, if you have a CPL here in Michigan, you don't have to bother with concealment in a pistol-free zone."
What does this mean? I thought in Michigan one can not carry in a stadium type event. Maybe it over 2,500? Do you mean open carry?
Thanks.
 
Jim,

Yes, a Michigander may ignore the pistol-free zone list if open-carrying whilst in possession of a Concealed Pistol License.
 
Dumb trick I'v used... Cell phone gets cliped onto my belt right in the middle of my IWB holster. I carry a full size 1911, hasnt been found yet! Last time I got the pat down at eh civic center, he hit the cell phone, didnt find the gun and moved on. Maybe Im just lucky?
 
Is that a rule at stadium events? No weapons? Knives? Rolling pins?
Click to expand...

That's one of my points? They're obviously searching for weapons (pad down of your sides under your coat) ... but they don't post the building or specify on the ticket. Searching several pages deep on their web site, I found this....

Arena Entry

All persons entering the facility are subject to search of their persons and belongings at the discretion of the Verizon Wireless Arena.
All jackets, pockets and bags will be searched upon entry. Purses, diaper bags and other small personal bags are allowed, but will be inspected at all entrances.
No large bags, backpacks or boxes are allowed in the building.
Patrons with prohibited items will be turned away at entrances and no storage or "check in" area will be provided for such items.
Items confiscated at entry will not be returned to the owner at anytime during or after the event has concluded.
In addition, the following items are not permitted inside the Verizon Wireless Arena:

Food or beverage (with the exception of those having a food allergy)
Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
Video cameras or audio recorders
Laser pens or laser products
Oversized signs
Knives, guns, chains or clubs
Illegal substances
Weapons of any kind or any item that can be construed as a weapon
Any other item deemed unacceptable by the Verizon Wireless Arena Management
Verizon Wireless Arena management reserves the right to make the final determination on prohibited items. In the event that prohibited items are revealed in a search, guests will be asked to dispose of the items or return them to their cars before re-entering the building.
Click to expand...
 
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Most venues have a no weapons policy because of insurance requirements. They generally will also have signs before the security checkpoint, and from there it depends on the state. In florida we have specific places we are not allowed to carry with a CCW, and we are supposed to honor the sign if a business owner posts one. I have heard that all they can do is ask you to leave if they find it, but the statutory places are a whole other thing.
 
Sounds like if they had found your gun, they would of takin it an you
wouldn't be getting it back.....Ooooooch!!!
 
State law decides what may happen as far as prohibiting guns into events. In my state the law bars CC at any event with 500 or more people in attendance and property owners may post signs prohibiting CC. Most venues are always posted and I know the law so I don't even try to carry at such things.

I would question the legality of a private entity confiscating personal property and not returning it. One thing to prohibit possession but another to take it and not return it. Depending on how forceful the attempt is, anyone trying to take my handgun is subject to:

1. Being shot.

2. Having his ass kicked.

3. Dealing with my wife (the attorney).
 
61chalk said:
Sounds like if they had found your gun, they would of takin it an you
wouldn't be getting it back.....Ooooooch!!!
Click to expand...
From what I read, he could have taken the gun to his car at their request. Unfortunately, in Georgia one can't carry at a public sporting event. At least it's clearly stated in the law, although there's a revised bill in the works that might fix this.
 
Some of you need to go back and re-read the rules as posted by SSN.
It says that if prohibited items are found you have the CHOICE of disposing of them there OR taking them back to your vehicle. The "confiscated" (i.e. disposed of) items will not be returned. If you choose to dump your gun in the provided trash can you don't deserve to get it back. Nowhere does it say they are going to take your property without your consent. Only that you will not be allowed in with it.
 
More importantly, if you do need to use your CCW in a stadium, you'll have to break the four rules, since there is literally nowhere you can safely point your gun when you're surrounded by thousands of people. Probably why they don't allow firearms in the stadium in the first place.
 
Blackbeard said:
More importantly, if you do need to use your CCW in a stadium, you'll have to break the four rules, since there is literally nowhere you can safely point your gun when you're surrounded by thousands of people. Probably why they don't allow firearms in the stadium in the first place.
Click to expand...
True, but good judgement should always prevail, no matter what the law reads. It needs to be my decision.
 
Went to see Walking with Dinosaurs. CC'd my PP vice my 1911 for some reason. Did not notice any signs, less restrictions on bringing food and drink in. Gatekeeper asked wifey to open her purse. Said nothing to me. Once we were in and seated, saw a sign prohibiting "illegal weapons". Just smiled. Noted that sheeple practically ignored the "no flash photography" announcement throughout the show. Lesson Learned: Dress nicely, act like an adult, be treated as one.
 
In my state the law bars CC at any event with 500 or more people in attendance
Click to expand...

Ah, clearly written laws...how refreshing. In GA the rule is no carry at a "public gathering." Said gathering is defined nowhere in the law, so even the LEOs are confused and sometimes pick people up for violating an undefined standard.

This not only leaves us with no idea where/when we're really allowed to carry by law, but leaves the law open to abuse by the unscrupulous minority.

Since there is no definition in the law, 2,000 good old boys at a Civil War reenactment may be deemed not a "public gathering" for the purposes of the code section, while across town 3-4 young (black, Hispanic, long-haired, etc) men in the park or convenience store parking lot is (both examples have been construed that way by LE).

Luckily, there are not one but two bills pending in the state legislature to both remove the public gathering restriction from the law and define a broad range of places where carry is expressly permitted.

Just another reminder that it's not just the winter weather that kept me from moving back to MD when I retired from the Army.
 
Sfc Mark

sfc_mark said:
Ah, clearly written laws...how refreshing. In GA the rule is no carry at a "public gathering." Said gathering is defined nowhere in the law, so even the LEOs are confused and sometimes pick people up for violating an undefined standard.
Click to expand...

Georgia's law does consider sporting events, along with a few other places specified, as "public gatherings".

O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127
Carrying deadly weapons to or at public gatherings; affirmative defenses


(a) Except as provided in Code Section 16-11-127.1, a person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor when he or she carries to or while at a public gathering any explosive compound, firearm, or knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense.

(b) For the purpose of this Code section, "public gathering" shall include, but shall not be limited to, athletic or sporting events, churches or church functions, political rallies or functions, publicly owned or operated buildings, or establishments at which alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises and which derive less than 50 percent of their total annual gross food and beverage sales from the sale of prepared meals or food. Nothing in this Code section shall otherwise prohibit the carrying of a firearm in any other public place by a person licensed or permitted to carry such firearm by this part.
Click to expand...
 
OK..lets go back an read again an please clearly tell me where I'm wrong...

"Patrons with prohibited items will be turned away at entrances an no storage
or check in will be provided." So as you approach the entrance they see your
gun or find out you have one an you are turned back.....BUT the OP I believe said
he had entered when he was checked inside....so would he of been given a choice?
"Items confiscated at ENTRY will not be returned to owner"
You enter with a prohibited item (GUN), they confiscate it because you are with it
inside....where then does it say they will give you a choice of leaving with it....?
 
Georgia's law does consider sporting events, along with a few other places specified, as "public gatherings".
Click to expand...

This is true. I'm well aware of that restriction since it's readily available both in the law and printed on the back of my GFL.

The problem is "but shall not be limited to" leaves any gathering of two or more members of the public up to the interpretation of LE and prosecutors. This is unacceptable to the public and, it seems, at least two legislators.
 
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